General Contents
Detailed Contents
Index
Graphical Subtraction of Parallel Vectors: Example 3: Scalar Multiples Adding to 0
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Can we subtract vectors if they are in the same direction?
General Contents
Detailed Contents
Index
Yes.
Find
D =
6
A -
3
B
for
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How do we handle this subtraction?
We add the negative of 3
B
Draw the vectors 6
A
and (-3
B)
on paper. Then click “Next” to check your drawing.
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How do we redraw the vectors to graphically find
D =
6
A + (-
3
B
)?
We need them in the head-to-tail arrangement.
Move (-3
B
) into “head-to-tail” position on paper, and then click “Next” to check your work.
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How do we construct the resultant vector,
D
= 6
A
+ (-3
B
)?
The vector sum
D
is drawn from the tail of 6
A
to the head of (-3
B
).
Which way will
D
point?
From the tail of 6
A
to the head of (-3
B
).
What is unusual about our drawing above?
The tail of the first vector (6
A
) and the head of the second (-3
B
) are at the same place!
What is the magnitude of the vector sum
D
in this case?
0
Is
D
still a vector?
Yes, since it is the result of combining two vectors.
What special name do we give to a vector like
D
in this case?
We call it the zero vector.
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