number-times-vector operation
nounUK /ˈnʌm.bə taɪmz ˈvek.tə ɒp.əˈreɪ.ʃən/
US /ˈnʌm.bɚ taɪmz ˈvek.tɚ ɑː.pəˈreɪ.ʃən/
A math action where you multiply a number by a vector to make the vector longer or shorter.
In the number-times-vector operation, multiplying the vector (2, 3) by 4 gives (8, 12).
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A way to change a vector's size without changing its direction, unless the number is negative.
Using the number-times-vector operation with -1 flips the vector to point the opposite way.
3. A basic step in linear algebra used to combine numbers and vectors.
Students learn the number-times-vector operation before studying matrix multiplication.
4. A rule that gives each vector a new vector by multiplying every component by the same number.
The number-times-vector operation turns (1, 2, 3) into (3, 6, 9) when the number is 3.