Drawing a vector with a specific angle

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 18 views

Introduction

When working with mathematical equations, it's essential to have a clear and concise way to represent vectors. One common method is using the standard vector notation, which involves drawing an arrow over a symbol. However, this notation can become limiting when trying to convey specific information about the direction or angle of the vector. In this article, we'll explore how to scale an accent obtained with an arrow, allowing for more flexibility in customizing vector notation.

Understanding the Problem

The standard vector notation uses an arrow to indicate the direction of the vector. However, when working with complex equations or trying to convey specific information about the vector, this notation can become inadequate. For instance, if we want to represent a vector with a specific angle or direction, the standard arrow notation may not be sufficient.

Building on Previous Work

As mentioned in the discussion on TeX Stack Exchange, we can build on the existing solution to create a custom command for drawing a slanted arrow over a symbol. This will allow us to scale the accent obtained with an arrow, providing more flexibility in customizing vector notation.

Defining the Command

To define the command, we'll use the following code:

\documentclass{article}
\usepackage{amsmath}
\usepackage{tikz}

\newcommand{\slantedarrow}[2][0.5]{%
  \mathrel{\tikz[baseline=(X.base)]{
    \node (X) {$#2$};
    \draw[-stealth, shorten <=2pt, shorten >=2pt] (X.base) -- ++(#1,0);
  }}
}

This code defines a new command called \slantedarrow, which takes an optional argument [#1] that defaults to 0.5. The command uses the tikz package to draw a slanted arrow over the symbol specified by the second argument #2.

Scaling the Accent

To scale the accent obtained with an arrow, we can modify the command to accept an additional argument for the angle of the arrow. We can use the rotate option in tikz to achieve this:

\newcommand{\slantedarrow}[3][0.5]{%
  \mathrel{\tikz[baseline=(X.base)]{
    \node (X) {$#2$};
    \draw[-stealth, shorten <=2pt, shorten >=2pt] (X.base) -- ++(#1,0) rotate=#3;
  }}
}

This modified command takes an additional argument #3 for the angle of the arrow. We can now use this command to draw a slanted arrow over a symbol with a specific angle.

Example Use Cases

Here are some example use cases for the \slantedarrow command:

Drawing a vector with a specific angle: We can use the \slantedarrow command to draw a vector with a specific angle. For example:

\slantedarrow[0.5]{\vec{a}}{30}

    This will draw a vector with a slanted arrow over the symbol `\vec{a}` at an angle of 30 degrees.
*   **Representing a complex vector**: We can use the `\slantedarrow` command to represent a complex vector with multiple components. For example:
    ```latex
\slantedarrow[0.5]{\vec{a} + \vec{b}}{45}

This will draw a vector with a slanted arrow over the symbol `\vec{a} + \vec{b}` at an angle of 45 degrees.

Conclusion

In this article, we've explored how to scale an accent obtained with an arrow, allowing for more flexibility in customizing vector notation. We've defined a custom command called \slantedarrow that takes an optional argument for the angle of the arrow. This command can be used to draw a slanted arrow over a symbol with a specific angle, making it easier to represent complex vectors and convey specific information about the direction or angle of the vector.

Future Work

There are several potential extensions to this work. For example, we could add additional options to the \slantedarrow command to customize the appearance of the arrow, such as changing the color or thickness. We could also explore using other packages or techniques to create more complex and customizable vector notation.

References

TeX Stack Exchange: How to draw a slanted arrow over a symbol?

Q: What is the purpose of scaling an accent obtained with an arrow?

A: Scaling an accent obtained with an arrow allows for more flexibility in customizing vector notation. By adjusting the angle of the arrow, you can convey specific information about the direction or angle of the vector, making it easier to represent complex vectors and mathematical equations.

Q: How do I use the `\slantedarrow` command to draw a slanted arrow over a symbol?

A: To use the \slantedarrow command, simply type the command followed by the symbol you want to draw the arrow over. For example:

\slantedarrow[0.5]{\vec{a}}

This will draw a slanted arrow over the symbol \vec{a}.

Q: Can I customize the appearance of the arrow?

A: Yes, you can customize the appearance of the arrow by adding additional options to the \slantedarrow command. For example, you can change the color of the arrow by adding the color option:

\slantedarrow[0.5]{\vec{a}}[red]

This will draw a red slanted arrow over the symbol \vec{a}.

Q: How do I change the angle of the arrow?

A: To change the angle of the arrow, simply add the rotate option to the \slantedarrow command. For example:

\slantedarrow[0.5]{\vec{a}}{30}

This will draw a slanted arrow over the symbol \vec{a} at an angle of 30 degrees.

Q: Can I use the `\slantedarrow` command with other LaTeX commands?

A: Yes, you can use the \slantedarrow command with other LaTeX commands. For example, you can use it with the \vec command to draw a vector with a slanted arrow:

\slantedarrow[0.5]{\vec{a} + \vec{b}}{45}

This will draw a vector with a slanted arrow over the symbol \vec{a} + \vec{b} at an angle of 45 degrees.

Q: Are there any limitations to the `\slantedarrow` command?

A: Yes, there are some limitations to the \slantedarrow command. For example, it may not work well with certain fonts or font sizes. Additionally, it may not be compatible with all LaTeX packages or environments.

Q: How do I troubleshoot issues with the `\slantedarrow` command?

A: If you encounter issues with the \slantedarrow command, try the following:

Check the LaTeX documentation for the package or command you are using.
Search online for solutions to similar problems.
Try simplifying your LaTeX code to isolate the issue.
Contact a LaTeX expert or online community for help.

Q: Can I modify the `\slantedarrow` command to suit my needs?

A: Yes, you can modify the \slantedarrow command to suit your needs. For example, you can add additional options or customize the appearance of the arrow. To do this, simply edit the LaTeX code that defines the command.

Q: Are there any alternative commands or packages for drawing slanted arrows?

A: Yes, there are alternative commands and packages for drawing slanted arrows. For example, you can use the tikz package to draw custom arrows. However, the \slantedarrow command provides a convenient and easy-to-use solution for drawing slanted arrows in LaTeX.