Math Problem Statement
Which option is correct?
Solution
The question is asking about the maximum value of the directional derivative of a function .
The directional derivative of a function at a point in the direction of a vector is given by the dot product:
Here, is the gradient of the function , and is the unit vector in the direction you're considering.
The maximum value of the directional derivative occurs when the vector is in the same direction as the gradient . This is because the dot product is maximized when the two vectors are aligned in the same direction, i.e., when is parallel to .
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:
- What does the gradient represent geometrically?
- Why is the directional derivative maximized in the direction of the gradient?
- How is the curl of a function related to the gradient and divergence?
- In what physical situations would you be concerned with the directional derivative of a function?
- 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)
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