Position vectors and the origin

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of position vectors, particularly in the context of an IGCSE mathematics exam. Participants explore the relationship between position vectors and the origin, as well as the application of this concept in problem-solving.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks clarification on position vectors and their connection to the origin, expressing difficulty in finding applicable information.
  • Another participant questions the initial poster's research efforts, suggesting they check textbooks and online resources.
  • A later reply emphasizes that a position vector is a geometric object and explains that the origin and coordinate system are relevant when expressing points in component form.
  • The same reply suggests that the position vector is defined as the ray from the origin to the point, with specific components derived from the chosen coordinate system.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion does not reach a consensus, as participants express differing levels of understanding and approaches to the topic of position vectors and their relation to the origin.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not resolved how to apply the concept of position vectors to specific problems, and there is an ongoing uncertainty regarding the necessity of the origin in defining position vectors.

rishic
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hi
I got an IGCSE exam in two days and can't find any info on position vectors could sum1 please help me out. And does a position vector have to do with the origin
 
Last edited:
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Well, where did you look? Do you have a textbook from which you are studying?
 
you sure you can't find anything? not even google? wikipedia? maths world?
 
Im studying from the book, IGCSE mathematics by Ric Pimentel and Terry Wall. Wikipedia has the definition and all but nothing on how to apply the info. to questions. Google has nothing great either. I was trying to find out how you find the position vector of a point and whether the origin is required to do this?
 
vector is a vector, it is a geometric object. a point in space is a point in space. the origin and a "coordinate system" is used only when you want to put things into component form. like (1,0,0). I guess you are referring to that. Now, you need think about first, which coordinate system do you want to use and where to put the origin. Once you have a coordinate system your "point" now has a coordinate (x,y,z) and your position vector is the ray going from the origin to the point , with components (x,y,z) - (0,0,0) = (x,y,z)
 

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