Scalar multiplication of vectors

What You'll Learn

Multiply vectors by scalars to change their magnitude

Apply the distributive property to scale vector components

Recognize how positive scalars stretch or compress vectors

Understand how negative scalars reverse vector direction

Calculate the magnitude of scaled vectors using component formulas

What You'll Practice

Multiplying vectors in component form by positive and negative scalars

Finding magnitudes of scaled vectors

Factoring scalars from vector expressions

Working with fractional scalar multipliers

Why This Matters

Scalar multiplication is essential for physics applications like calculating velocity, force, and displacement. You'll use this skill throughout calculus, engineering, and any field involving motion, direction, and magnitude relationships.

Before You Start — Make Sure You Can:

Reflection across the x-axis: y = -f(x)Transformations of functions: Horizontal stretches Transformations of functions: Vertical stretches

This Unit Includes

7 Video lessons

Practice exercises

Skills

Scalar Multiplication

Vectors

Magnitude

Component Form

Distributive Property

Vector Operations

OH Curriculum Aligned