Given vectors u and v, find: 2u. 
u = 〈-1, 2〉, v = 〈3, 0〉

Key Concepts

Vector Operations

Vector operations include addition, subtraction, and scalar multiplication. Scalar multiplication involves multiplying a vector by a scalar (a real number), which scales the vector's magnitude without changing its direction. For example, multiplying vector u = 〈-1, 2〉 by 2 results in the vector 〈-2, 4〉.

Vector Representation

Vectors are represented as ordered pairs or tuples in a coordinate system, indicating their position in space. In this case, u = 〈-1, 2〉 means the vector starts at the origin and points to the coordinates (-1, 2). Understanding this representation is crucial for performing operations like scalar multiplication.

Geometric Interpretation of Vectors

Vectors can be interpreted geometrically as arrows in a coordinate plane, where the direction and length represent the vector's orientation and magnitude, respectively. When performing operations like scalar multiplication, the resulting vector's length changes, but its direction remains the same if the scalar is positive, which is essential for visualizing the outcome.