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Adding Vectors Graphically definitions

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  • Vector
    A quantity with both magnitude and direction, represented graphically by an arrow.
  • Tip to Tail
    A method of adding vectors by connecting the tail of one vector to the tip of another.
  • Resultant Vector
    The vector representing the shortest path from the start of the first vector to the end of the last.
  • Magnitude
    The length or size of a vector, often calculated using the Pythagorean theorem.
  • Pythagorean Theorem
    A mathematical principle used to calculate the magnitude of a resultant vector in a right triangle.
  • Commutative Property
    A property of vector addition where the order of vectors does not affect the resultant.
  • Vector Subtraction
    The process of adding the negative of a vector, affecting the direction of the resultant.
  • Scalar Multiplication
    The process of multiplying a vector by a scalar, changing its magnitude but not its direction.
  • Negative Vector
    A vector with the same magnitude as the original but pointing in the opposite direction.
  • Displacement
    A vector representing the change in position, often the resultant in vector addition.
  • Hypotenuse
    The longest side of a right triangle, used to determine the magnitude of a resultant vector.
  • Triangle
    A geometric shape formed by vectors in graphical addition, used to apply the Pythagorean theorem.
  • Direction
    The orientation of a vector in space, crucial for determining vector addition and subtraction results.
  • Absolute Value
    A mathematical operation used to express the magnitude of a vector, regardless of direction.
  • Graphical Addition
    A visual method of adding vectors by arranging them tip to tail to find the resultant.