A magnitude tells us how big something is, and direction tells us which direction something is directed or is in or going.
A Vector is any quantity with both magnitude and direction, so a quantity of 200 Newtons downwards is a vector.
A Scalar is any quantity that has a magnitude, but no direction, so a 20 degree fahrenheit temperature, 250 Calories, 90 miles per hour, and 6 feet are all scalars.
The direction of a vector in 1 dimensional motion is given by a plus (+) or minus (-) sign.
However, to graph 3 dimensions, you need to have two signs, which are usually given by +y, -y, +x, or -x signs, relating to an x/y plane.
XY Plane Example:
