ENG 2091 Advanced Engineering Mathematics A

Lecture 6
Gradient and Directional Derivatives
Dr Lau Ee Von

Gradient of a Scalar Field/Function

Gradient of a scalar function , , is denoted by
grad or grad = = , , = + +

vector field/function

Gradient of a Scalar Field/Function

Example Find the vector field (gradient) of , , = 2 2 + 3 2 + 2 at P (2,1,3) grad = = , , = [4, 6, 2] at P (2,1,3) = 8, 6, 6 = 8 + 6 + 6

Directional Derivative
grad or = vector field Definition: The rate of change of (, , ) in the x,y,z-coordinate axes direction

Directional derivative of a function , , , or

Definition: The rate of change of , , in an arbitrary direction, in space

Directional Derivative
Directional derivative of a function , , at a point, P =
s P
0

() lim 0

s is the arc length of line L |s| is the distance between P0 and Q s>0 if Q lies in the direction of s<0 if Q lies in the direction of

Directional Derivative
Directional derivative of a function , , at a point, P0 =
s P0

(0 ) lim 0

s is the arc length of line L Equation of line L (parameterised by arc length, s) = + + = +

Directional Derivative
Directional derivative of a function , , at a point, P0 =

Equation of line L (parameterised by arc length, s) = + + = + () = = + + =

= + + =
= =

Directional Derivative
Directional derivative of a function , , at a point, P0 =

= = 1 = = ||

If the direction is given as a unit vector,

If the direction is given as a vector,

Directional Derivative
Example Find the directional derivative of , , = 2 2 + 3 2 + 2 at P (2,1,3) in the direction of a = [1, 0, -2]
1 = || = , , = [4, 6, 2] () = 8, 6, 6

1 12 + (2)2
= 1.789

1,0, 2 8,6,6

Directional derivative of a point is a Scalar

We know the definition of and But what does it all mean?

= = cos Since represents a unit vector, therefore = 1

= cos
If = , then = 0
2

Directional derivative = 0, i.e. scalar function (level curve or level surface)

Vector field is perpendicular to the point on curve/surface i.e. surface normal vector,

Confused?

In essence, is constant (i.e. either level curves or level surfaces) = , surface normal vector

We know the definition of and But what does it all mean?

The directional derivative, (of a scalar field, ) at a point attains a maximum value when taken in the direction of the gradient of (direction of the steepest ascent is in the same direction of the vector field at that point)

The directional derivative, (of a scalar field, ) at a point attains a minimum value when taken in the direction opposite to the gradient of (direction of the steepest ascent is in the opposite direction of the vector field at that point)

Even more confused?

Level curves of hill height

Level curves of temperature away from fire

Direction of steepest ascend/rate of increase Direction of steepest descend/rate of decrease

= =

+ve -ve

Past year exam question: Q1, 2008

Past year exam question: Q1, 2008

Quotient rule: () () = () [ ]2

Past year exam question: Q1, 2008

Past year exam question: Q1, 2008

Past year exam question: Q1, 2008

Summary
Gradient, of a scalar field = vector field Directional derivative = rate of change of a scalar field at a point P in a specified direction = , surface normal vector for level curves/surfaces