Math Problem Statement

Which option is correct?

The maximum value of directional derivative of f occurs

Solution

The question is asking about the maximum value of the directional derivative of a function ff.

The directional derivative of a function ff at a point in the direction of a vector v\mathbf{v} is given by the dot product:

Dvf=fvD_{\mathbf{v}} f = \nabla f \cdot \mathbf{v}

Here, f\nabla f is the gradient of the function ff, and v\mathbf{v} is the unit vector in the direction you're considering.

The maximum value of the directional derivative occurs when the vector v\mathbf{v} is in the same direction as the gradient f\nabla f. This is because the dot product is maximized when the two vectors are aligned in the same direction, i.e., when v\mathbf{v} is parallel to f\nabla f.

So, the correct answer is "In the direction of Grad f."

Let me know if you need more details or have any questions!

Here are 5 related questions:

  1. What does the gradient f\nabla f represent geometrically?
  2. Why is the directional derivative maximized in the direction of the gradient?
  3. How is the curl curl(f)\mathbf{curl}(f) of a function related to the gradient and divergence?
  4. In what physical situations would you be concerned with the directional derivative of a function?
  5. How does the magnitude of the gradient relate to the rate of change of the function?

Tip: The gradient of a scalar field always points in the direction of the steepest ascent.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Directional Derivative
Gradient
Dot Product

Formulas

D_{\mathbf{v}} f = \nabla f \cdot \mathbf{v}

Theorems

Maximum of directional derivative occurs in the direction of the gradient

Suitable Grade Level

Undergraduate Level (Calculus and Vector Analysis)