Math Problem Statement

The gradient of the scalar point function f(x,y,z)=x^2+y^2+z^2 is?

Solution

To find the gradient of the scalar point function f(x,y,z)=x2+y2+z2f(x, y, z) = x^2 + y^2 + z^2, we need to compute the partial derivatives of ff with respect to each of the variables xx, yy, and zz.

  1. The partial derivative of f(x,y,z)f(x, y, z) with respect to xx: fx=2x\frac{\partial f}{\partial x} = 2x

  2. The partial derivative of f(x,y,z)f(x, y, z) with respect to yy: fy=2y\frac{\partial f}{\partial y} = 2y

  3. The partial derivative of f(x,y,z)f(x, y, z) with respect to zz: fz=2z\frac{\partial f}{\partial z} = 2z

Therefore, the gradient of f(x,y,z)f(x, y, z) is the vector formed by these partial derivatives: f(x,y,z)=(2x,2y,2z)\nabla f(x, y, z) = (2x, 2y, 2z)

Looking at the options, the correct answer is (2x,2y,2z)\boxed{(2x, 2y, 2z)}.

Would you like a deeper explanation on gradients or any of the steps? Here are five related questions:

  1. How do you compute the gradient of a more complex function?
  2. What is the physical meaning of the gradient in the context of a scalar field?
  3. How can the gradient be used to find the direction of steepest ascent?
  4. How do you find the gradient for vector fields?
  5. What is the divergence and how does it relate to the gradient?

Tip: The gradient points in the direction of the greatest rate of increase of a function, and its magnitude represents the rate of increase.

Ask a new question for Free

By Image

Drop file here or Click Here to upload

Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Vector Calculus
Gradient

Formulas

∇f(x, y, z) = (2x, 2y, 2z)

Theorems

Gradient Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 11-12, College-level