Vector Calculus Independent Study Path

Unit 1: Vectors and Three Dimensional Geometry

As you probably know from high school, or from physics, vectors are mathematical objects we assign to things that have direction in addition to having magnitude. In this unit, we introduce the little pointy guys, and show most of the fun ways of combining them.

In this unit you should/will learn about:

Points and Vectors in 3 space.
Lines in 3 space.
Planes in 3 space.
Dot Products.
Cross Products.
Cylindrical and Spherical Coordinate Systems

For more detailed instructions, see the Xdvi or PDF pages.

Suggested Procedure

Read and do some problems from
- Rogers Chapters 1, 2, 3, 4, and sections 7.1, 7.2, and 17.1.
- Marsden and Tromba, chapter 1. [Section 1.5 is optional.]
- Thomas & Finney chapter 13,
- Simmons section 17.3, and chapter 18, or
- World Web Math pages (current being revised) regarding
  - Vectors,
  - Vector Artithmetic,
  - Dot Product,
  - Cross Product,
  - Lines,
  - Planes,
  - Cylindrical Coordinates, and
  - Spherical Coordinates.
Take the Sample Test, Xdvi or PDF.
Take a unit test.

Vector Calculus Independent Study Path | Vector Calculus Index | World Web Math Categories Page

watko@athena.mit.edu

Last modified November 5, 1998