# Math Help - Vector confusion.

1. ## Vector confusion.

how can I explain in my own words the difference of a scalar and a vector?

How do I draw a vector to represent the folllowing
a) The velocity of a fishing boat travelling at 8 knots on a heading of S75^oW
d) The force exerted by a chain hoist carrying a load of 200kg.

This is the most confusing for me. The points A, B, C, D, E, F, G are equally spaced along a line. Name a vector which is equal to 3(BD)Vector arrow symbol on top BD.
b) 1/4EA(Again Arrow symbol)

2. Originally Posted by Mr. Edward
how can I explain in my own words the difference of a scalar and a vector?
If I told you, would it really be your own words?

A vector indicates both a magnitude and a direction. What can you represent with a scalar?

Originally Posted by Mr. Edward
How do I draw a vector to represent the folllowing
a) The velocity of a fishing boat travelling at 8 knots on a heading of S75^oW
d) The force exerted by a chain hoist carrying a load of 200kg.
Again, a vector gives a magnitude and a direction. For a, our magnitude is 8, and our direction is $75^\circ$ west of south. For b, the direction of the force should be opposite that of gravity.

Originally Posted by Mr. Edward
This is the most confusing for me. The points A, B, C, D, E, F, G are equally spaced along a line. Name a vector which is equal to 3(BD)Vector arrow symbol on top BD.
b) 1/4EA(Again Arrow symbol)
Two vectors are equal if they have the same magnitude and the same direction. So, your goal for the first part is to find a vector with
the same magnitude and direction as $3\overrightarrow{BD}$. Now, what section of the line is three times the length of $\overrightarrow{BD}$? From $A$ to $C$ is $1\overrightarrow{BD}$, from $C$ to $E$ is $2\overrightarrow{BD}$, and from $E$ to $G$ is $3\overrightarrow{BD}$, correct? And any vector drawn between two points on that line should run parallel to $\overrightarrow{BD}$, so you should have equal magnitude and equal direction. Do you see?

Solve part b the same way.