Question

What happens to a positive vector that is multiplied by -0.5?

Only the magnitude of the vector changes.

Only the direction of the vector changes.

The magnitude and direction of the vector change.

No properties of the vector change.

Answer 1

When a positive vector is multiplied by -0.5, both the magnitude and the direction of the vector change.

Here's why:

1. **Change in Magnitude:** Multiplying the vector by 0.5 reduces its magnitude by half.
2. **Change in Direction:** The negative sign in -0.5 reverses the direction of the vector.

So, the correct answer is:

**The magnitude and direction of the vector change.**