Unit vector

[cutepiglet]

Let v=<3,-1>, and w=<1,2>
a. sketch the vectors v, w, v-w, and 2v+w ( I did that part already and I think I did it correctly)
b. Find a unit vector in the direction of v.

Part b is where I am having problems. I do not understand the question. It is probably so simple it is going to get me mad.

Thanks

 

[pka]

Let v=<3,-1>, and w=<1,2>
b. Find a unit vector in the direction of v.
I do not understand the question. It is probably so simple it is going to get me mad.

Simply divide the vector by its length.

 

[Deleted member 4993]

Let v=<3,-1>, and w=<1,2>
a. sketch the vectors v, w, v-w, and 2v+w ( I did that part already and I think I did it correctly)
b. Find a unit vector in the direction of v.

Part b is where I am having problems. I do not understand the question. It is probably so simple it is going to get me mad.

Thanks

If v = <3,-1> - what is the magnitude of the vector?

 

[Bob Brown MSEE]

Let v=<3,-1>
b. Find a unit vector in the direction of v.

Part b is where I am having problems. I do not understand the question.
Thanks

Unit vector means a vector in the same direction as v with unit length (length=1).
Length and Magnitude are equivalent.

1) Calculate L=Length of v
2) Calculate vector x = <3/L, -1/L>
3) Plot x

Notice x is in same direction as v.
Notice that x has a length of 1.