Writing column vectors as fractions
"The Fraction Habit"
The Mistake in Action
Write the vector $\mathbf{a} = \begin{pmatrix} 3 \\ 4 \end{pmatrix}$
Wrong: $\mathbf{a} = (\frac{3}{4})$
Why It Happens
Students are used to seeing one number over another as a fraction and instinctively draw a line between them.
The Fix
A column vector is not a fraction. It represents movement in x and y.
Never put a horizontal line between the numbers.
Correct: $\begin{pmatrix} 3 \\ 4 \end{pmatrix}$
Spot the Mistake
Can you identify where this student went wrong?
Write vector a
a = (3/4)
Click on the line that contains the error.
Related Topics
Learn more about the underlying maths: