PEAZIT Aha card
Go straight to resources ↓A vector describes a move, not a point's address
The vector from A to B is end minus start in each coordinate. In perpendicular coordinates, the Pythagorean theorem gives its length.
| Relation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| A = (1; 2); B = (4; 6) | Identify the start and end points. |
| AB = (4 − 1; 6 − 2) = (3; 4) | Subtract coordinates in the correct order. |
| |AB| = √(3² + 4²) = 5 | The straight displacement has length 5. |
One worked example
- A = (1; 2); B = (4; 6)Identify the start and end points.
- AB = (4 − 1; 6 − 2) = (3; 4)Subtract coordinates in the correct order.
- |AB| = √(3² + 4²) = 5The straight displacement has length 5.
Watch out: Vector BA is opposite to AB, but their lengths are equal.
Goal, prerequisites and card origin
What you will learn: Find displacement components and length.
What you need first: Coordinates and the Pythagorean theorem.
An original PEAZIT working card. Independent expert review and effectiveness testing have not yet taken place. · v1
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The vector from A to B is end minus start in each coordinate. In perpendicular coordinates, the Pythagorean theorem gives its length.