How Do You Calculate a Perpendicular Unit Vector in Multivariable Functions?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating a perpendicular unit vector in the context of the multivariable function F(x, y, z, u, v) = xy² + yz² + zu² + uv² + vx². The key equation derived is the directional vector, represented as ∇F ⋅ w = 0, indicating that the gradient ∇F and the unit vector w must be perpendicular. The user attempted to express w as and recognized the need for specific values that satisfy the condition aF_x + bF_y + cF_z + dF_u + eF_v = 0. The user received partial credit, indicating a misunderstanding in the specificity required for the components of vector w.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of multivariable calculus concepts, specifically gradients and directional derivatives.
  • Familiarity with vector notation and operations in R⁵.
  • Knowledge of unit vectors and their properties.
  • Proficiency in evaluating functions of multiple variables.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of the gradient vector in multivariable calculus.
  • Learn how to compute directional derivatives using the gradient.
  • Explore the concept of unit vectors and their applications in vector calculus.
  • Practice problems involving perpendicular vectors in R⁵ space.
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Students and educators in multivariable calculus, mathematicians focusing on vector analysis, and anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of directional derivatives and gradient vectors.

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Homework Statement


Suppose ##F(x, y, z, u, v) = xy^2 + yz^2 + zu^2 + uv^2 + vx^2 ## Standing at the point ##(1, 1, 1, 1, 1) ## imagine moving in a direction ##\vec w ## where ##\vec w ## is a unit vector. Find the components of a vector ##\vec u ## such that ## D_\vec u F = 0 ##
Remember ##\vec w ## needs to be unit vector.

Homework Equations


Directional vector = ##\nabla F \cdotp \vec w ##

The Attempt at a Solution



Directional vector = ## <F_x, F_y, F_z, F_u, F_v> \cdotp \vec w = 0 ##
So ##\nabla F ## and ## \vec w ## are perpendicular.
If ## \vec w = <a, b,c, d, e> ## then the components of ## \vec w ## must satisfy ##aF_x + bF_y + cF_z + dF_u + eF_v = 0 ##
To sum it up ## \vec w = <a, b,c, d, e> \frac {1}{|w|} = ## unit vector

I only got 4/10 points on this question, so I made a mistake somewhere...
 
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Is that all of the work you did? You have everything in implicit form...
Your vector <a,b,c,d,e> could be any five numbers at this point.

You need to go more specific
 

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