Find Directional Derivative at Given Point in Direction of Given Vector

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the directional derivative of the function \( g(s,t) = s\sqrt{t} \) at the point \( (2,4) \) in the direction of the vector \( \vec{v} = 2\hat{i} - \hat{j} \). Participants are examining the calculations related to the gradient and the directional vector.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the calculation of the gradient \( \nabla g(s,t) \) and its evaluation at the specified point. There is a focus on the directional vector and the subsequent dot product calculation. Some participants question the accuracy of the dot product result, noting discrepancies between their calculations and the expected answer from a textbook.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with participants checking each other's work and clarifying notation. There is recognition of potential errors in the dot product calculation, and some participants express uncertainty about the notation used for the dot product versus the inner product.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of a homework assignment, which may limit the information they can provide or the methods they can use. The discussion includes a focus on ensuring clarity in mathematical notation and understanding the relationships between the vectors involved.

betamu
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Homework Statement


[/B]
Find the directional derivative of the function at the given point in the direction of the vector v.

$$g(s,t)=s\sqrt t, (2,4), \vec{v}=2\hat{i} - \hat{j}$$

Homework Equations



$$\nabla g(s,t) = <g_s(s,t), g_t(s,t)>\\
\vec{u} = \vec{v}/|\vec{v}|\\
D_u g(s,t) = \nabla g(s, t) \cdot \vec{u}$$

The Attempt at a Solution


I found $$\nabla g(s, t) =<\sqrt{t}, s/(2\sqrt{t})>$$ which gives $$\nabla g(2,4) = <2, 1/2>$$ and the directional vector to be $$<2/\sqrt{5}, -1/\sqrt{5}>$$ Which gives a dot product of $$5/2\sqrt{5}$$ but my book says that it should be $$7/2\sqrt{5}$$.
 
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betamu said:

Homework Statement


[/B]
Find the directional derivative of the function at the given point in the direction of the vector v.

$$g(s,t)=s\sqrt t, (2,4), \vec{v}=2\hat{i} - \hat{j}$$

Homework Equations



$$\nabla g(s,t) = <g_s(s,t), g_t(s,t)>\\
\vec{u} = \vec{v}/|\vec{v}|\\
D_u g(s,t) = \nabla g(s, t) \cdot \vec{u}$$

The Attempt at a Solution


I found $$\nabla g(s, t) =<\sqrt{t}, s/(2\sqrt{t})>$$ which gives $$\nabla g(2,4) = <2, 1/2>$$ and the directional vector to be $$<2/\sqrt{5}, -1/\sqrt{5}>$$ Which gives a dot product of $$5/2\sqrt{5}$$ but my book says that it should be $$7/2\sqrt{5}$$.
What is ##\langle (2,1/2)\,,\,(2,-1)\rangle \,?##
 
betamu said:

Homework Statement


[/B]
Find the directional derivative of the function at the given point in the direction of the vector v.

$$g(s,t)=s\sqrt t, (2,4), \vec{v}=2\hat{i} - \hat{j}$$

Homework Equations



$$\nabla g(s,t) = <g_s(s,t), g_t(s,t)>\\
\vec{u} = \vec{v}/|\vec{v}|\\
D_u g(s,t) = \nabla g(s, t) \cdot \vec{u}$$

The Attempt at a Solution


I found $$\nabla g(s, t) =<\sqrt{t}, s/(2\sqrt{t})>$$ which gives $$\nabla g(2,4) = <2, 1/2>$$ and the directional vector to be $$<2/\sqrt{5}, -1/\sqrt{5}>$$ Which gives a dot product of $$5/2\sqrt{5}$$
Check your work on the dot product. I think you missed that the second fraction has a 2 in the denominator.
betamu said:
but my book says that it should be $$7/2\sqrt{5}$$.
I get this, as well, but it should be written as ##.7/(2\sqrt{5})## or better, as $$\frac 7 {2\sqrt 5}$$
 
fresh_42 said:
What is ##\langle (2,1/2)\,,\,(2,-1)\rangle \,?##
I'm unsure what you mean. You're putting the gradient vector and v into one vector together?
 
Mark44 said:
Check your work on the dot product. I think you missed that the second fraction has a 2 in the denominator. I get this, as well, but it should be written as ##.7/(2\sqrt{5})## or better, as $$\frac 7 {2\sqrt 5}$$
Haha wow. Yeah you're right. Well at least I gained some experience in writing out latex code in posting this. Thanks!
 
betamu said:
I'm unsure what you mean. You're putting the gradient vector and v into one vector together?
Yes, it is ##\nabla f \cdot \vec{v}##, I simply left out the norm ##\sqrt{5}## since your mistake was the dot product, not the factor.
 
betamu said:
I'm unsure what you mean. You're putting the gradient vector and v into one vector together?
That should be the dot product of two vectors. fresh_42's notation might be for the inner product, a generalization of the dot product.
 
Oh alright, I'd never seen that notation before. Thank you both!
 

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