Finding Gradient Vector of f(x,y,z) = 2*sqrt(xyz) at Point (3,-4,-3)

Click For Summary
The discussion focuses on finding the gradient vector of the function f(x,y,z) = 2*sqrt(xyz) at the point (3,-4,-3). The initial calculation yielded an incorrect gradient vector of (2, (1,5), 2), while the correct answer is (2, (-1,5), -2). The mistake was attributed to confusion over the sign of the square root. Additionally, there is a query about the application of the chain rule in calculating the gradient at another point, (-5,1,3), which resulted in (160,-240,400). The correct sign for the gradient was confirmed through arithmetic verification.
kasse
Messages
383
Reaction score
1
I want to find the gradient vector of f(x,y,z)=2*sqrt(xyz) at the point ((3,-4,-3).

I find the partials and set in for the x-, y-, and z-values, and find the grad. vector (2, (1,5), 2). The right solution is (2, (-1,5), -2), so I have obviously made a mistake with the sqrt. How do I know whether it's + or -?

And another question: Have I used the chain rule correctly when I have calculated the gradient of f(x,y,z) at (-5,1,3) to be (160,-240,400)?
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
what did you get for your gradient??
 
Call your variables x_{i}, i=1,2,3[/tex]<br /> Then, f(x_{1},x_{2},x_{3})=2\sqrt{x_{1}x_{2}x_{3}}<br /> And the partials are:<br /> \frac{\partial{f}}{\partial{x}_{i}}=\frac{2x_{j}x_{k}}{f}, i,j,k=1,2,3,j\neq{i}\neq{k},j\neq{k}<br /> Mind your signs..
 
kasse said:
I want to find the gradient vector of f(x,y,z)=2*sqrt(xyz) at the point ((3,-4,-3).

I find the partials and set in for the x-, y-, and z-values, and find the grad. vector (2, (1,5), 2). The right solution is (2, (-1,5), -2), so I have obviously made a mistake with the sqrt. How do I know whether it's + or -?

And another question: Have I used the chain rule correctly when I have calculated the gradient of f(x,y,z) at (-5,1,3) to be (160,-240,400)?
?? You know whether it is + or - (- is correct here) because that's what you get when you do the arithmetic!

What did you get for the gradient vector of f(x,y,z)= 2\sqrt{xyz}?
 
Question: A clock's minute hand has length 4 and its hour hand has length 3. What is the distance between the tips at the moment when it is increasing most rapidly?(Putnam Exam Question) Answer: Making assumption that both the hands moves at constant angular velocities, the answer is ## \sqrt{7} .## But don't you think this assumption is somewhat doubtful and wrong?

Similar threads

  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
6
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K