Magnitude of a vector

∣u⃗∣=x2+y2|\vec{u}|=\sqrt{x^2+y^2}

Result unit: length units

What it describes

The length (magnitude) of a vector with coordinates [x,y][x,y].

Symbols

∣u⃗∣|\vec{u}|
magnitude of the vector
x,yx, y
coordinates of the vector

Where it comes from

The magnitude of a vector is the Pythagorean theorem applied to its coordinates — the distance from the start to the end of the vector.

When to use it

Magnitude of a vector; velocities and forces treated geometrically.

Example

Vector u⃗=[3,4]\vec u=[3,4]. Find its magnitude.
Substitutionx=3x=3, y=4y=4.
Result∣u⃗∣=9+16=5|\vec u|=\sqrt{9+16}=5.

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