Vectors are like arrows, right? In today's demanding educational environment, many parents in Singapore are looking into effective methods to improve their children's understanding of mathematical concepts, from basic arithmetic to advanced problem-solving. Building a strong foundation early on can substantially elevate confidence and academic performance, aiding students handle school exams and real-world applications with ease. For those investigating options like math tuition it's essential to prioritize on programs that emphasize personalized learning and experienced support. This method not only tackles individual weaknesses but also nurtures a love for the subject, leading to long-term success in STEM-related fields and beyond.. They have a length (how long the arrow is) and a direction (which way it's pointing). The length tells us the magnitude – how much of something there is, like force or velocity. The direction tells us where that force or velocity is acting. Visualizing these vectors is super helpful, especially when you're tackling subtraction. This is important stuff, especially since it connects directly to the secondary 4 math syllabus Singapore!
Why is visualizing vectors so important, especially for our Secondary 4 students? Well, it's one thing to see numbers on a page, but it's a whole other level to see those numbers represented as arrows moving in space! This visual connection makes understanding vector subtraction way easier and sticks in your brain better. Think of it like this: instead of just memorizing formulas, you're actually seeing what's happening. Shiok, right?
Vectors are fundamental in physics, engineering, and, of course, the secondary 4 math syllabus Singapore. They're used to represent anything that has both magnitude and direction. Think about:
Fun Fact: Did you know that the concept of vectors wasn't fully formalized until the 19th century? Mathematicians like William Rowan Hamilton and Hermann Grassmann played key roles in developing vector algebra. Before that, people used other methods to describe these concepts, which were often more complicated!
Vectors can be broken down into components. Imagine a vector on a graph. It has an x-component (how far it goes horizontally) and a y-component (how far it goes vertically). In the rigorous world of Singapore's education system, parents are ever more concentrated on preparing their children with the skills essential to thrive in intensive math syllabi, encompassing PSLE, O-Level, and A-Level preparations. Identifying early signs of struggle in subjects like algebra, geometry, or calculus can bring a world of difference in developing resilience and proficiency over advanced problem-solving. Exploring dependable math tuition singapore options can offer personalized guidance that corresponds with the national syllabus, ensuring students obtain the advantage they require for top exam results. By emphasizing dynamic sessions and regular practice, families can support their kids not only achieve but surpass academic expectations, paving the way for future chances in competitive fields.. Understanding components is key to performing operations like addition and subtraction.
Interesting Fact: The x and y components of a vector are independent of each other. This means you can change the x-component without affecting the y-component, and vice versa!
The secondary 4 math syllabus Singapore, as defined by the Ministry of Education Singapore, covers vectors in detail. In the city-state's demanding education structure, parents play a essential role in leading their youngsters through milestone evaluations that influence scholastic futures, from the Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) which tests basic skills in areas like numeracy and STEM fields, to the GCE O-Level assessments emphasizing on high school expertise in multiple subjects. As students advance, the GCE A-Level tests necessitate more profound critical capabilities and subject proficiency, often influencing tertiary placements and professional directions. To remain well-informed on all aspects of these national exams, parents should explore official resources on Singapore exams offered by the Singapore Examinations and Assessment Board (SEAB). This secures entry to the latest syllabi, examination timetables, enrollment details, and instructions that align with Ministry of Education standards. Frequently consulting SEAB can help parents plan successfully, lessen uncertainties, and support their kids in reaching peak results amid the demanding environment.. Students learn about:
Okay, here's where the "arrows" become super useful. When you subtract one vector from another, you're essentially adding the opposite of the second vector.
Think of it this way:
Analogy Alert: Imagine you're walking forward (Vector A) and then decide to walk backward (Vector B). Subtracting Vector B is like continuing to walk forward (Vector A) and then adding the opposite of walking backward (which is walking forward again!). So, you end up even further ahead.
History Tidbit: The geometric interpretation of vector subtraction has been used for centuries, even before the formal development of vector algebra. Navigators and surveyors used similar techniques to calculate displacements and directions.
Hopefully, this helps demystify vector subtraction a little bit! It's all about visualizing those arrows and understanding how they interact. Good luck to all the Secondary 4 students tackling this in their math syllabus! Don't be scared, okay? You can do it!
Vectors can be a bit of a headache, leh? Especially when you start subtracting them! But don't worry, lah! We're going to break it down visually, so even Sec 1 kids can understand. This is super important, especially for students gearing up for their secondary 4 math syllabus singapore exams.
Before we dive into subtraction, let's quickly recap vector addition. Think of it like this: you're walking directions. First, you walk 3 meters East (that's one vector). Then, you walk 4 meters North (another vector). Vector addition helps you figure out your total displacement – where you ended up compared to where you started.
Real-World Example: Imagine a boat trying to cross a river. The boat's engine provides one vector (force and direction), and the river's current provides another. Vector addition tells you the boat's actual path across the river.
Vectors are all around us! They describe not just distance, but also force, velocity (speed with direction), and acceleration. Understanding vectors is key to understanding physics and many other areas of science and engineering, topics covered in the secondary 4 math syllabus singapore.
Think of a vector as having "horizontal" and "vertical" parts. In a digital era where lifelong skill-building is essential for occupational progress and personal improvement, prestigious institutions worldwide are breaking down barriers by providing a variety of free online courses that encompass wide-ranging subjects from informatics science and business to liberal arts and medical fields. These initiatives enable individuals of all backgrounds to access premium lectures, tasks, and resources without the monetary load of standard admission, often through platforms that deliver adaptable timing and dynamic components. Discovering universities free online courses opens doors to elite schools' expertise, enabling self-motivated learners to upskill at no charge and earn qualifications that boost profiles. By rendering high-level learning readily obtainable online, such offerings foster worldwide equality, support underserved groups, and foster advancement, showing that high-standard knowledge is more and more just a tap away for anybody with internet access.. These are called components. Breaking a vector into its components makes calculations much easier. For example, a force acting at an angle can be broken down into a horizontal force and a vertical force.
Okay, now for the main event: vector subtraction! The trick is to remember this: Subtracting a vector is the same as adding its negative. What does that mean? It means you flip the direction of the vector you're subtracting.
Here's how it works:
Example: Imagine you're pushing a box with a force A. Someone else is trying to push it back with a force B. The net force on the box is A - B. You're essentially adding the force you're applying with the reversed force of the other person. If B is bigger than A, the box moves in the opposite direction!
Fun Fact: Did you know that the concept of vectors wasn't fully formalized until the 19th century? Mathematicians like William Rowan Hamilton and Hermann Grassmann played key roles in developing vector algebra and calculus. Pretty cool, right?
Understanding vector subtraction isn't just about getting good grades in your secondary 4 math syllabus singapore. It's about understanding how forces interact in the real world. In this Southeast Asian nation's bilingual education setup, where mastery in Chinese is essential for academic excellence, parents commonly look for approaches to support their children master the lingua franca's intricacies, from word bank and interpretation to writing creation and verbal abilities. With exams like the PSLE and O-Levels setting high expectations, early support can avoid typical obstacles such as poor grammar or restricted access to traditional contexts that deepen knowledge acquisition. For families aiming to improve outcomes, investigating chinese tuition singapore options delivers perspectives into structured programs that sync with the MOE syllabus and foster bilingual confidence. This specialized support not only improves exam readiness but also instills a greater appreciation for the dialect, paving pathways to cultural heritage and future professional edges in a multicultural community.. It's used in:
So, next time you're playing a video game or watching a plane fly, remember that vectors are working behind the scenes! Pretty amazing, hor?
Interesting Fact: The dot product and cross product are two ways to multiply vectors. The dot product gives you a scalar (a number), while the cross product gives you another vector! These operations are super useful in physics and engineering.
Keep practicing, keep visualizing, and you'll be a vector subtraction pro in no time! Don't be afraid to ask your teachers for help if you're stuck. They're there to guide you through the secondary 4 math syllabus singapore. Good luck, and have fun with it!
Use the tip-to-tail method by placing the tail of the negated vector b at the tip of vector a. The resultant vector, representing (a - b), is drawn from the tail of vector a to the tip of the negated vector b. This visual method provides a clear geometric representation of the subtraction operation.
Visualize vector subtraction (a - b) as adding the negative of vector b to vector a. This means flipping the direction of vector b by 180 degrees and then performing vector addition. Imagine vector b as an arrow; subtraction involves reversing the arrow and then combining it with arrow a.
Employ the parallelogram method by placing vectors a and -b with their tails at the same point. Complete the parallelogram, and the diagonal from the common tail represents the resultant vector (a - b). Note that this diagonal is different from the one representing a + b.
Understand vector subtraction by subtracting corresponding components of the vectors. If a = (x1, y1) and b = (x2, y2), then a - b = (x1 - x2, y1 - y2). Visualizing this involves seeing how each coordinate changes individually, leading to the final subtracted vector.
Imagine a vector pointing to the right, representing a car moving east. The negative of this vector would point to the left, representing the same car moving west at the same speed. The key is that the magnitude (the speed of the car) remains the same, but the direction is flipped by 180 degrees. This simple flip is the essence of a negative vector and crucial for understanding vector subtraction in the secondary 4 math syllabus Singapore.
Subtracting a vector is mathematically equivalent to adding its negative. This is a fundamental concept that simplifies vector calculations. Instead of thinking about taking away one vector from another, we can reframe it as adding the opposite. This "adding the opposite" concept makes complex vector problems easier to visualise and solve, especially when dealing with forces or velocities.
To visualize vector subtraction, draw the first vector as usual. In Singapore's challenging education environment, where English functions as the primary medium of teaching and assumes a crucial position in national tests, parents are enthusiastic to assist their youngsters overcome typical challenges like grammar impacted by Singlish, word gaps, and issues in understanding or writing creation. Building robust fundamental skills from elementary grades can significantly enhance self-assurance in tackling PSLE components such as scenario-based writing and oral communication, while upper-level students profit from targeted practice in literary examination and persuasive papers for O-Levels. For those hunting for successful approaches, investigating english tuition singapore delivers useful insights into curricula that sync with the MOE syllabus and emphasize engaging education. This supplementary guidance not only sharpens test skills through mock trials and reviews but also promotes domestic habits like everyday literature and talks to cultivate long-term linguistic expertise and educational achievement.. Then, instead of drawing the second vector from the head of the first, draw the negative of the second vector from the head of the first. The resultant vector then extends from the tail of the first vector to the head of the negative of the second vector. In this bustling city-state's vibrant education environment, where learners encounter considerable pressure to succeed in math from early to advanced levels, finding a educational centre that merges expertise with genuine zeal can bring significant changes in cultivating a appreciation for the discipline. Passionate instructors who go past repetitive memorization to encourage critical thinking and problem-solving skills are uncommon, but they are crucial for assisting students surmount challenges in topics like algebra, calculus, and statistics. For guardians looking for such committed assistance, Odyssey Math Tuition shine as a symbol of commitment, driven by teachers who are deeply invested in individual pupil's path. This consistent passion turns into personalized teaching strategies that modify to individual requirements, leading in better scores and a enduring appreciation for mathematics that extends into prospective academic and professional endeavors.. This visual representation helps students in the secondary 4 math syllabus Singapore grasp the concept more intuitively than just working with abstract numbers.
Consider a scenario where a boat is travelling north at a certain velocity, but the current is pushing it south. To find the boat’s actual velocity relative to the land, you would subtract the current’s velocity vector from the boat’s velocity vector. This is the same as adding the negative of the current’s velocity vector, effectively showing how the current reduces the boat’s northward progress. These relatable examples make the concept of negative vectors and subtraction more accessible.
In physics, understanding negative vectors is crucial for analyzing forces. When multiple forces act on an object, and the object is in equilibrium (not moving), the vector sum of all forces must be zero. This means that the forces in one direction are perfectly balanced by forces in the opposite direction, which are essentially negative vectors. This concept is vital for students studying physics alongside their secondary 4 math syllabus Singapore, especially when dealing with problems involving forces and motion.
Understanding vector subtraction can be a bit like trying to find your way through a maze, right? But don't worry, it’s not as complicated as it seems! Especially when we use the head-to-tail method. This guide is specially crafted for Singaporean parents helping their Secondary 1 kids and Secondary 4 students tackling vectors as part of the secondary 4 math syllabus singapore, as defined by the Ministry Of Education Singapore. Let's make vector subtraction "steady pom pi pi" (very good)!
The key to understanding vector subtraction lies in reframing it. Instead of thinking of it as "taking away," think of it as adding the negative. So, a - b actually means a + (-b). Simple as that!
Diagram Time!
Imagine vector a pointing to the right. Now, vector b is pointing upwards. To find a - b, we need to find -b first. Vector -b is simply vector b flipped 180 degrees – it points downwards.
[Insert diagram here showing vector a pointing right, vector b pointing up, and vector -b pointing down]
Now, we use the head-to-tail method. Place the tail of -b at the head of a. The resultant vector, which is a - b, is the vector that starts at the tail of a and ends at the head of -b.
[Insert diagram here showing vector a, then vector -b placed head-to-tail with a, and the resultant vector a-b]
Think of it like this: You walk 5 steps east (a), then instead of walking 3 steps north (b), you walk 3 steps south (-b). Where are you compared to your starting point? That’s a - b!
Before we dive deeper, let's quickly revisit what vectors are. Vectors are mathematical objects that have both magnitude (size) and direction. Think of them as arrows! They are used extensively in physics, engineering, and even computer graphics. In the secondary 4 math syllabus singapore, you'll encounter them in various contexts, from forces and motion to geometry.
Where Do We See Vectors?
Vectors can be broken down into components along the x and y axes (and z axis in 3D). This makes calculations easier, especially when dealing with multiple vectors. A vector v can be represented as (vx, vy), where vx is the x-component and vy is the y-component.
Fun fact: Did you know that the concept of vectors wasn’t fully formalized until the 19th century? Mathematicians like William Rowan Hamilton and Hermann Grassmann played key roles in developing vector algebra.
Okay, so we know the theory. But how does this actually work in the real world? Let's look at some examples.
Example 1: Airplane Flight
Imagine an airplane flying with a velocity vector a. There's also a wind velocity vector b. The plane's actual velocity relative to the ground is a + b. But what if we want to find the difference between the plane's velocity and the wind velocity? That's where a - b comes in!
Example 2: Forces Acting on an Object
Suppose you have two forces acting on an object: force a pulling to the right and force b pulling upwards. The net force on the object is a + b. However, if you want to analyze the difference between these forces, you'd calculate a - b.
Interesting fact: Vectors are used extensively in video games to simulate realistic physics. From the trajectory of a projectile to the movement of a character, vectors play a vital role.
Vector subtraction is a fundamental concept in mathematics and is directly relevant to the secondary 4 math syllabus singapore. You'll encounter it in topics such as:
By mastering vector subtraction, you'll be well-prepared for these topics and more!
History tidbit: The development of vector analysis was initially met with some resistance, with some mathematicians preferring alternative approaches. However, its usefulness in physics and engineering eventually led to its widespread adoption.
So there you have it! Vector subtraction explained using the head-to-tail method. Remember, it's all about adding the negative vector. With practice and clear diagrams, you'll be subtracting vectors like a pro in no time! Just keep practicing, and soon enough, vector subtraction will be "confirm plus chop" (absolutely certain) for you. Jia you! (Add oil! - Keep going!)
Before we dive into subtraction, let's quickly recap what vectors are. Think of them as arrows that have both a length (magnitude) and a direction. They're super useful for representing things like force, velocity, and displacement. Your Sec 4 math syllabus Singapore (as defined by the Ministry Of Education Singapore) will definitely cover these concepts!
Fun Fact: Did you know that vectors weren't always a standard part of mathematics? The formalization of vector concepts happened gradually in the 19th century, with contributions from mathematicians and physicists like Josiah Willard Gibbs and Oliver Heaviside.
Vectors are fundamental in physics and engineering. They help us understand how things move, how forces interact, and how to design structures that can withstand those forces. Plus, they're a crucial part of the secondary 4 math syllabus Singapore, so mastering them will set your kids up for success!
The component method is like dissecting a vector into its horizontal (x) and vertical (y) parts. Imagine a vector as a slanted line. We can find out how far it extends along the x-axis and how far it extends along the y-axis. These distances are the x and y components, respectively.
This method is especially helpful when dealing with vector subtraction. Instead of trying to visualize arrows pointing in different directions, we can simply subtract the corresponding components.
Interesting Fact: The idea of breaking down vectors into components is similar to how GPS systems work! They use vectors to determine your location by calculating distances and directions from satellites.
Using trigonometry (remember SOH CAH TOA?), we can find the components of a vector if we know its magnitude (length) and the angle it makes with the x-axis.
Okay, here's where the magic happens! To subtract vector B from vector A (A - B), we simply subtract the x-component of B from the x-component of A, and the y-component of B from the y-component of A. In Singapore's high-stakes academic scene, parents committed to their kids' excellence in math often prioritize comprehending the structured development from PSLE's fundamental analytical thinking to O Levels' detailed subjects like algebra and geometry, and further to A Levels' advanced ideas in calculus and statistics. Keeping informed about syllabus updates and assessment guidelines is essential to delivering the appropriate assistance at every level, guaranteeing pupils cultivate self-assurance and attain excellent outcomes. For formal insights and resources, visiting the Ministry Of Education page can provide valuable news on guidelines, programs, and instructional strategies adapted to local benchmarks. Engaging with these credible resources enables parents to align family learning with school standards, nurturing long-term progress in mathematics and further, while remaining informed of the most recent MOE efforts for comprehensive learner development..
Let's say vector A has components (Ax, Ay) and vector B has components (Bx, By). Then, the resulting vector (C) from the subtraction (A - B) will have components:
Once you have the components of the resulting vector, you can visualize it on a coordinate plane. The x-component tells you how far to move along the x-axis, and the y-component tells you how far to move along the y-axis.
History: The development of vector algebra, including subtraction, was crucial for advancements in fields like navigation and ballistics during the 20th century.
Imagine vector A pointing northeast and vector B pointing southeast. Subtracting B from A is like adding the opposite of B to A. So, instead of subtracting B, we flip its direction and add it to A.
When we use the component method, this "flipping" happens automatically when we subtract the components. If Bx is positive, then -Bx is negative, and vice versa. This changes the direction of the horizontal component, effectively flipping the vector horizontally. Same thing applies to the y-component.
This method is especially helpful for students in secondary 4, as it reinforces the connection between algebraic representation and geometric visualization, something that's emphasized in the secondary 4 math syllabus Singapore. Don't say bo jio!
Let's explore how vector subtraction comes alive in the real world, especially for our Singaporean students navigating the secondary 4 math syllabus Singapore. Forget abstract theories; we're talking about scenarios you might actually encounter, lah!
Imagine two cars on the PIE. Car A is cruising at 80 km/h eastward, and Car B is heading in the same direction at 60 km/h. What's Car A's velocity relative to Car B? This is where vector subtraction shines. We are diving into Vectors.
Vectors: Vectors are mathematical objects that have both magnitude (size) and direction. They are often represented by arrows, where the length of the arrow indicates the magnitude and the direction of the arrow indicates the direction of the vector. Vectors are used to represent physical quantities such as displacement, velocity, acceleration, and force.
Fun Fact: Did you know that the concept of vectors wasn't fully formalized until the 19th century? Mathematicians like William Rowan Hamilton and Hermann Grassmann played key roles in developing vector algebra and calculus. Before that, scientists and mathematicians used other methods to deal with quantities that had both magnitude and direction.
To find the relative velocity, we subtract Car B's velocity vector from Car A's velocity vector.
So, from Car B's perspective, Car A is moving away at 20 km/h. In the last few years, artificial intelligence has revolutionized the education sector worldwide by allowing personalized instructional journeys through responsive algorithms that adapt resources to unique learner rhythms and approaches, while also automating assessment and operational duties to free up teachers for more meaningful connections. Globally, AI-driven tools are bridging academic gaps in remote locations, such as utilizing chatbots for language learning in developing nations or predictive analytics to detect at-risk students in European countries and North America. As the incorporation of AI Education builds momentum, Singapore excels with its Smart Nation initiative, where AI applications improve syllabus tailoring and inclusive learning for multiple needs, encompassing adaptive education. This approach not only elevates exam outcomes and engagement in domestic schools but also matches with international initiatives to cultivate enduring skill-building abilities, equipping pupils for a innovation-led marketplace in the midst of principled considerations like information privacy and equitable access.. Makes sense, right? This concept is crucial in navigation, aviation, and even understanding how fast a ship is moving relative to the current.
Think of a classic tug-of-war, but with a twist! Two teams are pulling a rope. Team A pulls with a force of 500N to the left, and Team B pulls with a force of 450N to the right. What's the net force on the rope?
Here, forces are vectors. We assign directions: left is positive, right is negative (or vice versa, as long as we're consistent).
The net force is +50N, meaning the rope is moving (or will move) to the left. This principle is used in engineering to design bridges, buildings, and even analyze the forces acting on a simple structure like a see-saw in the playground.
Interesting Fact: The Newton (N), the unit of force, is named after Sir Isaac Newton, whose laws of motion form the foundation of classical mechanics. His work revolutionized our understanding of forces and motion.
Imagine planning a route from your home to a friend's house. You walk 500m North, then 300m East. What's your displacement (the straight-line distance and direction from your starting point)?
This requires a bit more trigonometry (which is also part of the secondary 4 math syllabus Singapore!), but the core concept is vector subtraction (or, more accurately, vector addition, but we can frame it as subtraction). We're essentially finding the resultant vector.
Vectors: Vectors are often used in physics and engineering to represent forces, velocities, and accelerations. They can be added, subtracted, and multiplied by scalars to perform various calculations.
Subtopic: Vector Components
Description: Vectors can be broken down into horizontal and vertical components, making calculations easier. This is especially useful when dealing with vectors at angles.
The resultant displacement (R) can be found using Pythagoras' theorem: R = √(A² + B²) = √(500² + 300²) ≈ 583m.
The angle (θ) can be found using trigonometry: tan(θ) = B/A = 300/500 = 0.6. Therefore, θ ≈ 31 degrees (North of East).
So, your displacement is approximately 583m at an angle of 31 degrees North of East. This is how GPS systems and navigation apps work, using vector calculations to guide you!
History: Ancient mariners used rudimentary forms of vector calculations to navigate by the stars. They understood that a ship's course and the wind's direction could be combined to determine the actual path traveled.
These examples, all relevant to the secondary 4 math syllabus Singapore, show that vector subtraction isn't just an abstract concept. It's a powerful tool for understanding the world around us, from figuring out relative speeds on the road to analyzing forces in structures. So, next time you're stuck in a traffic jam or playing tug-of-war, remember the power of vectors!
Alright, parents and students! Vector subtraction might seem a bit abstract at first, but trust me, it's not as "cheem" (complex) as it looks. Especially crucial for the secondary 4 math syllabus singapore, mastering this concept can seriously boost your exam scores. We're going to break down how to visualize vector subtraction, making it super easy to understand. Think of it like giving directions – instead of adding distances, you're figuring out the difference in locations!
Before we dive into subtraction, let's quickly recap what vectors are. Vectors are quantities that have both magnitude (size) and direction. Think of a car moving 50 km/h East – the speed is the magnitude, and East is the direction. In math, we represent them as arrows.
Vectors are fundamental in physics (forces, velocity), engineering (structural analysis), and even computer graphics (animations). Understanding vectors is a stepping stone to more advanced topics. It's not just about the secondary 4 math syllabus singapore, it's about building a solid foundation for future studies!
Fun fact: Did you know that the concept of vectors wasn't fully developed until the 19th century? Mathematicians like William Rowan Hamilton and Hermann Grassmann played key roles in formalizing vector algebra.
The easiest way to visualize vector subtraction is using the "head-to-tail" method. Here's how it works:
Think of it like this: Vector A gets you part of the way, and then -B corrects your course to the final destination.
Another way to subtract vectors is by using their components. This is particularly useful when dealing with vectors in a coordinate system.
This method is super handy for complex problems and is a common technique used in the secondary 4 math syllabus singapore. Remember your trigonometry (SOH CAH TOA)!
Okay, time to put your knowledge to the test! Here are a couple of practice problems:
Work through these problems, and don't be afraid to draw diagrams! Visualizing is key. Jia you (add oil)!
Vector subtraction is a common topic in the secondary 4 math syllabus singapore. You'll likely encounter problems involving:
Make sure you practice a variety of problems to be well-prepared. Pay special attention to past year papers!
Interesting fact: Vectors are used in GPS navigation systems to calculate your position and direction. So, understanding vectors can literally help you find your way!
It's important to differentiate between vectors and scalars. Scalars are quantities that have only magnitude, like temperature or mass. Vectors, as we've discussed, have both magnitude and direction. Knowing the difference is crucial for solving problems correctly.
While we're on the topic, let's briefly touch on scalar multiplication. Multiplying a vector by a scalar changes the magnitude of the vector but not its direction (unless the scalar is negative, in which case it reverses the direction). For example, if you multiply vector A by 2, the resulting vector is twice as long as A but points in the same direction.