Proposed Lesson Note on Week 5
Subject: Further mathematics
Topic: Vectors in Two Dimensions
Class: SS1
Term: 3rd Term
Week: 5
Lesson Objectives
By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:
Define vectors and scalars.
Differentiate between vector and scalar quantities.
Perform basic vector operations: equality, addition, subtraction, scalar multiplication.
Determine the magnitude and direction of vectors.
State the units used in vector quantities.
Lesson Content
Definition of Vectors and Scalars
Vector: A quantity that has both magnitude (size) and direction. Examples include velocity,
force, displacement, and acceleration.
Scalar: A quantity that has only magnitude but no direction. Examples include mass, speed,
temperature, distance, and time.
Differences Between Vectors and Scalars
Vectors have both magnitude and direction, while scalars have only magnitude.
Vectors are represented with arrows and added geometrically, while scalars are
represented with numbers and added arithmetically.
Vector Operations
a. Equality of Vectors: Two vectors are equal if they have the same magnitude and
direction.
b. Addition of Vectors:
- Triangle Law: The triangle law of vector addition states that
If two vectors are represented in magnitude and direction by two sides of a triangle taken in
order, then the third side of the triangle (taken in the opposite order) represents the
resultant of the vectors.
Suppose two vectors A and B are to be added:
Place the tail of vector B at the head (tip) of vector
Draw a vector from the tail of A to the head of B.
This new vector represents the resultant R = A + B.
This method forms a triangle, hence the name.
- Parallelogram Law: The parallelogram law of vector addition states that:
If two vectors are represented in magnitude and direction by the two adjacent sides of a
parallelogram drawn from the same point, then their resultant is represented in magnitude
and direction by the diagonal of the parallelogram drawn from the same point.
Suppose two vectors A and B originate from the same point.
Draw A and B such that they form adjacent sides of a parallelogram. Complete the
parallelogram.
The diagonal from the common point of origin represents the resultant vector R.
Mathematical Expression:
If angle between vectors A and B is θ:
𝑅 = √A²+B²+2ABcos𝜃
c. Subtraction of Vectors: To subtract vector B from A, reverse the direction of B and add it
to A (A - B = A + (-B)).
d. Scalar Multiplication: Scalar multiplication involves multiplying a vector by a scalar (a
real number). This operation changes the magnitude of the vector, but its direction remains
the same (or is reversed if the scalar is negative).
Multiplying a vector by a scalar changes its magnitude but not its direction. If the scalar is
negative, the direction is reversed.
4. Magnitude and Direction of a Vector
Magnitude is the length of the vector, calculated using the Pythagorean theorem:
|V| = √(x² + y²)
Direction is the angle the vector makes with the horizontal, given by:
θ = tan⁻¹(y/x)
Units depend on the physical quantity represented:
- Velocity: m/s
- Force: Newton (N)
- Displacement: meters (m)
5. Class Activity
Draw two vectors A and B on graph paper and find their resultant using the parallelogram
and triangle methods.
Calculate the magnitude and direction of a vector with components (3, 4).
6. Summary
Vectors have magnitude and direction; scalars have only magnitude.
Vector operations include addition, subtraction, equality, and scalar multiplication.
Magnitude is calculated with the Pythagorean theorem; direction with trigonometric
ratios.
7. Assignment
1. State two differences between vectors and scalars.
2. A vector has components (6, 8). Find its magnitude and direction.
3. If vector A = (4, 3) and B = (1, 2), find A + B and A - B.
