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What is a vector? - David Huynh

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TEDEd Animation

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Physicists, air traffic controllers, and video game creators all have at least one thing in common: vectors. But what exactly are they, and why do they matter? David Huynh explains how vectors are a prime example of the elegance, beauty, and fundamental usefulness of mathematics.

You have walked to a friend’s house and suddenly get a phone call. “Where are you?” your sister asks. She wants to come and see you at your friend’s house. How do you use vectors to diagram the pathway to your friend’s house so your sister can arrive without getting lost?

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About TED-Ed Animations

TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Educator David Huynh
  • Script Editor Alex Gendler
  • Director Anton Trofimov
  • Narrator Addison Anderson

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