12.1 Vector Geometry

Vectors play a role in nearly all areas of mathematics and its applications. In physical settings, they are used to represent quantities that have both magnitude and direction, such as velocity and force. They also appear in such diverse fields as computer graphics, economics, and statistics. This chapter develops the basic geometric and algebraic properties of vectors. Although no calculus is required, the concepts developed will be used throughout the remainder of the text.

Recently completed Baling River Bridge in China's Guizhou province (2.25 km long and soaring 400 m above the Baling River). The tension in its cables and forces on its towers are described using vectors.