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Because scalars do not take in the direction but just the magnitude while vectors can. You can add vectors ONLY if they are in the same direction.

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Q: Why can't we add or subtract vectors like scalars?
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Are scalers negative why?

Scalars are not always negative. The word scalar means that a value behaves like the numbers we are familiar with. You just add and subtract them. These are different than vectors, where you need to break them into scalars in order to add them first.


How do you subtract vectors?

it depends on the method of subtraction. If the vectors are drawn graphically then you must add the negative of the second vector (same magnitude, different direction) tail to tip with the first vector. If the drawing is to scale, then the resultant vector is the difference. If you are subtracting two vectors <x1, y1> - <x2, y2> then you can subtract them component by component just like scalars. The same rules apply to 3-dimensional vectors


Is 10 divided by 4 equal to 5 divided by 2?

In base 10 and above: Yes(if you are dividing commutative things like scalars (numbers) but not if you have vectors.)


What is the difference between scalars and vectors using displacement and distance?

A scalar is a real quantity like distance and a vector is a vector quantity like displacement.Displacement is the product of a distance and a direction,Displacement =DistancexDirection.


What are scalars?

A measurement without direction, meaning that it is only a magnitude (as opposed to vector which has magnitude and direction). E.g, a speed of 5km/h is a scalar while a velocity of 19m/s west is a vector.Scalars are a type of number that have size (but not direction like vectors).


Can you add vector like scalars or not?

No. Because vectors have direction as well as magnitude, you must take the direction into account when you add them. Example: Vector A parallel to [0,0; 0,4] Vector B parallel to [0,0; 3,0] These vectors are at right angles to each other Vector A has a magnitude of 4, Vector B an magnitude of 3. A + B = has a magnitude of 5, parallel to [0,0;3,4]


What are the method in adding vector?

The method in adding vectors is "add like components to likes".For example A= Ia1 + Ja2 + Ka3 and B= Ib1 + Jb2 + Kb3 added is :A+B= I(a1 +b1) + J(a2 + b2) + K(a3 + b3).I, J and K are the vector components.Physics really involves vectors V and scalars S called Quaternions Q=S +V.The method is the same but now likes include vectors and scalars.Q1 + Q2 = (S1 +S2) + (V1 + V2).


Who gave concept of vectors and scaler?

William Rowan Hamilton, the Irish Genius came up with the concepts of Scalar and Vector in 1843 when he created Quaternions, a four dimensional number. A quaternion consists of one scalar and three vectors, Q= r + Ix + jy + Kz where (r,x, y and z) are real numbers or Scalars and (I, J and K) are Vector numbers.Unlike Scalars, Vector numbers squared are Negative: I^2=J^2=K^2=IJK= - 1.Quaternions are the only numbers that form an Associative Division Algebra, in other words the only numbers where you can uniquely solve Algebraic Equations like Ax =b .Real numbers and Complex numbers are subsets of Quaternions.Quaternions were "famous" for their non-commutative property of vectors IJ =-JI.Quantum Physics uses Quaternions non-commutativity.Physicists should always distinguish Scalars from Vectors and learn about Hamilton's Quaternions.Newton's Law of Gravitationa Energy E= -mu/r neglects the vector energy mcV of gravity.The proper Law of Gravitational Energy is Quaternion E= -mu/r + mcV .


What is the difference between magnetic vector potential and magnetic scalar potential?

A vector is a quantity with both magnitude (strength) and direction. Like a force having a strength in pounds and a direction. Or a wind having magnitude (in mph) and direction (Northeast). A scalar has only magnitude. Like the length of a segment or amount of peanuts in a jar. Scalars are just numbers.


How are vectors subtracted?

In order to subtract (or add vectors), you must define your frame of reference. Vectors have magnitude and direction. so they are define on an x, y, and z axis. Once the vector is referenece by it's x-y-z components (either positive or negative), then you add/subtract them just like any other number. example v1= 3x + 5y + 5z and v2=2x+3y + 2z so, V1-V2= (3-2)x + (5-3)y + (5-2)z, which reduces to x+2y+3z


What is the difference scalars and vector?

Vectors and scalars are components of complex numbers. Complex numbers are z= x + iy, with one vector iy. The difference between the scalar part x and the vector part iy is, the square of the real part x is positive x^2 and the square of the vector part iy is negative -y^2. This square rule is what distinguishes scalars from vectors. Complex and Real Numbers are a subset of Quaternion Numbers.thrQuaternion q=w + ix + jy + kz = qw + qv contains one scalar (qw=w) andthree vectors (qv=Ix +jy + kz), . The three vectors make for a different rule for multiplication.When there is only one vector the rule for multiplication is called commutative and AB=BA. This rule is what is generally taught in mathematics and science. Howver when there is more than one vector like in real world mathematics and science AB does not equal BA. This is called Non-commutaive mathematics.Non-commutaive mathematics is the mathematics of of Quantum Physics. Quaternions provide the Unification of Relativity and Quantum Theory. Quaternions provide the correct four dimensions of Relativity Theory and the Non-Commutativity of Quantum Theory.The general rule for multiplication of quaternionsAB= (AwBw -Av.Bv) + (AwBv + AvBw + AvxBv)If the vectos Av and Bv are parallel AvxBv is zero and multiplication is commutative. If there is only one vector i like in complex numbers then AvXBv is always parallel ixi=0.If the vectors Av and Bv are not parallel then multiplication is non-commutitive. Guess what most of the time things are not parallel in math and physics.Scalars and vectors are very different and make up the two parts of numbers in math and science. Quaternions are the only kinds of numbers that can provide unique ( associative (AB)C = A(BC) ) division, such that you can solve equations like Ax=B.Quaternion multiplication is all around us. Riding a bycycle uses quaternion math just like a gyroscope. Rotations in space requires quaternion multiplication.It is important to distinguish between scalars and vectors and time to learn quaternion mathematics and understand the real world..


Why the like poles repel each other?

The poles are force vectors and vectors forces repel when they are opposed (in opposite direction).