Given z=x²+3xy-2y² Estimate the change in z

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around estimating the change in the function z = x² + 3xy - 2y² as the variables x and y change from specific values. Participants are exploring the application of partial derivatives to approximate this change.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the use of partial derivatives to estimate the change in z based on given changes in x and y. There is a focus on calculating dz/dx and dz/dy, and some participants express uncertainty about the next steps in the calculation.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on how to apply the partial derivatives to compute the estimated change in z. There is acknowledgment of the method being plausible, but also a note that the exact value can be calculated differently. Multiple interpretations of the problem are being explored.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the importance of using the correct decimal notation and highlight that the homework specifically requests an estimate rather than an exact calculation.

Doesnt Matter
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1. Given z=x²+3xy-2y² Estimate the change in z when x changes from 2 to 2,5 and y changes from 3 to 2,52. I am stuck with the math and can't figure it out as what I need to do further.3.
a=2
b=3
Δx= +0,5
Δy= -0,5

dz/dx = 2x+3y
=2(2)+3(3)
=13
dz/dy = 3x-4y
= 3(2)-4(3)
=-6
Δz=f(a+Δx ; b+Δy) - f(a,b)
=f
[2+0,5 ; 3+(-0,5)] - f(2,-0,5)
=f(2,3)(0,5) + f(2,3)(-0,5)
=** This is where I am stuck.

=13(0.5) + (-6)(-0,5)
=9,5?
 
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Doesnt Matter said:
1. Given z=x²+3xy-2y² Estimate the change in z when x changes from 2 to 2,5 and y changes from 3 to 2,52. I am stuck with the math and can't figure it out as what I need to do further.3.
a=2
b=3
Δx= +0,5
Δy= -0,5

dz/dx = 2x+3y
=2(2)+3(3)
=13
dz/dy = 3x-4y
= 3(2)-4(3)
=-6

You're almost there: To first order, you can approximate: \delta z = \frac{\partial z}{\partial x} \delta x + \frac{\partial z}{\partial y} \delta y

You know that:
\delta x = + 0.5 (in America, we use "." for decimals, rather than ",")
\delta y = - 0.5
\frac{\partial z}{\partial x} = 13
\frac{\partial z}{\partial y} = -6

So you just plug in what you know to compute \delta z
 
That's a plausible way to estimate the change in z but the exact value is z(2.5, 2.5)- z(2, 3).
 
HallsofIvy said:
That's a plausible way to estimate the change in z but the exact value is z(2.5, 2.5)- z(2, 3).

But the homework asked for an estimate.
 

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