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REVISION NOTES

IGCSE Edexcel Mathematics A

5.1 Vectors (Higher Tier Only)

5.1.1 Understand that a vector has both magnitude and direction (Higher Tier Only)

A vector is a quantity that has a magnitude (length) and a direction.

 

Example: Displacement, velocity and acceleration.

edexcel_igcse_mathematics a_topic 36_vectors_001_scalar and vector quantities
edexcel_igcse_mathematics a_topic 36_vectors_002_vector quanitity
edexcel_igcse_mathematics a_topic 36_vectors_003

5.1.2 Understand and use vector notation including column vectors (Higher Tier Only)

Vectors are often described using column vector. 

Vectors are often named using letter a, b, c, etc. 

The letters are usually underlined if written by hand, but they are in bold type in examination papers.

5.1.3 Multiply vectors by scalar quantities (Higher Tier Only)

When you multiply a vector by an ordinary number, k:

  • The direction of the vector remains unaltered
  • The magnitude is changed by factor k

To find he negative of a vector, reverse the sign of the numbers.

edexcel_igcse_mathematics a_topic 36_vectors_005
edexcel_igcse_mathematics a_topic 36_vectors_006

5.1.4 Add and subtract vectors (Higher Tier Only)

You can add and subtract two vectors using simple arithmetic.

edexcel_igcse_mathematics a_topic 36_vectors_004
edexcel_igcse_mathematics a_topic 36_vectors_005

5.1.5 Calculate the modulus (magnitude) of a vector (Higher Tier Only)

The magnitude of a is the length.

We can use Pythagoras’ theorem to find it.

edexcel_igcse_mathematics a_topic 36_vectors_007

5.1.6 Find the resultant of two or more vectors (Higher Tier Only)

AB = AO + OB

Ratio and Vectors:

If X is the point on AB for which AX : XB = 2 : 1, this means that AX is twice as long as XB. 

Therefore, AX is two-thirds of the way along AB.

edexcel_igcse_mathematics a_topic 36_vectors_008_Magnitude of a Vector
edexcel_igcse_mathematics a_topic 36_vectors_009
edexcel_igcse_mathematics a_topic 36_vectors_010_Vector Divided in Ratio
edexcel_igcse_mathematics a_topic 36_vectors_011_Vectors
edexcel_igcse_mathematics a_topic 36_vectors_012
edexcel_igcse_mathematics a_topic 36_vectors_013

5.1.7 Apply vector methods for simple geometrical proofs (Higher Tier Only)

Proof 1: Parallel Line

Condition: If AB = k CD, AB and CD are parallel.

For example, 6a + 3b is parallel to 2a + b, since 6a + 3b = 3 x (2a + b)

Proof 2: Straight Line

Condition 1: If AB = k CD, AB and CD are parallel.

Condition 2: Since both AB and BC go through common point B, therefore ABC is a straight line.

Back
Next
1. Numbers & the Number System

1.1 Integers

1.2 Fractions

1.3 Decimals

1.4 Powers and Roots

1.5 Set Language and Notation

1.6 Percentages

1.7 Ratio and Proportion

1.8 Degree of Accuracy

1.9 Standard Form

1.10 Applying Numbers

1.11 Electronic Calculator

2. Equations, Formulae & Identities

2.1 Use of Symbols

2.2 Algebraic Manipulation

2.3 Expressions and Formulae

2.4 Linear Equations

2.5 Proportion (Higher Tier Only)

2.6 Simultaneous Linear Equations

2.7 Quadratic Equations

2.8 Inequalities

3. Sequences, Functions & Graphs

3.1 Sequences

3.2 Function Notation (Higher Tier Only)

3.3 Graphs

3.4 Calculus (Higher Tier Only)

4. Geometry

4.1 Angles, Lines & Triangles

4.2 Polygons

4.3 Symmetry

4.4 Measures

4.5 Construction

4.6 Circle Properties

4.7 Geometric Reasoning

4.8 Trigonometry and Pythagoras’ Theorem

4.9 Mensuration of 2D Shapes

4.10 3D Shapes and Volumes

4.11 Similarity

5. Vectors & Transformation Geometry

5.1 Vectors (Higher Tier Only)

5.2 Transformation Geometry

6. Statistics & Probability

6.1 Graphical Representation of Data

6.2 Statistical Measures

6.3 Probability

7. Appendix

7.1 Appendix 1: Foundation Tier Formula Sheet (Given)

7.2 Appendix 2: Foundation Tier Formula Sheet (To Memorise)

7.3 Appendix 3: Higher Tier Formula Sheet (Given)

7.4 Appendix 4: Higher Tier Formula Sheet (To Memorise)

7.5 Appendix 5: Notation

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