Exercise · ZW-GRADIENT-001 · ★☆☆ Basic
Compute \(\nabla f(1,2)\) for \(f(x,y)=x^2y\).
Choose one option.
Show answer
- B. \(\langle 4,1\rangle\)
Explanation
\(f_x=2xy=4\) and \(f_y=x^2=1\) at \((1,2)\), so \(\nabla f=\langle4,1\rangle\). Mind the order: the first component is \(f_x\).
Review the concept: Gradient
The gradient \(\nabla f\) of a differentiable function \(f\) is the vector that collects its partial derivatives at a point; it points where \(f\) increases fastest.
\[\nabla f=\langle f_x,\,f_y\rangle=f_x\,\mathbf{i}+f_y\,\mathbf{j}\]
More practice problems: gradient
- ZW-GRADIENT-002 Compute ∇ f(2,0) for f(x,y)=xe^y.
- ZW-GRADIENT-003 Compute ∇ f(1,2,3) for f(x,y,z)=xyz.
- ZW-GRADIENT-004 Compute ∇ f(1,1) for f(x,y)=ln (x^2+y^2).
- ZW-GRADIENT-005 For f(x,y)=x^2+y^2 at (3,4), what is the maximum rate of change of f?
- ZW-GRADIENT-006 In which unit vector direction does f(x,y)=xy increase fastest from (2,3)?
- ZW-GRADIENT-007 The level curve of f(x,y)=x^2+y^2 through (1,1) has a tangent vector there. Which one?
- ZW-GRADIENT-008 If ∇ f(P)=0 and f is differentiable, what can be said at P?
- ZW-GRADIENT-009 Find the tangent line to the curve x^2+4y^2=8 at the point (2,1).