Year 11 - Maths
Parallel vectors in algebraic vector notation
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 vectors written algebraically which are parallel.
Key Notes
- Parallel vectors have the same gradient.
- In algebraic form, this may be seen when one vector is a multiple of another.
- Vectors with opposite signs are parallel but act in opposite directions.
Vocabulary To Learn
- Parallel: Two lines are parallel if they are straight lines that are always the same (non-zero) distance apart.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Parallel vectors can only 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.
Parallel vectors have the same gradient. In algebraic form, this may be seen when one vector is a multiple of another.
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 can only 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 Study Guide
- Problem solving with vectors Study Guide
- Subtraction with vectors Study Guide
- The sum and difference with algebraic vector notation Study Guide
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