Definition:Vector Addition

Definition

Vector Addition on Module

Let $\struct {R, +_R, \times_R}$ be a ring.

Let $\struct {G, +_G}$ be an abelian group.

Let $M := \struct {G, +_G, \circ}_R$ be the corresponding module over $R$ (either a left module or a right module).

The group operation $+_G$ on $M$ is known as vector addition on $M$.

Vector Addition on Vector Space

Let $\struct {F, +_F, \times_F}$ be a field.

Let $\struct {G, +_G}$ be an abelian group.

Let $V := \struct {G, +_G, \circ}_R$ be the corresponding vector space over $F$.

The group operation $+_G$ on $V$ is known as vector addition on $V$.

Vector Sum

Let $\mathbf u$ and $\mathbf v$ be vector quantities of the same physical property.

Component Definition

Let $\mathbf u$ and $\mathbf v$ be represented by their components considered to be embedded in a real $n$-space:

\(\ds \mathbf u\)

\(=\)

\(\ds \tuple {u_1, u_2, \ldots, u_n}\)

\(\ds \mathbf v\)

\(=\)

\(\ds \tuple {v_1, v_2, \ldots, v_n}\)

Then the (vector) sum of $\mathbf u$ and $\mathbf v$ is defined as:

$\mathbf u + \mathbf v := \tuple {u_1 + v_1, u_2 + v_2, \ldots, u_n + v_n}$

Note that the $+$ on the right hand side is conventional addition of numbers, while the $+$ on the left hand side takes on a different meaning.

The distinction is implied by which operands are involved.

Triangle Law

Let $\mathbf u$ and $\mathbf v$ be represented by arrows embedded in the plane such that:

$\mathbf u$ is represented by $\vec {AB}$

$\mathbf v$ is represented by $\vec {BC}$

that is, so that the initial point of $\mathbf v$ is identified with the terminal point of $\mathbf u$.

Then their (vector) sum $\mathbf u + \mathbf v$ is represented by the arrow $\vec {AC}$.