Math Is Fun Forum

Al-Allo

Member

Registered: 2012-08-23

Posts: 324

Vector question

Hi, I'm learning vectors and there's two notions which I don't distinguish :

Is the orientation of a vector (determined by the angle it has) the same thing as the direction of a vector ???

thank you

bobbym

bumpkin

From: Bumpkinland

Registered: 2009-04-12

Posts: 109,606

Re: Vector question

Hi;

It is a fine point, my notes read like this,

The direction of a vector is a built in property of that vector, you can define the direction of a vector without any reference to the outside world.

Orientation depends on how it is placed with respect to other vectors (like a basis).

---

In mathematics, you don't understand things. You just get used to them.
If it ain't broke, fix it until it is.
Always satisfy the Prime Directive of getting the right answer above all else.

Al-Allo

Member

Registered: 2012-08-23

Posts: 324

Re: Vector question

mmmmmhh...... not sure....

bobbym

bumpkin

From: Bumpkinland

Registered: 2009-04-12

Posts: 109,606

Re: Vector question

Part of it can be backed up here on the first page:

http://www.eng.auburn.edu/~marghitu/MEC … 1_2110.pdf

---

In mathematics, you don't understand things. You just get used to them.
If it ain't broke, fix it until it is.
Always satisfy the Prime Directive of getting the right answer above all else.

Nehushtan

Member

Registered: 2013-03-09

Posts: 957

Re: Vector question

Orientation is the angle the vector makes with a fixed axis, e.g. the x-axis. Direction is whether it’s pointing up or down, or left or right.

---

240 books currently added on Goodreads