Chapter 12: Problem 3
\(\mathrm{T} / \mathrm{F}\) : Let \(z=f(x, y)\) be differentiable at \(P\). If \(\vec{n}\) is a normal vector to the tangent plane of \(f\) at \(P\), then \(\vec{n}\) is orthogonal to \(\ell_{x}\) and \(\ell_{y}\) at \(P\).
Short Answer
Expert verified
True: \( \vec{n} \) is orthogonal to \( \ell_{x} \) and \( \ell_{y} \) at \( P \).
Step by step solution
01
Define the problem
We are asked to determine whether the statement is true or false: If \( \vec{n} \) is a normal vector to the tangent plane of a differentiable function \( z = f(x, y) \) at point \( P \), then \( \vec{n} \) is orthogonal to the tangent vectors \( \ell_{x} \) and \( \ell_{y} \) at \( P \).
02
Understand the meaning of normal vector
A normal vector \( \vec{n} \) to the tangent plane at \( P \) indicates a vector perpendicular to every vector lying on the tangent plane.
03
Define tangent vectors
The tangent vectors \( \ell_{x} \) and \( \ell_{y} \) at \( P \) represent the directional derivatives of \( f \) with respect to \( x \) and \( y \) respectively, which lie on the tangent plane.
04
Orthogonality condition
A vector is orthogonal to another if their dot product is zero. Since \( \vec{n} \) is a normal vector, it is perpendicular to all vectors in the tangent plane, including \( \ell_{x} \) and \( \ell_{y} \).
05
Conclusion
Since \( \vec{n} \) is defined as normal to the tangent plane, it is orthogonal to both \( \ell_{x} \) and \( \ell_{y} \) at \( P \). Therefore, the statement is true.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Tangent Plane
A tangent plane to a surface, like the graph of a function \( z = f(x, y) \), at a point \( P \), is essentially a flat surface. This plane just 'touches' the surface without cutting through it at that point. Imagine a sheet of paper resting snugly on a balloon; the spot where it touches is what we mean by tangent. The plane's equation is typically derived using the functions' partial derivatives at the point \( P \), where the function is approximated linearly.
- This means the tangent plane represents the same slope and direction as the surface itself does at that exact position.
- The equation of the tangent plane to \( z = f(x, y) \) at a point \( (a, b) \) is usually given by: \( z = f(a, b) + f_x(a, b)(x-a) + f_y(a, b)(y-b) \).
Normal Vector
The normal vector is a critical concept as it is perpendicular to the tangent plane. If the tangent plane is like a sheet of paper lying flat, the normal vector is an arrow pointing directly away from the paper, perpendicular to its surface.
- This vector can often be found using the gradient of the function, that is the combination of all partial derivatives.
- For the function \( z = f(x, y) \), the normal vector \( \vec{n} \) will typically be expressed as \( abla f = \left( -f_x, -f_y, 1 \right) \).
- This vector provides a straightforward way to understand the orientation of the tangent plane relative to the surface.
Directional Derivatives
Directional derivatives generalize the concept of partial derivatives. They tell us how much a function's value changes as we move in a specific direction from a point. Instead of limiting movement to the axes as partial derivatives do, they explore any possible line of direction.
- The directional derivative in the direction of a vector \( \mathbf{u} \) is given by the dot product \( abla f \cdot \mathbf{u} \), where \( abla f \) is the gradient and \( \mathbf{u} \) is a unit vector.
- Directional derivatives show how quickly a function increases or decreases as you move from point \( P \) in a specified direction.
Orthogonality
Orthogonality refers to the concept of vectors being perpendicular. In the context of a tangent plane, orthogonality confirms that the normal vector is perpendicular to every vector lying in the plane.
- This includes tangent vectors, like \( \ell_{x} \) and \( \ell_{y} \), which correspond to the partial derivatives of the function \( f \).
- The dot product between any vector in the plane and the normal vector will be zero, which mathematically verifies their perpendicularity.
- This property ensures our geometric concepts like the tangent plane are aligned with algebraic calculations.
Differentiability
Differentiability ensures that a function behaves 'smoothly' at a given point. A differentiable function suggests that near this point, the function can be represented (or approximated) very well by its tangent plane.
- For a function \( z = f(x, y) \) to be differentiable at any point, its partial derivatives must exist around that point, and the function itself must closely follow the form laid out by its tangent plane.
- This means differentiability depends on both continuity and the existence of partial derivatives.
- In practical terms, this means there are no abrupt changes in direction at that point; it's smooth and continuous.