Column vectors
I can represent information graphically given column vectors.
Column vectors
I can represent information graphically given column vectors.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- When translating, the entire shape moves.
- Although the point moves, the journey is not drawn.
- A vector can be drawn to show this journey.
- The vector is a straight line from the start to end point and covers the shortest distance.
- The top value is the distance left/right, the bottom value is the distance up/down.
Keywords
Vector - A vector can be used to describe a translation.
Displacement - Displacement is the distance from the starting point when measured in a straight line.
Vertex - A vertex is the point where two or more line segments meet. The plural is vertices.
Common misconception
When describing the movement of vectors, "across" is used to describe a horizontal movement.
Embed the understanding that "across" refers to the horizontal component, but the direction must be described concisely as a vector has direction and magnitude.
To help you plan your year 11 maths lesson on: Column vectors, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 11 maths lesson on: Column vectors, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 maths lessons from the Vectors unit, dive into the full secondary maths curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Licence
Starter quiz
6 Questions
$$-2\choose-3$$ -
2 left, 3 down
$$2\choose-3$$ -
2 right, 3 down
$$2\choose3$$ -
2 right, 3 up
$$-2\choose3$$ -
2 left, 3 up







Exit quiz
6 Questions







$$8\choose-5$$ -
Top left
$$-8\choose-5$$ -
Top right
$$-8\choose5$$ -
Bottom right
$$8\choose5$$ -
Bottom left