Chapter 13: Problem 50
Sketch the level curve of \(f(x, y)\) that passes through \(P\) and draw the gradient vector at \(P\). $$ f(x, y)=x^{2}-y^{2} ; \quad P(2,-1) $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The level curve is \( x^2 - y^2 = 3 \); gradient at \( P(2,-1) \) is \( (4, 2) \).
Step by step solution
01
Understand the Definition of a Level Curve
A level curve for a function of two variables, such as \( f(x, y) = x^2 - y^2 \), is a curve where the function has a constant value. To find the level curve that passes through point \( P(2, -1) \), we need to determine this constant value at \( P \).
02
Calculate the Level Curve's Constant Value
Substitute \( x = 2 \) and \( y = -1 \) into the function \( f(x, y) = x^2 - y^2 \). Calculate:\[ f(2, -1) = 2^2 - (-1)^2 = 4 - 1 = 3 \]Thus, the level curve passing through \( P \) is where \( f(x, y) = 3 \).
03
Write the Equation for the Level Curve
Since the constant from Step 2 is 3, the level curve is described by the equation:\[ x^2 - y^2 = 3 \]
04
Draw the Level Curve
Sketch the hyperbola given by the equation \( x^2 - y^2 = 3 \). This is a standard form of a hyperbola centered at the origin, opening along the x-axis.
05
Find the Gradient Vector at \( P \)
The gradient vector of a function \( f(x, y) \) is \( abla f = \left( \frac{\partial f}{\partial x}, \frac{\partial f}{\partial y} \right) \). For our function, compute:\[ \frac{\partial f}{\partial x} = 2x \] and \[ \frac{\partial f}{\partial y} = -2y \]
06
Calculate the Gradient Vector at \( P \)
Substitute \( x = 2 \) and \( y = -1 \) into the gradient expressions:\[ abla f(2, -1) = (2(2), -2(-1)) = (4, 2) \]The gradient vector at \( P(2, -1) \) is \( (4, 2) \).
07
Draw the Gradient Vector at \( P \)
On the sketch, draw the vector \( (4, 2) \) at the point \( (2, -1) \). The gradient vector points in the direction of the greatest increase of the function and is perpendicular to the level curve.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Gradient Vector
The gradient vector is a fundamental concept in multivariable calculus, representing the direction and rate of steepest ascent of a function. For a function of two variables, such as \( f(x, y) \), the gradient vector is denoted as \( abla f \).
- The gradient vector components are found using partial derivatives with respect to each variable.
- For \( f(x, y) = x^2 - y^2 \), the gradient vector is \( abla f = \left(\frac{\partial f}{\partial x}, \frac{\partial f}{\partial y}\right) \).
- The partial derivatives are calculated as follows: \( \frac{\partial f}{\partial x} = 2x \) and \( \frac{\partial f}{\partial y} = -2y \).
Partial Derivatives
Partial derivatives are used to measure the rate at which a function changes with respect to one of its variables while keeping other variables constant. They are the building blocks for gradient vectors.
- The partial derivative \( \frac{\partial f}{\partial x} \) represents how the function changes as \( x \) changes, holding \( y \) constant.
- Similarly, \( \frac{\partial f}{\partial y} \) indicates how the function varies with changes in \( y \) while \( x \) remains unchanged.
Hyperbola
A hyperbola is a type of conic section that is characterized by its unique shape, usually featuring two distinct curves or branches. It is defined mathematically by an equation that resembles a difference of squares.
- The general form of a hyperbola's equation is \( x^2/a^2 - y^2/b^2 = 1 \).
- In our specific case, the level curve through the point \( P(2, -1) \) is described by \( x^2 - y^2 = 3 \).
Function of Two Variables
A function of two variables involves input values \( x \) and \( y \), often denoted as \( f(x, y) \). Such functions plot a surface in three-dimensional space, with the output value representing the height above the \( xy \)-plane.
- The expression \( f(x, y) = x^2 - y^2 \) provides a rule that assigns a single value to every pair of \( (x, y) \).
- Level curves, or isoclines, are specific curves on this surface where the function has the same value.
- They are found by setting \( f(x, y) = c \), where \( c \) is some constant, leading to equations like \( x^2 - y^2 = 3 \).