What are the i, j, k unit vectors in displacement vectors?

[moondawg]

Homework Statement

DISPLACEMENT VECTORS

Homework Equations

r=xi+yj+zk=<x,y,z>

The Attempt at a Solution

For all of the problems I am starting to do class we must use the equation above.
I do not understand why we use i,j,k and how they are similar to x,y,z and how to use them.
Please help! I was absent the day we learned this and it is a fast pace class and I am trying to understand this but can't seem to fully do so!

 

[PhanthomJay]

Its sort of the same thing, but not quite: i, j, and k are unit vectors in the x ,y, and z directions. Using x, y,and z subscripts, often imply magnitudes of the component vectors in those directions. So a vector 5i + 5j has a magnitiude of 5 units in the x direction and 5 units in the y direction. If you call the vector 5x + 5y, its easy to confuse yourself, as in your other post. So don't.

 

[moondawg]

thankyou!