Definition of vector

From: Michael Stueben (michael.stueben_at_fcps.edu)
Date: 02/25/05 

Date: 25 Feb 2005 08:28:44 -0800

Almost every definition of a vector says "a mathematical entity with
magnitude and direction." Yes, but that is NOT what we mean in math and
science. It is silly of me to speak of my car as a vector, even though
it does have magnitude and direction. When a math sci person uses the
word vector he/she means more: A vector that is capable of being added
to and scaled, etc. Hence, shouldn't we be using a phrase like
"Cartesian vector" instead of "vector"? Or is all of this tacitly
understood by the author/speaker and reader/listener?

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