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

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a particle moving on a surface defined by the equation (z^2)/2 + yz - (x^2)/2 = 2. The original poster seeks to determine the rate of change of ∂x/∂z at a specific point, given certain rates of change for x and z with respect to time.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the meaning of the phrase "the rate of change (with respect to time) of ∂x/∂z" and express confusion about how to approach finding ∂x/∂z. There are attempts to relate the surface equation to the rates of change provided, and questions arise regarding the necessity of knowing ∂y/∂t.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different interpretations of the problem. Some have proposed methods for finding ∂x/∂z, while others are questioning the validity of these approaches and the information needed to proceed.

Contextual Notes

There is uncertainty regarding the values of ∂y/∂t, which is not provided, and how it factors into the calculations. The original poster's attempts have not yielded a clear path forward, leading to further exploration of assumptions and definitions related to the problem.

MeMoses
Messages
127
Reaction score
0

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.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
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.
 
That's what confuses me a bit. How can you find ∂x/∂z though?
 
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.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K