vector sum

American  

noun

Mathematics.

1. the vector obtained by applying vector addition to two or more given vectors.

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vector sum British  

noun

1. a vector whose length and direction are represented by the diagonal of a parallelogram whose sides represent the given vectors See also resultant

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Etymology

Origin of vector sum

First recorded in 1900–05

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

vector sum

The vector v + w is called the vector sum.

From Textbooks ● Mar. 30, 2016

If an object of interest interacts with several other objects, the net force is the vector sum of the individual forces.

From Textbooks ● Aug. 12, 2015

The total electric field created by multiple charges is the vector sum of the individual fields created by each charge.

From Textbooks ● Aug. 12, 2015

The kayak’s velocity is the vector sum of its velocity relative to the water and the water’s velocity relative to the riverbank.

From Textbooks ● Aug. 12, 2015

Each segment of current produces a magnetic field like that of a long straight wire, and the total field of any shape current is the vector sum of the fields due to each segment.

From Textbooks ● Aug. 12, 2015