What is the derivative of a vector?

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SUMMARY

The derivative of the vector A = (5, 6t, 7t²) is correctly calculated as A' = (0, 6, 14t). The unit vector notation can be used for clarity, resulting in A' = 0i + 6j + 14tk. The discussion confirms that the derivative is derived by differentiating each component of the vector with respect to time t, and the inclusion of unit vectors is optional when expressing the components directly.

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I`ve been asked to find the first and second time , t , derivative of a Vector A=(5, 6t, 7t^2)

Ok, now my prof hasn`t given any examples and i don`t have a text bok with these in so i need to ask for a bit of advise.

I`ve been told that all i need to do is find the derivative of the components!

So i`m thinking that;

A` = (0, 6, 14t)

Is this correct?

[edit] OOPs i forgot about the unit vectors, therefore A` = (0, 6j, 14t k)
where the unit vectors i, j, k are the magnitued of the vector along the x, y, z axis[/edit]
 
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You don't need to add the unit vectors if you write it in components like (0,6,14t).
An alternative way is writing [itex]0{\bf{\hat i}} + 6{\bf{\hat j}} + 14t{\bf{\hat k}}[/itex]

The derivative seems correct :smile:
 

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