Chapter 16: Problem 22
Find the gradient vector field of \(f\) $$f(x, y)=\tan (3 x-4 y)$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The gradient vector field is \( \left(3\sec^2(3x - 4y), -4\sec^2(3x - 4y)\right) \).
Step by step solution
01
Identify the Function
The given function is \( f(x, y) = \tan(3x - 4y) \). This function consists of the tangent of a linear expression in terms of \(x\) and \(y\).
02
Differentiate with Respect to x
To find the partial derivative of \( f \) with respect to \( x \), we use the chain rule. The derivative of \( \tan(u) \) with respect to \( u \) is \( \sec^2(u) \). Therefore, \( f_x = \frac{d}{dx}[\tan(3x - 4y)] = 3\sec^2(3x - 4y) \).
03
Differentiate with Respect to y
Now, find the partial derivative of \( f \) with respect to \( y \). Again using the chain rule, the derivative inside is with respect to \(-4y\), which gives us \( f_y = \frac{d}{dy}[\tan(3x - 4y)] = -4\sec^2(3x - 4y) \).
04
Form the Gradient Vector Field
The gradient vector field is composed of the partial derivatives of the function with respect to \( x \) and \( y \). Thus, \( abla f = (f_x, f_y) = \left(3\sec^2(3x - 4y), -4\sec^2(3x - 4y)\right) \).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Partial Derivatives
Partial derivatives are a fundamental concept in multivariable calculus that involve taking the derivative of a function with respect to one variable while keeping the other variables constant. This is particularly useful in functions of several variables, such as functions defined on \(x\) and \(y\).
- In the given example, the partial derivatives \(f_x\) and \(f_y\) of \(f(x, y) = \tan(3x - 4y)\) are calculated with respect to \(x\) and \(y\) separately.
- To find \(f_x\), you treat \(y\) as a constant and differentiate with respect to \(x\).
- To find \(f_y\), you treat \(x\) as a constant and differentiate with respect to \(y\).
Chain Rule
The chain rule is a powerful technique used in calculus to differentiate composite functions. It helps determine the derivative of a function based on its nested structure.
- In our example, \(f(x, y) = \tan(3x - 4y)\), we recognize that the tangent function is nested within another linear function, \(3x - 4y\).
- To apply the chain rule, we differentiate the outer function, \(\tan(u)\), where \(u = 3x - 4y\), and then multiply by the derivative of the inner function.
- This gives us \(f_x = 3\sec^{2}(3x - 4y)\) and \(f_y = -4\sec^{2}(3x - 4y)\).
Tangent Function
The tangent function \(\tan(\theta)\) is one of the basic trigonometric functions that arises frequently in calculus, particularly in analyzing periodic phenomena.
- In the function \(f(x, y) = \tan(3x - 4y)\), \(\tan(\theta)\) helps describe how rapidly the function changes.
- The derivative of \(\tan(u)\) is \(\sec^2(u)\), a fact that is utilized when applying the chain rule.
Calculus
Calculus is a branch of mathematics focused on the study of change and motion, using derivatives and integrals as its primary tools.
Understanding calculus is foundational for tackling complex real-world problems involving rates of change in multiple dimensions, making it a vital part of advanced mathematics and various scientific fields.
- It allows us to understand and describe continuous change in a rigorous way.
- Tools like partial derivatives and the chain rule are cornerstones of calculus, enabling the study of functions with more than one variable.
Understanding calculus is foundational for tackling complex real-world problems involving rates of change in multiple dimensions, making it a vital part of advanced mathematics and various scientific fields.