Finding the Directional derivative

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the directional derivative of the function f(x, y) = 5 - x² - 2y² at the point P(-1, -1). Participants express uncertainty about determining the direction needed for this calculation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants question the completeness of the problem statement and seek clarification on the direction required for the directional derivative. Some suggest that the direction might be inferred from the vector pointing from the origin to point P.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants requesting more information about the problem. There is a recognition that the original question may be incomplete, and some guidance has been offered regarding the nature of the directional derivative.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted lack of clarity regarding the specific direction for the directional derivative, which is essential for solving the problem. Participants are encouraged to provide the full problem statement as given in their textbook.

teng125
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Find the directional derivative of f (x, y) = 5−x2−2y2 at P (-1, -1).
anybody pls help as i don't know how to find the direction from this ques so , i can't find the directional derivative


pls help
thanx
 
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Your question seems to be incomplete; please provide the complete question as it is given in the book. The directional derivative is the rate at which a function changes at some point in a particular direction.
 
neutrino said:
The directional derivative is the rate at which a function changes at some point in a particular direction.

anybody pls help as i don't know how to find the direction from this ques so

I think that's what he's trying to figure out.

If you have absolutely no clue what direction it's in, I would guess that it's in the direction of the vector from the origin to P. Not for any particular reason, but because it's a better guess than anything else :confused:
 
One more time: the problem as stated makes no sense. teng125, please state the entire problem as given in your textbook.
 

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