Explanation

Vector components describe how far a vector moves:

• Horizontally (x-direction)

• Vertically (y-direction)

A vector ⟨a, b⟩ means:

• a units right/left

• b units up/down

Example:
⟨3, −2⟩ means:

• 3 units right

• 2 units down

Components are like coordinates, but they represent movement, not a point.

Quiz

1. What does ⟨4, 1⟩ represent?

2. Which component controls left/right movement?

3. Which component controls up/down movement?

4. Is ⟨−2, 5⟩ left or right?

5. Are components ordered (x, y)?

Answer Key

1. 4 right, 1 up

2. x-component

3. y-component

4. Left

5. Yes