
What is meant by the initial point of a vector?
Answer
408.3k+ views
1 likes
Hint: To do this question, we should know from where does the vector originate. We make a vector by joining two points. From these two points one is the initial point and the other one is a terminal point.
Complete step by step solution:
In the above question, we know that
Geometrically, a vector is a length in a direction.
Also, a vector is a directed line segment. A vector (unlike a line segment) goes from one point to another.
As we know that,
A line segment has two endpoints and a length. It is a length in a particular location.
Similarly,
A vector has only a length and a direction. But we like to represent vectors using line segments.
When we try to represent a vector using a line segment, we need to distinguish one direction along the segment from the other direction. Part of doing this (or one way of doing it) is to distinguish the two endpoints by labelling one of them "initial" and the other "terminal".
An initial point is a point from which a vector originates.
For example, using dimensional coordinates:
There is a line segment connecting the points and . We can describe the same segment by saying that it connects and . (It is a horizontal line segment of length .)
There is also a vector from to . (Some ways of describing it: the x coordinates are increasing, the vector points to the right, the initial point is , the terminal point is .) and a different vector from to (The x-coordinates are decreasing, the vector points to the left, the initial point is ), the terminal point is .)
The vector from to is the same vector as from to , (It has the same magnitude and the same direction.)
But it has a different initial point.
Note:
When a vector is represented as a line segment, the starting point is called the Initial Point of a Vector. The components and the magnitudes of a vector can be found out with the help of the initial point of a vector.
Complete step by step solution:
In the above question, we know that

Geometrically, a vector is a length in a direction.
Also, a vector is a directed line segment. A vector (unlike a line segment) goes from one point to another.
As we know that,
A line segment has two endpoints and a length. It is a length in a particular location.
Similarly,
A vector has only a length and a direction. But we like to represent vectors using line segments.
When we try to represent a vector using a line segment, we need to distinguish one direction along the segment from the other direction. Part of doing this (or one way of doing it) is to distinguish the two endpoints by labelling one of them "initial" and the other "terminal".
An initial point is a point from which a vector originates.
For example, using
There is a line segment connecting the points
There is also a vector from
The vector from
But it has a different initial point.
Note:
When a vector is represented as a line segment, the starting point is called the Initial Point of a Vector. The components and the magnitudes of a vector can be found out with the help of the initial point of a vector.
Latest Vedantu courses for you
Grade 9 | CBSE | SCHOOL | English
Vedantu 9 CBSE Pro Course - (2025-26)
School Full course for CBSE students
₹37,300 per year
Recently Updated Pages
Master Class 11 Physics: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Master Class 11 Chemistry: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Master Class 11 Biology: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Class 11 Question and Answer - Your Ultimate Solutions Guide

Master Class 11 Business Studies: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Master Class 11 Computer Science: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Trending doubts
Difference Between Prokaryotic Cells and Eukaryotic Cells

1 ton equals to A 100 kg B 1000 kg C 10 kg D 10000 class 11 physics CBSE

One Metric ton is equal to kg A 10000 B 1000 C 100 class 11 physics CBSE

1 Quintal is equal to a 110 kg b 10 kg c 100kg d 1000 class 11 physics CBSE

Net gain of ATP in glycolysis a 6 b 2 c 4 d 8 class 11 biology CBSE

Give two reasons to justify a Water at room temperature class 11 chemistry CBSE
