Quick directional derivative question -- help please

In summary, a directional derivative is a measure of the rate of change of a function in a specific direction. It is calculated by taking the dot product of the gradient vector of the function and the unit vector in the desired direction. The directional derivative represents the slope of the tangent line to the function in the specified direction at a given point, and it can be negative if the function is decreasing in that direction. The directional derivative is commonly used in science and engineering to analyze the rate of change of a function in a specific direction, as well as in optimization problems and in fields such as physics and economics.
  • #1
ilyas.h
60
0

Homework Statement


[/B]
find directional derivative at point (0,0) in direction u = (1, -1) for

f(x,y) = x(1+y)^-1

The Attempt at a Solution



grad f(x,y) = ( (1+y)^-1, -x(1+y)^-2 )

grad f(0,0) = (1, 0)

grad f(x,y) . u = (1,0).(1,-1) = 1.

seems easy but markscheme says I am wromg. It says answer is 1/root2
 
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  • #2
In the last line you need to take a unit vector in the direction of u.
 
  • #3
physichu said:
In the last line you need to take a unit vector in the direction of u.

Duh! you're awesome. Thanks.
 

1. What is a directional derivative?

A directional derivative is a measure of the rate of change of a function in a specific direction. It tells us how quickly a function is changing in a particular direction at a given point.

2. How is a directional derivative calculated?

The directional derivative is calculated by taking the dot product of the gradient vector of the function and the unit vector in the desired direction.

3. What does the directional derivative represent?

The directional derivative represents the slope of the tangent line to the function in the specified direction at a given point.

4. Can a directional derivative be negative?

Yes, a directional derivative can be negative if the function is decreasing in the specified direction at the given point.

5. How is the directional derivative used in real-world applications?

The directional derivative is used in various fields of science and engineering to analyze the rate of change of a function in a specific direction. It is particularly useful in optimization problems, such as finding the steepest descent or ascent, as well as in physics and economics to study the behavior of systems in different directions.

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