Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Vector Magnitude
The magnitude of a vector is a measure of its length and is calculated using the formula ||v|| = √(x² + y²) for a 2D vector v = xi + yj. This concept is essential for understanding how to compute the length of a vector, which is necessary for finding the magnitude of the scaled vector -2v in the given problem.
Recommended video:
Finding Magnitude of a Vector
Scalar Multiplication of Vectors
Scalar multiplication involves multiplying a vector by a scalar (a real number), which scales the vector's magnitude without changing its direction. For example, multiplying vector v by -2 results in a new vector that is twice as long as v but points in the opposite direction. This concept is crucial for determining the vector -2v in the exercise.
Recommended video:
Multiplying Vectors By Scalars
Vector Notation and Components
Vectors are often expressed in component form, such as v = xi + yj, where x and y are the horizontal and vertical components, respectively. Understanding this notation is vital for manipulating vectors, as it allows for easy addition, subtraction, and scalar multiplication. In this problem, recognizing the components of vectors v and w is necessary for performing the required calculations.
Recommended video: