
StudySquare
2D vectors for OCR GCSE Maths







This page covers the following topics:
1. Adding 2D vectors
2. Subtracting 2D vectors
3. Multiplying 2D vectors
4. Proof with 2D vectors
2D vectors are added by adding their corresponding coordinates or by connecting them “head to toe”.

To subtract 2D vectors, reverse the direction of the vector that is subtracted or subtract corresponding coordinates.

Two vectors can be multiplied by using a dot product, which can be obtained by multiplying corresponding coordinates and adding the results up. Alternatively, cosine value of an angle between the vectors may be used.
If vectors are multiples of each other, they are parallel to each other.

1
Find a − b if a = 4i + 7j and b = 3i − 2j.
i + 9j
2
P is a point on AB such that AP : PB = 1 : 4. Find OP.
OP = 0.8a + 0.2b

3
Find the magnitude of the vector u if u = (2 6).
2√10
4
Find the direction of (1, 3). Give your answer in 2 decimal places.
71.57º

5
Obtain the Cartesian expression for this vector, assuming that moving right by one box is i ̂and moving up by one box is j ̂.
−4i ̂ + 2j ̂

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