Lesson: Components of a Vector Mathematics

In this lesson, we will learn how to find the components of a given two-dimensional vector.

Lesson Plan

Objectives

Students will be able to

find the components of a vector represented graphically,
describe vector components in terms of the numbers of units right/left and up/down, and vice versa,
express a vector in terms of the two unit vectors and ,
identify the initial and terminal points of a vector,
understand the relation between vector components and initial and terminal points,
understand that equivalent vectors have equal corresponding components.

Prerequisites

Students should already be familiar with

finding the coordinates of a point on a coordinate plane.

Exclusions

Students will not cover

adding and subtracting vectors,
three-dimensional vectors.

Lesson Video

Lesson Explainer

Sample Question Videos

01:27
01:05
01:17

Lesson Worksheet

Q1:

The components of the vector are as the terminal point of the vector is 2 units right of the initial point and units up (1 unit down) from the initial point. What are the components of the vector ?

Q2:

is the origin point of a system of perpendicular Cartesian coordinates in a plane. is acting at in the direction of and . Find the two components of in the direction of the two axes.

Q3:

The components of the vector are as the terminal point of the vector is units right (2 units left) of the initial point and 1 unit up from the initial point. What are the components of the vector ?