Unit 5: Non-Cartesian
Functions
LG 5-1: Vector Functions (quiz 10/14)
LG 5-2: Parametric Functions (quiz 10/16)
LG 5-3: Polar Functions (quiz 10/18)
TEST 10/21
A Vector is a directed line segment that
has two and only two defining
characteristics:
Magnitude : size/length
Direction: direction from one place to
another (has 2 parts – an angle and a
cardinal direction)
The notation of a vector is a single letter in
bold (v or u, etc) or a single letter with an
arrow on top
Components
Vectors are made up of the Horizontal (x)
and Vertical (y) Components
Express the vector coordinates below as
ordered pairs in simplest radical form.
Find the horizontal and vertical
components of the vector:
Find the horizontal and vertical
components of the vector:
If a position vector has length 8 cm and
direction 60°SW, then find the horizontal &
vertical components.
Find the magnitude and
direction of the vector:
v = 2, 3
Vector Operations
To add vectors in component form, just add the
horizontal components and the vertical components.
u  v  u1  v1, u2  v2
To add vectors graphically, just play
“follow the leader.” Then draw a
new vector from the start of the
first to the end of the second.
The new vector is called
the resultant or
displacement vector.
u  5,3
v  1, 4
u  v  5  1, 3  4  6,7