Column vectors

The Maths Habit

You can steer a robot on a grid with two numbers, but no words. How could you tell it to go left or down?

Use negative numbers: −3 could mean 3 to the left

Vector
A vector describes a movement. It has a size and a direction.

Vector Notation

+− RL UD

  1. Write 6 right, 1 down as a column vector.

    6−1

  2. Write 0−4 in words.

    4 down

  3. Write 5 left as a column vector.

    −50

  4. Write −2−6 in words.

    2 left, 6 down

  5. A path goes 3 right and 4 up. Write the column vector that goes straight back to the start.

    −3−4

Adding and subtracting column vectors

5−2+16=

−43+−2−7=

25+6−3=82

47+3−5=72

25+6−3=82

53+2−6=7−3

74−36=4−2

92−45=5−3

74−36=4−2

63−2−5=48

34−2=12−6

25−4=10−8

34−2=12−6

5−26=−1030

25+6−3=82

−34+5−7=2−3

74−36=4−2

−15−4−2=−57

34−2=12−6

30−7=0−21

Work out

23−2 + −15 6−4 + −15 = 51

Calculating with vectors worksheet, page 1

Calculating with vectors worksheet, page 2

Answer sheet

  1. Write 3 left and 6 up as a column vector.

    −36

  2. Work out 52 − 7−4

    −26

  3. Work out 43−5

    12−20

  4. Work out 32−1 + −54

    11
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