Calculus (3rd Edition)

Published by W. H. Freeman
ISBN 10: 1464125260
ISBN 13: 978-1-46412-526-3

Chapter 15 - Differentiation in Several Variables - 15.5 The Gradient and Directional Derivatives - Exercises - Page 801: 12

Answer

$$3$$

Work Step by Step

Given $$ f(x, y)=x^{2}-3 x y, \quad \mathbf{r}(t)=\langle\cos t, \sin t\rangle, \quad t=\frac{\pi}{2}$$ Since $ \mathbf{r}(\pi/2)=\langle 0,1 \rangle$ and \begin{align*} \nabla f&=\left\langle\frac{\partial f}{\partial x}, \frac{\partial f}{\partial y}\right\rangle\\ &=\langle 2x-3y, -3x\rangle\\ \mathbf{r}^{\prime}(t)&=\langle -\sin t, \cos t \rangle \end{align*} Then \begin{align*} \frac{d}{d t} f(\mathbf{r}(t))&=\nabla f_{\mathbf{r}(t)} \cdot \mathbf{r}^{\prime}(t)\\ &=\langle 2\cos t-3\sin t, -3\cos t\rangle\cdot\langle -\sin t, \cos t \rangle \end{align*} Hence \begin{align*} \frac{d}{d t} f(\mathbf{r}(t))\bigg|_{t=\pi/2} &= \langle -3,-3\rangle\cdot \langle-1,0\rangle \\ &= 3 \end{align*}
Update this answer!

You can help us out by revising, improving and updating this answer.

Update this answer

After you claim an answer you’ll have 24 hours to send in a draft. An editor will review the submission and either publish your submission or provide feedback.