A particle moves on a surface find ∂x/∂y at given point

In summary, the problem involves finding the rate of change of ∂x/∂z at a specific point on a surface, given the rates of change for x and z with respect to time. However, the concept of the rate of change of ∂x/∂z with respect to time is unclear and there is confusion on how to find it. Some have suggested using the partial derivatives of the surface with respect to x and z, but this leads to an unknown rate of change for y.
  • #1
MeMoses
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Homework Statement



A particle moves on the surface (z^2)/2+yz-(x^2)/2=2. At point (-2, 1, 2) x is changing at the rate of 2/m sec and z is changing at the rate of -1/m sec. Determine in m/sec. the rate of change (with respect to time) of ∂x/∂z at (-2, 1, 2).

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


Not really sure where to start and all my attempts get me nowhere. Does ∂x/∂t = 2 and ∂z/∂t = -1? I tried that and then differentiated with respect to t and got nowhere. If someone could help me in the right direction that would be great. Thanks for your time.
 
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  • #2
Frankly, the phrase "the rate of change (with respect to time) of ∂x/∂z" doesn't make much sense to me. I guess it would mean
[tex]\frac{d\frac{\left(\partial x\right)}{\partial z}}{dt}[/tex]
but that looks very peculiar.

An obvious problem would be to find the rate of change of y with respect to t.
 
  • #3
That's what confuses me a bit. How can you find ∂x/∂z though?
 
  • #4
Ok can someone correct me if this idea is completely wrong. Can ∂x/∂z be found (if the surface is F) by taking (∂F/∂z)/(∂F/∂x)? If that is allowed though I get (z+y)/x and when I differentiate with respect to time I still get a ∂y/∂t which I am not given a value for.
 

1. What does ∂x/∂y represent in this scenario?

∂x/∂y represents the partial derivative of the particle's position in the x-direction with respect to the y-direction. It shows how the particle's position changes in the x-direction as it moves along the surface in the y-direction.

2. How is ∂x/∂y calculated?

∂x/∂y is calculated by taking the derivative of the function that describes the particle's position on the surface with respect to the y-variable, while holding all other variables constant.

3. Why is it important to calculate ∂x/∂y?

Calculating ∂x/∂y allows us to understand how the particle's position changes on the surface in different directions. This information is important in fields such as physics and engineering, where precise understanding of a particle's motion is crucial.

4. Can ∂x/∂y be negative or zero?

Yes, ∂x/∂y can be negative or zero. A negative value indicates that the particle's position in the x-direction is decreasing as it moves in the y-direction, while a zero value indicates no change in the particle's position in the x-direction as it moves in the y-direction.

5. Is ∂x/∂y affected by the shape or slope of the surface?

Yes, ∂x/∂y is affected by the shape and slope of the surface. The value of ∂x/∂y will vary depending on the surface's curvature and steepness at the given point. This is why it is important to specify the point at which ∂x/∂y is being calculated.

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