Vectors
By Murray Bourne, 11 May 2008
Many readers of Interactive Mathematics have asked me to write a chapter on vectors.
Well, your wish is my command and here you go: Vectors.
The chapter starts with an overview of what vectors are and vector notation.
Then the discussion proceeds through one-dimensional vectors, through 2-D vectors (containing a Flash-based aircraft landing activity) and leading to the juicy 3-D vectors stuff like cross product.
There is a brief section on vector calculus, including a discussion on time rate of change of the position vector in elliptical motion, which is used in building Flash-based games.
I added a section at the end on the interesting topic of vector art. Digital artists produce vector graphics in image editing programs like Photoshop or the open source Inkscape. The advantages are many, ranging from scalability and small file sizes.
This guitar is an example of vector art.
I'll be adding more discussion, examples and exercises into the chapter when I get the chance − hopefully soon!
Let me know what you think about the Vectors chapter, including your suggestions for things you'd like to see added in there.
See the 3 Comments below.