Core Vector Operations:

Basic Properties

• x, y, z: Individual axis values
• magnitude: Length of vector
• normalized: Direction only (length of 1)
• sqrMagnitude: Faster than magnitude for comparisons

Common Calculations

• Dot: Angle between vectors (are objects facing each other?)
• Cross: Perpendicular vector (create right-angle movements)
• Distance: Space between points (is enemy in range?)
• Reflect: Bounce direction (projectile rebounds)
• Angle: Degrees between vectors (for rotations)
• Lerp: Smooth movement between points
• MoveTowards: Constant speed movement to target
• RotateTowards: Constant speed rotation to target

Practical Uses:

Movement

• position += direction * speed * Time.deltaTime
• MoveTowards for consistent speed
• Lerp for smooth acceleration/deceleration

Physics

• AddForce for realistic push
• Reflect for bouncing
• Cross for perpendicular movement

Navigation

• Distance for range checks
• Dot for field of view
• normalized for pure direction

Transformations

• TransformPoint: Convert local to world space
• InverseTransformPoint: World to local space
• LookRotation: Make object face direction

Why Vector Math Matters:

• Movement needs vectors
• Physics uses vectors
• AI pathfinding uses vectors
• Camera control uses vectors
• Animations use vectors