Linear Approximation

KingBigness

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

Let f(x,y) = [itex](xe^y)^8[/itex]

i) Find

[itex]\frac{∂f}{∂x}[/itex] [itex]\frac{∂f}{∂y}[/itex] [itex]\frac{∂^2f}{∂x^2}[/itex]

ii) Using a tangent plane of f(x,y) find an approximate value of (0.98e^0.01)^8

2. Relevant equations
3. The attempt at a solution

i)
[itex]\frac{∂f}{∂x}[/itex] =[itex] 8e^{8y}x^{7}[/itex]

[itex]\frac{∂f}{∂y}[/itex] = [itex] 8x^{8}e^{8y}[/itex]

[itex]\frac{∂^2f}{∂x^2}[/itex] = [itex] 56e^{8y}x^{6}[/itex]


ii) I have done many questions on finding linear approximations but I have always had a function, a point to evaluate the function at and points to approximate it at.

In this I have the function Let f(x,y) = [itex](xe^y)^8[/itex] and want to use it to approximate f(0.98,0.01) but I'm not sure at what point I should evaluate it at.

Can anyone help out?

HallsofIvy

Since .98 is reasonably close to 1 and 0.01 close to 0, I think x= 1, y= 0 would be a good try.

KingBigness

Was leaning towards that, just wanted to make sure.

That all worked out nicely, thanks for your advice =D