Question

Find the scalar and vector components of the vector with initial point (2, 1) and terminal point (–5, 7).

Answer 1

Let the initial and final points of the vector be A(2, 1), B(-5, 7) respectively.

`therefore vec(AB) = (x_2 - x_1)hati + (y_2 - y_1)hatj`

= `(-5 - 2)hati + (7 - 1)hatj`

= `-7hati + 6hatj`

∴ The given scalar components are -7 and 6, while the vector components are `-7hati` and `6hatj`.