Math Problem Statement

Match correctly with the given vector field graph

Match the given vector fields F with their corresponding graphs (I-IV).

Solution

To match the given vector fields F(x,y)F(x, y) with their corresponding graphs, we analyze how the components of the vector field affect the direction and magnitude of the vectors. Let's break down each option and compare it to the graphs provided.

1. Analysis of Vector Fields:

a. F(x,y)=xi^yj^F(x, y) = x \, \hat{i} - y \, \hat{j}

  • The xx-component increases linearly along the xx-axis.
  • The yy-component is negative and increases linearly with yy, pointing downward for positive yy and upward for negative yy.
    Behavior: Radial pattern with vectors pointing outward along the xx-axis and inward along the yy-axis. Likely matches Graph I.

b. F(x,y)=yi^+(xy)j^F(x, y) = y \, \hat{i} + (x - y) \, \hat{j}

  • The xx-component is proportional to yy.
  • The yy-component is determined by xyx - y, leading to a combination of increasing xx-direction and decreasing yy-direction.
    Behavior: Slanted pattern depending on the combination of xx and yy. Likely matches Graph IV.

c. F(x,y)=yi^+(y+2)j^F(x, y) = y \, \hat{i} + (y + 2) \, \hat{j}

  • The xx-component is proportional to yy.
  • The yy-component increases linearly with yy and always points upward.
    Behavior: Vectors move upward with a slight tilt depending on yy. Likely matches Graph II.

d. F(x,y)=cos(x+y)i^+xj^F(x, y) = \cos(x + y) \, \hat{i} + x \, \hat{j}

  • The xx-component oscillates due to the cosine function of x+yx + y.
  • The yy-component increases linearly with xx.
    Behavior: Complex field with oscillations in the xx-direction and consistent increase in yy-direction. Likely matches Graph III.

2. Matching Results:

  • a matches Graph I.
  • b matches Graph IV.
  • c matches Graph II.
  • d matches Graph III.

Would you like more details or further explanation? Here are 5 follow-up questions to expand on this:

  1. What is a vector field, and how can you interpret its components?
  2. How do the properties of trigonometric functions (e.g., cosine) affect vector fields?
  3. What are the typical patterns for radial and oscillatory vector fields?
  4. How can you graph vector fields from scratch?
  5. How does scaling the components of a vector field affect its visualization?

Tip: When analyzing vector fields, always observe how the direction and magnitude of vectors change with respect to xx and yy. This helps identify patterns like rotation, oscillation, or divergence.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Vector fields
Direction fields
Vector calculus

Formulas

F(x, y) = x î - y ĵ
F(x, y) = y î + (x - y) ĵ
F(x, y) = y î + (y + 2) ĵ
F(x, y) = cos(x + y) î + x ĵ

Theorems

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Suitable Grade Level

Undergraduate Calculus or Advanced High School (Grades 11-12)