9.1 Introduction to Vectors
Scalars and Vectors • Addition of Vectors • Scalar Multiple of a Vector • Subtraction of Vectors
We deal with many quantities that may be described by a number that shows only the magnitude. These include lengths, areas, time intervals, monetary amounts, and temperatures. Quantities such as these, described only by the magnitude, are known as scalars.
Many other quantities, called vectors, are fully described only when both the magnitude and direction are specified. The following example shows the difference between scalars and vectors.
EXAMPLE 1 Scalars and vectors—speed versus velocity
A jet is traveling at 600 mi/h. From this statement alone, we know only the speed of the jet. Speed is a scalar quantity, and ...
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