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0:00 / 0:00
- Specifies the direction of a vector (like standing at the tail and point to the tip)
- Points in the direction of the vector & “gives direction” (to make it a vector)
- “unit-less”
- magnitude of 1
- the unit vector = (any vector / magnitude of that vector)

In the figure below, you can see the unit vector U pointing to the tip of vector V


EX: Given vector A as (4i+2J+4k)m. Build the unit vector for A.

vectorA = A uA
the magnitude of A = = 6
therefore, uA = vectorA / magA = 0.67i+0.33j+0.67k
(0.67i+0.33j+0.66k)
Find a vector whose length is one, that points in the same direction as the vector
Practice Question: Unit Vector
Which one of the following is not a unit vector?
Mark Yourself Question
- Grab a piece of paper and try this problem yourself.
- When you're done, check the "I have answered this question" box below.
- View the solution and report whether you got it right or wrong.
EX: Given vector B as (3i-2J+8k)m. Build the unit vector for B.
