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Tutorial 4

The document contains a tutorial with multiple problems related to calculus, specifically focusing on directional derivatives, gradients, and electric potential. Each problem presents a mathematical function and asks for specific calculations such as finding directional derivatives, gradients, and unit vectors. The tutorial is structured to guide students through various applications of these concepts in different scenarios.

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5 views2 pages

Tutorial 4

The document contains a tutorial with multiple problems related to calculus, specifically focusing on directional derivatives, gradients, and electric potential. Each problem presents a mathematical function and asks for specific calculations such as finding directional derivatives, gradients, and unit vectors. The tutorial is structured to guide students through various applications of these concepts in different scenarios.

Uploaded by

awethufana06
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

EMA261/265S 2026 Tutorial 4

GM Tshitenge – tshitengeg@[Link]

February 11, 2026


Collaborators:

Problem 1
Find the directional derivative of the function at P in the direction of ⃗v.
(a) f (x, y) = x2 y, P (−5, 5), ⃗v = 3⃗i − 4⃗j
(b) f (x, y) = 41 y2 − x2 , P (1, 4), ⃗v = 2⃗i + ⃗j

Problem 2
Find the gradient of the function and the maximum value of the directional derivative at the given point.
(a) z = x2 y, (2, 1)
y
(b) z = x2 +y2
, (1, 1)
 
(c) Z = x4 y − y2 z2 , −1, 21 , 2

Problem 3
Let consider
f (x, y) = 9x2 − 4y2 , c = 65, P(3, 2)
(a) Find the gradient of the function at P.
(b) Find a unit normal vector to the level curve f (x, y) = c at P.

Problem 4
The surface of a mountain is modelled by the equation

h(x, y) = 5000 − 0.001x2 − 0.004y2

A mountain climber is at (500, 300, 4390). In what direction should the climber move in order to ascend at
the greatest rate?

1
Problem 5
√
At the point (1, 2), the directional derivative D⃗u f is 2 2 toward P1 (2, 3) and −3 toward P2 (1, 0). Find
D⃗u f (1, 2) toward the origin.

Problem 6
The temperature in degree Celsius on the surface of a metal plate is given by T (x, y), where x and y are
measured in centimeters. Find the direction from P where the temperature increases most rapidly and this
rate of increase.

1. T (x, y) = 80 − 3x2 − y2 , P (−1, 5).

2. T (x, y) = 50 − x2 − 4y2 , P (2, −1)

Problem 7
⃗ f (0, 0) = 2⃗i + 3 ⃗j
Suppose that ∇ 2

(a) Find a unit vector ⃗u such that D⃗u f (0, 0) is maximum. What is this maximum value?

(b) Find a unit vector ⃗u such that D⃗u f (0, 0) is minimum. What is this minimum value?

Problem 8
Given that the directional derivative of f (x, y, z) at the point (3, −2, 1) in the direction of ⃗a = 2⃗i − ⃗j − 2⃗k is −5
⃗ f (3, −2, 1)|| = 5, find ∇
and that ||∇ ⃗ f (3, −2, 1).

Problem 9
If the electric potential at a point (x, y) in the xy−plane is V(x, y), then the electric intensity vector at the point
⃗
(x, y) is E⃗ = −∇V(x, y). Suppose that V(x, y) = e−2x cos 2y.

(a) Find the electric intensity vector at (π/4, 0).

(b) Show that at each point in the plane, the electric potential decreases most rapidly in the direction of the
⃗
vector E.

Problem 10
Find a function f such that
⃗ f = e x cos y⃗i − e x sin y⃗j + z⃗k
∇

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