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vector sum

vector sum

6.3
The result of adding two or more arrows that show direction and size, such as forces and movements
  • noun
  • /ˈvɛktər sʌm/
  • Specialized
translation icon : suma vectorial
  • In physics, the vector sum helps to understand how multiple force directions combine.

Examples

  • And the question then is what would happen if this vector, which is the vector sum of X&Y were passed to F?

  • Let's construct or rewrite it as the bra vector sum over A&B PSI star.

  • And J is equal to the vector sum of L&S.

  • And J is the vector sum of LS.

  • The total nodal displacement was determined as the vector sum of these components.

    Academic text (1991)
  • Yet, if the motion of one feature was a vector sum of the planet's rotation and local wind speed, might not all Jovian spots be driven by winds?

    Academic text (2000)
  • The shear force at a node was computed as the vector difference between the vector sum of the x, y, and z forces which act to compress the supporting spring and the perpendicular force.

    Academic text (1991)
  • For all nodes within the model of the socket, the force perpendicular to the surface was approximated by calculating the dot product of the vector sum of the x, y, and z forces, which act to compress the supporting springs, and the area normal unit vector.

    Academic text (1991)
  • The vector sum of the two forces resulted in a stronger resultant force.

  • To find the total displacement of the object, calculate the vector sum of all movements.

Synonyms

sum
vsvector sum
46 1.0

The total you get when you add two or more numbers

is a directional result that shows both magnitude and direction rather than just amount
resultant
vsvector sum
  • Specialized
6.9

A thing in math or science made by adding parts, for example a vector sum

is the specific directional quantity resulting from adding two or more oriented quantities

Surface Forms

vector sum singular
vector sums plural

Morphology

vector + sum

The meaning is directly derivable from combining 'vector' (a quantity with magnitude and direction) and 'sum' (the result of adding values): a learner who knows both words can infer it denotes the result of adding vectors. This compound follows standard mathematical composition patterns (and similar constructions exist across languages), so it is immediately comprehensible to learners familiar with the constituent terms.

Etymology

Vector sum comes from a simple picture of arrows: each vector is an arrow that shows size and direction, and a sum means putting arrows end to end to make one new arrow. That's why it means 'the single vector you get when you add two or more vectors'.