Vectors Intro: WOW Students with Linear Algebra!

[matqkks]

I am trying to write a hook for vectors on a linear algebra course. Does anyone have an opening fon vectors that will have a real impact on students?

 

[jedishrfu]

perhaps you could take a page from the Numbers TV show and devise a crime that is solved by using vector methods.

You could have a similar tag line like: "We use Vectors everyday..."

Perhaps you could look at your problem sets, pick a favorite problem and construct a science-fiction story around it to present to the student.

Numb3rs TV show did have an episode called Vector but it was centered around the spread of a deadly virus.

In another episode, Charlie uses support vectors:

http://www.math.cornell.edu/~numb3rs/kostyuk/num219.htm

and in yet another episode, Charlie tracks snipers:

http://www.math.cornell.edu/~numb3rs/kostyuk/num109.htm

Well you get the idea, take a common vector problem and dress it up as an interesting crime that is either proved or disproved by vector math.

 

[Harrisonized]

Here's one of my favorite applications, which rather unfortunately, doesn't get used enough. And everyone can relate to this easily, right?

http://www.casioeducation.com/resource/pdfs/equation.pdf

 

[jedishrfu]

cool example

also you might get some ideas from here:

http://plus.maths.org/content/teacher-package-vectors-and-matrices

and then there's the Google page ranking algorithm:

http://plus.maths.org/content/os/issue47/features/alvarez/index

maybe you could spin a story around it and how someone tries to modify it for nefarious purposes.

 

[Matrix0]

I can assure you that the study of vectors in linear algebra is not only essential but also incredibly fascinating. Vectors are the building blocks of many mathematical and scientific concepts, from motion and force to data analysis and machine learning. So if you want to truly WOW your students, get ready to dive into the world of vectors and discover their endless applications in the real world. Trust me, it will be a journey that will leave a lasting impact on your students' minds. Let's begin!