Vector Analysis
Phil Dyke · 1998
A vector is a quantity that has both magnitude and direction. A scalar, on the other hand, is a quantity that has magnitude only. A vector is usually denoted by a bold lower case letter, such as a, although upper case letters are sometimes also used. A vector so defined is unique, but only as far as magnitude and direction are concerned. It can still be translated parallel to itself and remain the identical vector. Geometrical applications of vectors often employ the notation PQ → $$\overrightarrow {PQ} $$ to denote the vector representation of the line joining the point P to the point Q (in that order). Such a vector is called line bound. If a vector a is to represent such a vector, then in addition to direction and magnitude, one point on the line of the vector must also be specified.