vector algebra
- noun
- /ˈvɛktər ˈælɡəbrə/
- Specialized
:
álgebra vectorial
- In my mathematics class, we learned about vector algebra and how to calculate the dot product.
Examples
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He applied vector algebra to solve the problem of finding the shortest path between two points.
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And so just from standard vector algebra, we have r = r prime plus R of T prime.
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Vector algebra is essential for understanding how vector algebra helps combine forces in physics.
How Complex
- Specialized
2
9.3
- Specialized
- Specialized
- Specialized
130
7.0
- Specialized
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning 'branch of algebra concerned with vectors' is directly and compositionally derived from 'vector' (a quantity with magnitude and direction) + 'algebra' (a branch of mathematics). This follows a productive pattern (X algebra = the algebra of X) found across languages, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents will readily infer the MWE's meaning.
Etymology
Vector algebra comes from treating a vector as an 'arrow' that shows direction and length and algebra as the 'rules' for working with numbers and symbols. So vector algebra means the rules for adding, changing the size of, and using these arrows to solve problems about direction and size.