Multivariate calculus problem: Calculating the gradient vector

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The discussion focuses on calculating the gradient vector for a function, with partial derivatives found to be f_x = (2ln(x))/x and f_y = (2ln(y))/y, resulting in the gradient vector ∇f = [(2ln(x))/x, (2ln(y))/y]. Participants express confusion regarding the application of the chain rule in multivariable calculus, particularly in relation to the derivative of a given vector function r(t). Clarification is sought on whether the conditions for using the chain rule are met, with suggestions to refer to the textbook for specific criteria. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding the context and requirements for applying calculus concepts accurately.
squenshl
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Homework Statement
Let ##U := \left\{(x,y)\in \mathbb{R}^2: xy\neq 0\right\}## and let ##f: U\mapsto \mathbb{R}## be defined by
$$f(x,y) := (\log_{e}{(|x|)})^2+(\log_{e}{(|y|)})^2.$$


1. Calculate ##\nabla f(x,y)## at each point of ##U##.

2. Let ##\mathbf{r}: (0,1)\mapsto \mathbb{R}^2## be defined by ##\mathbf{r}(t) := \left(e^{\sin{(t)}},e^{\cos{(t)}}\right).##
Calculate the derivative of ##\mathbf{r}## at each point of ##(0,1).##

3. Justify whether you can use the chain rule to calculate the derivative of ##f\circ \mathbf{r}.##
If it is justifiable, calculate the derivative of ##f\circ \mathbf{r}## using the chain rule.
Relevant Equations
None
1. We find the partial derivatives of ##f## with respect to ##x## and ##y## to get ##f_x = \frac{2\ln{(x)}}{x}## and ##f_y = \frac{2\ln{(y)}}{y}.## This makes the gradient vector
$$\nabla{f} = \begin{bmatrix}
f_x \\
f_y
\end{bmatrix} = \begin{bmatrix}
\frac{2\ln{(x)}}{x} \\
\frac{2\ln{(y)}}{y}
\end{bmatrix}.$$

2. We have
$$\mathbf{r}'(t) = \left(\cos{(t)}e^{\sin{(t)}},-\sin{(t)}e^{\cos{(t)}}\right).$$

After this I'm a little confused. Any help is appreciated.
 
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For (3), what does your version of the chain rule say?

If your multivariable calculus textbook is rigorous, it might also want you to show that ##U## is an open set (which is easily seen by a drawing).
 
The derivative of ##\mathbf{r}## at each point of ##(0,1)##?
 
squenshl said:
The derivative of ##\mathbf{r}## at each point of ##(0,1)##?
That confused me initially too. It would be clearer if it said "at each point in the open interval (0,1)."
 
Okay (1) and (2) are done.
So for (3), assuming ##t > 0##, ##f\circ \mathbf{r} = \ln{(e^{\sin{(t)}})}^2+\ln{(e^{\sin{(t)}})}^2 = \sin^2{(t)}+\cos^2{(t)} = 1## so the derivative is ##0##.
 
For #3, you need calculate the derivative using the chain rule if it can be applied.
 
Okay then I’m lost how do we then justify whether to use the chain rule?
 
I'm sure the conditions are stated in your textbook or were covered in lecture. Look them up.