Year 11 - Maths
Parallel vectors
Vectors
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This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
In this unit, pupil understanding of vectors is deepened with pupils exploring column vector notation and arithmetic procedures.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to identify column vectors which are parallel.
Key Notes
- Vectors are parallel if the gradient of each vector is the same.
- If drawn, you can see this visually.
- Parallel vectors are multiples of each other.
Vocabulary To Learn
- Parallel: Two lines are parallel if they are straight lines that are always the same (non-zero) distance apart.
- Gradient: The gradient is a measure of how steep a line is. It is calculated by finding the rate of change in the y-direction with respect to the positive x-direction.
- Displacement: Displacement is the distance from the starting point when measured in a straight line.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Parallel vectors must be in the same direction.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Solve this in steps: explain the method from this lesson and why each step matters.
Vectors are parallel if the gradient of each vector is the same. If drawn, you can see this visually.
2. Use this key word in a maths sentence and explain it clearly. 'Parallel'
Two lines are parallel if they are straight lines that are always the same (non-zero) distance apart. Use this word when showing your method, then check your final answer is reasonable.
3. Spot and fix this common maths mistake.
Mistake: Parallel vectors must be in the same direction. Correction: Two vectors are parallel if one can be written as a scalar multiple of the other. This scalar multiple can be negative therefore the direction can be opposite, but the gradients remain equivalent.
More Lessons In This Unit
- Addition with vectors Study Guide
- Advanced problem solving with vectors Study Guide
- Algebraic vector notation Study Guide
- Calculating the magnitude of a vector Study Guide
- Checking and securing understanding of translations Study Guide
- Column vectors Study Guide
- Dividing vectors into ratios Study Guide
- Fluency in arithmetic procedures with algebraic vector notation Study Guide
- Fluency in arithmetic procedures with vectors Study Guide
- Geometric proofs with vectors Study Guide
- Multiplication with vectors Study Guide
- Parallel vectors in algebraic vector notation Study Guide
- Problem solving with vectors Study Guide
- Subtraction with vectors Study Guide
- The sum and difference with algebraic vector notation Study Guide
Browse all guides in the Year 11 Maths guide library.