Topics · Edexcel GCSE Maths (1MA1)

Vectors

Higher only

A vector question is a route from one point to another. Every correct route to the same point gives the same answer.

Exam-style questionNon-calculator2 marks

$OAB$ is a triangle.

$\overrightarrow{OA} = \mathbf{a}$ and $\overrightarrow{OB} = \mathbf{b}$ .

$M$ is the midpoint of $AB$ .

Find $\overrightarrow{OM}$ in terms of $\mathbf{a}$ and $\mathbf{b}$ .

See why

Go from $O$ to $M$ by two different routes. Do they give the same vector?

Pick a route from O to M.

New contextNon-calculator2 marks

$\overrightarrow{OP} = 2\mathbf{a} + \mathbf{b}$ and $\overrightarrow{OQ} = 5\mathbf{a} + 3\mathbf{b}$ .

Find $\overrightarrow{PQ}$ in terms of $\mathbf{a}$ and $\mathbf{b}$ .

Vector geometric arguments and proofs

Short hands-on steps, then exam questions on this topic.

Column vectors are on both tiers; vector proofs are Higher only.
Pearson's examiners report students reversing a vector's direction and getting the sign wrong.
Proof questions often end with showing that three points lie on a straight line.