5.

25 SCALAR AND VECTOR POINT FUNCTIONS

Point function. A variable quantity whose value at any point ·
in a region of space depends upon the position of the point, is
called a point function. There are two types of point functions
(i) Scalar point function. If to each point P (x. y. =) of a
region R in space there corresponds a unique scalar f (P), then f is
called a scalar point function. For example, the temperature
distribution in a heated body, density of a body and potential due to gravity are the exampl s of
a scalar point function
(ii) Vector point function. lfto each point P (x. y. => of a region R in space there corresponds
a unique vector f (P), then f is called a vector point function. The velocity of a moving fluid,
gravitational force are the examples of vector point function
( U. P.. I Semester. Winter 2000)
386 Vectors
Vector Differential Operator Del Le. V
The vector differential operator pet is denoted by V. It is defined as
V = "i -+J-+
a " a "k-a
ax oy 0:
5.26 GRADIENT OF A SCALAR FUNCTION
If ♦ (x, y, =) be a scalar function then i a++') a++ ka+ is called the gradient of the scalar
ax oy 0:
function ♦.
And is denoted by grad ♦.

Thus, grad ♦ = i a+ + j a+ + ka♦

ax oy 0:
gard ♦ = (1~+ j~+k~) ♦(x,y, =)
ax oy a=
gard ♦ = V ♦ (V is read del or nebla)
5.27 GEOMETRICAL MEANING OF GRADIENT, NORMAL
( U.P. /st Semester. Dec 2006)
If a surface +(x, y, =) = c passes through a point P. The value of the function at each point
on the surface is the same as at P. Then such a surface is called a level surface through P. For
example, If ♦(x, y, =) represents potential at the point P, then equipotential surface ♦ (x, y, =) = c
is a level surface.
Two level surfaces can not intersect.
Let the level surface pass through the point Pat which the value of the function is ♦ . Consider
another level surface passing through Q, where the value of the function is ♦ + d♦ .
. . --t
Let r and r + or be the position vector of P and Q then PQ = or

V♦.dF
=
ax ja♦
(,a++ ay +ka♦)
a= -<1dx+ jdy+kd=>
= a+ dx + a ♦ dy +a ♦ "== d♦ .. .(I)
ax ay a=
If Q lies on the level surface of P, then d♦ = 0
Equation (I) becomes V♦ . dr = 0. Then V♦ is .l to dF (tangent).
Hence, V♦ is normal to the surface ♦(x. y. => = c
Let V♦ = IV♦I N, where N is a unit normal vector. Let on be the perpendicular distance
between two level surfaces through P and R. Then the rate of change of ♦ in the direction of the

normal to the surface through P is a♦ .

an
➔

d ♦ = lim o+ = lim V♦.d r

dn on ➔ O On on ➔ O On

" ➔
..... ➔ ➔ ➔
N .or = ~N IIor Icos 0
}
= lim I V♦ I N .d r
on ➔ O on {
=10, Icos e =on
= lim IV♦ I on =IV♦ I
6n ➔ O On
Vectors 387

IV♦I = a+
on
Hence, gradient ♦ is a vector normal to the surface ♦ = c and has a magnitude equal to the
rate of change of ♦ along this normal.
5.28 NORMAL AND DIRECTIONAL DERIVATIVE
(i) Normal. If +(x. y. :) = c represents a family of surfaces for different values of the constant
c. On differentiating ♦, we get d♦ = 0
➔

But d♦ = V ♦ . d r_ so V♦ .d r = 0
➔ ➔

The scalar product of two vectors V♦ and d r being zero, V♦ and d r are perpendicular to
each other. d--; is in the direction of tangent to the given surface.
Thus V♦ is a vector normal to the surface +(x. y. :) = c.
➔

(ii) Directional derivative. The component of V♦ in the direction. of a vector d is equal to

- ➔
V♦.d and is called the directional derivative of ♦ in the direction of d .
. .

a+
or -- lim
6r ➔ O
6♦
Or
where, or= PQ
aar+ is called the directional derivative of ♦ at P in the direction of PQ.
/\ I

Let a unit vector along PQ be N .

on on on
or=--=--
or = cos 9 ~
cos 8 /\ /\ ,
N ·N
... (I)

o♦
1

a+ = lim [ ~ ] = N.N
Now
or 6r ➔ O On an From (I), or = ~
/\
]
/\ I
.,._ .,._ I
[ N .N
N.N
/\ I /\ /\ I
/\
= N . NIV♦ I = N .V♦
(::NI V♦ I = V♦)

Hence, !!, directional derivative is the component of V♦ in the direction N 1

a+ = N' .V♦ =I V♦ Icos 9 SI V♦ I

ar
Hence, V♦ is the maximum rate of change of ♦.
➔ ➔ ➔ ➔ ➔
Example 15. For the vector field (i) A= mi and (ii) A= m r . Find V . A and V x A.
Draw the sketch in each case. (Gujarat. I Semester. Jan. 2009)
➔ /\
Solution. (i) Vector A = ~; is represented in the figure (i).
➔ ➔
(ii) A = •~ r is represented in the figure (ii) .
➔
Aa Ao + kAa) /\ A A

(iii) V .A = i-
ax +j -
ay - .(xi+ y j
i);
+: k) =I + I+ I= 3
➔

V.A = 3 is represented on the number line at 3.

= (, ~ + j ~ + k~) x (xi+ y j + ; k)
➔
(iv) VxA
m- oy i3=
388 Veciors
I\ I\ I\
i j k
a a a
= ax -oy iJ= =O
X y --
are represented in the adjoining figure.
/\
k /\
k

--------
/\ )'! ~<.
j ~

7~0 ,,,____ , . Number line - - -.. j

/\

,-., j 0123 0
/\
I
~; (ii) (iii) (iv)
Example 16. If+ = 3xy - 1
y=1: find grad+ at the point(/, -2. -/).
(AM/ET£, June 2009, U.P., I Semester. Dec. 2006)
Solution. grad+= _V♦

= (7 ~ax + 1~ + k~)<3x y- / = >

oy a=
2 2

= "i-(3x2y-
o "o
y3=2) + J-(3x2y- y3=2) + "
ko- (3x2y- y3=2)
ax oy a=
= 7(6xy> +] (3x2 - 3y2= >+kc- 2J1=>
2

I\ I\ I\
grad ♦ at ( I , - 2, - 1) = i (6)(1)(- 2) + }((3)(1) - 3(4)(1)) + k (- 2)(- 8)( - 1)
I\ I\ I\
= - 12i -9j- 16k Ans.
Example 17. If u = x + y + =· v = x 1 + y + =1. w = _y= + =.x + xy prove that grad u,
grad v and grad ware coplanar vectors. IU.P.. I Semester. 200/]
Solution. We have,

grad u = (i ~
ax
+ J~ + k_£_) (x + y + =) =i + j + k
ay B=

g rad v = ( i~
ax
+ J~ + k~) (x + y2 + = ) = 2x i + 2 y j + 2= k
ay a=
2 2

grad w = ( / ! + J; + k ! )er-+ =x + xy) = i(= + y) + J(= + x) + k(y + x)

[For vectors to be coplanar, their scalar triple product is 0)
I I I I I I
Now, grad u.(grad v x grad w) = 2x 2y 2= =2 x y -
=+y =+x y +x =+ y =+ x y+x
1
= 2x+y+= x+y+= x+ y+ =
=+y =+x y+x
I
= 2(x+y+=) =0
y+ = =+x x+y
Vectors 389
Since the scalar product of grad u, grad v and grad w are zero, hence these vectors are
coplanar vectors. Proved.
Eiample 18. Find 1he direclional deri,1alive ofx1y=2 at the point(/, I . - /) in lhe direction
of the tangent to the curve x = e'. y = sin 2t + I . == I - cos t at I = 0.
(Nagpur University. Summer 2005)
Solution. Let ♦ = x2 y2 =2
Directional Derivative of ♦
": a "- a " a ) 2 2 2
= V♦ = ( 1 -ax + J -ay + k -a= (x y = )
V♦ = 2xy 2=2 "i + 2yx2=2 J " + 2=x2y2 k"
Directional Derivative of ♦ at (I, I, -I )

= " "
2(1)(1) 2 (- 1)2 i + 2(1)(1) 2 (-1) 2 J + 2(-1)(1)2(1)2 k
"
" " "
= 2i+2J-2k ...(I)

xi+ y j + =k = e' i + (sin 2t + l)J + ( I - cos t)k

" " " " " I',
➔
r =
➔

Tangent vector, ➔
= -dr = e' "i + 2 cos 2t "j + sin I k"
T dt
I\ I\ 1\./\ I\

Tangent(at t = 0) = e° i + 2 (cos 0)J + (sin 0)k = i + 2} ...(2)

"" " (""

Required directional derivative along tangent= (2 i + 2} - 2k) F4 I+ 4
"
2")

[From (I), (2))

2+4+0 6
= ✓5 =✓ 5 Ans.
Eiample 19. Find lhe unit normal lo /he surface xy3=2 = 4 al(-/. - I. 2). (MU. 2008)
Solution. Let ♦(x. y. :) = xy: 2 = 4
We know that V♦ is the vector normal to the surface ♦ (x. y, => = c.
Normal vector = V♦
": a+ ". a+ " a+
= ' -ax + J -ay + k -a:

Now

⇒ Normal vector = Y 32 ":- 22". 3"

: 1 + 3xy = J + 2xy : k
Normal vector at (-1 , -1 , 2) = -4 "i - 12}
" + 4k"
Unit vector normal to the surface at (- 1, - 1, 2).
V♦ "
-4i-l2J+4k " " I " " "
= I V♦ I = .JI 6 + 144 + 16 = - ✓II (i + 3 J - k) Ans.
Eiample 20. Find the rate of change of ♦ = xy= in lhe direclion normal to lhe surface
x 2y +ix + y=2 = 3 al the point (I. I. /). (Nagpur University, Summer 2001)
Solution. Rate of change of ♦ = A ♦

= (, ~ +] ~ + k~) (x y =) = i y= + j x: + kxy
ax ay a:
390 Vectors
I\ I\ I\
Rate of change of ♦ at ( I, I , I ) = (i + J + k)
Normal to the surface 'fJ = x2y + yx
+ y::2 - 3 is given as -

V\jl = (1 ~ox + J~
oy + k~)(x
o=
y + y2x + r-
2 2
- 3)

I\ I\ I\

= i(2xy + y2) + J(x 2 + 2xy + =2 ) + k 2y:

I\ I\ I\

(V,v><,. 1. ,, = 3i+4J+2k
I\ I\ I\

3i+4J+2k
Unit normal =
.J9 + 16 + 4
I\ I\ I\

· ed rate o f change o f
Requir ..,
"' = (".', + J": + k" ) -;:::====--
(3i +4j+2k) = - - - - -9-
3+4+2 Ans.
16+4 . .J9+
.fij - ✓29
Examplt 21. Find the constants m and n such that the surface m :I - 2nr- = (m + 4)x will
be orthogonal to the surface 4x1y + =3 = 4 at the point (J. -/, 2).
(M.D. U. Dec. 2009. Nagpur University, Summer 2002)
Solution. The point P (I , - 1, 2) lies on both surfaces. As this point lies in
mx2 - 2nr- = (m + 4)x. so we have
m - 2n (-2) = (m + 4)
⇒ m + 4n = m + 4 ⇒ n=I
Let ♦ 1 = mx2 - 2_y= - (m + 4)x and ♦2 = 4x2y + : 3 - 4
Normal to ♦, = V♦ 1

= ("i -a + "j -a + k"-a ) [mx2 - 2 r- - (m + 4)x]

_ ax oy a:
I\ I\ I\

= i(2mx - m - 4) - 2= j - 2y ~
I\ I\ I\ I\ I\ I\

Normal to ♦,
at (I , - 1, 2) = i (2m - m - 4) - 4 j + 2 k = (m - 4); - 4 j + 2 k
Normal to ♦2 = _V ♦2

= ( ".', ox
a + J": oy
a + k" o=
a ) (4x2 y + =3 - 4) = "i 8xy + 4x 2 "j + 3=2 k
"

I\ I\ I\
Normal to ♦2 at ( 1, -1 , 2) = - 8 ; + 4 j + 12 k
Sinec ♦ 1 and +i are orthogonal, then normals are perpendicular to each other.
v,, . vci,2 = o
I\ I\ I\ I\ I\ I\

⇒ [(m - 4)i - 4}+2k].[- 8i+4}+12k] = 0

⇒ - 8 (m - 4) - 16 + 24 = 0
⇒ m - 4 = -2 + 3 ⇒ m= 5
Hence m = 5, n = I Ans.
Examplt 22. Find the values of constants A andµ so that the surfaces ;.x1 - µy: = (). + 2) x,
4x1y + : 3 = 4 intersect orthogonally at the point(/, - I. 2).
(AMJETE, // Sem.. Dec. 2010, June 2009)
Solution. Here, we have
Ax2 - µ_y= = (A + 2) x ...(I)
4x2 y +:? = 4 ...(2)
Vectors 391

Norma) to the surface (I), = v[ u2 - µ_y=-(). + 2)x]

=[i axa +j~+ k~] [AX -µy=-(A+2)x]
ay a=
2

=i (2AX-A.-2)+ }(-µ:)+k(-µy)
Normal at (I, -1 , 2) = i (2A. - A - 2) - } (-2µ) + fc µ ...(3)
= '; (A - 2) + } =(2µ) + 'kµ
Normal at the surface (2)

= (i ~+ oy o= (4x y+ =
ox }~+ic~)
2 3
-4)

=i (8 x y) + } (4x2) + ·k (3=2)
NormaJ at the point (I , - 1, 2) = - 8.i + 4} + 12k ...(4)
Since (3) and (4) are orthogonaJ so
.[i (A- 2) + } ( 2 µ) + kµ] .[ -8 i + 4} + 12 k] = 0

-8 (A.-2)+ 4(2µ) + 12µ = 0 ⇒ -8A.+ 16+8µ+ 12µ = 0

-8A.-2Oµ+ 16 = 0 ⇒ 4(-2)..+5µ +4) = 0
-2A.+5µ+4 =O ⇒ 2l-5µ=4 ...(5)
Point (I , - I, 2) will satisfy (I)
11.(1) 2 -µ(-1)(2)=(A+2)(1) ⇒ )..+2µ=A.+2 ⇒ µ = I
Putting µ .= I in (5), we get
2).. - 5 = 4 ⇒ A= ~
2
9
Hence A= and µ= I Ans.
2
Example 23. Find the angle ben11een the surfaces x1 + y2 + =2 = 9 and = x1 + y2 - 3 at =
the point (2. -/, 2). (Nagpur University. Summer 2002)
Solution. Normal on the surface (x2 + y2 + =2 - 9 = 0)

v+ = " a " a " a ) (x 2 +l+= 2 - 9)=(2xi+2yj+2=k)

" " "
( i-+j-+k-
ax ay a=
I\ I\ I\

Normal at the point (2, -1 , 2) = 4i - 2J+.4k ...(I)

Normal on the surface (= = x2 + y2 - 3) = (, ~ +] ~ + k~) (x2 + y2 - : - 3)

. ax oy o=
I\ I\ I\

= 2xi + 2y J - k
I\ I\ I\

Normal at the point (2, - 1, 2) = 4 i - 2} - k ...(2)

Let 8 be the angle between normals (I) and (2).
I\ I\ I\ I\ I\ I\ ~--- ~---
( 4 i - 2 j + 4 k).( 4 i - 2 J - k) = '1'16+4+16'1'16+4+1cos8
16 + 4 - 4 = 6.fii cos0 16 = 6.fii cos0
392 Vectors

8
⇒ cos O= 3..Jii ⇒ 0 = cos- 1 - 8 - Ans.
3..Jii
Example 24. Find the directional derivative of -I in the direction ·r where r = x "i + y "j + : k.
"
r
(Nagpur University. Summer 2004, U.P.. I Semester: Winter 2005, 2002)
I I
Solution. Here, ♦ (x, y, => = - = - ; = = = =
r .jx2 + y2 + =2
Now v(f) = ( " axa i-+j-+k- (x +y +:)
" a " a)
oy a:
2 2 2 _.!.2

I I I

= a 2 2 2 -- " a 2 2 2 -- " a 2 2 2 -- "

-(x + y + = ) 2 i + -(x + y + = ) 2 j + -(x + y + = ) 2 k
ax ay _ a:
= I }" ( I
{ -2 (x2 + y2 + :2) 2 2x i + -2(x2 +
~ y2 ~
+ : 2) 2 2y) "j + { -2I (x 2 + y 2 +: 2)_i2 2z}"k
/\ /\ /\

- (xi+ y J +: k)
...(I)
I\ /\ /\ /\

and r = _u nit vector in the direction of xi + y j + =k

/\ /\ /\

xi+yj+:k
= ...(2)
.jx2 + y2 +=2
So, th~ required directional derivative
A A A A ~ A
2
V♦
2
= ;=_ xi + y j + : k xi + y j + : k = x + y2 + :
[From ( I), (2))
· (x2 + y2 + : 2)112 · (x2 + y2 + :2)112 (x2 + y2 + :2)2
I I
= -----= Ans.
x2 + y2 + =2 r 2
2 + 2
Example 25. Find the direction in which the directional derivative of♦ (x, y ) = x y al
xy
(/. /) is :ero and hence find 0111 component of \lelocity of the vector r = (t3 + I) + 1 2 in i J
the same direction at I = I . . (Nagpur Uni\lersity, Winter 2000)

V♦ = (7 ~
ax + J~
2 2

Solution. Directional derivative=

a: )(x
oy + k~ +Y
xy J
2 2
= , [x y.2x-(x + y2)y ]+ ;[ xy.2y-x(y2 +x ) ]
x2y2 x2y2

= 'j [ x2 y _ y3 ] + J[ xy2 _ x3 ]
x2y2 x2y2
I\ I\
Directional Derivative at (I , I) = ; 0 + j O = 0
Since (V♦)(I . 11 = 0, _the directional derivative of ♦ at (I , I) is zero in any direction.
. 3 " 2"
Again r = (I + I) i + I j
Vectors 393

Velocity, v = -dr =3t 2 "i + 2t "j

dt
I\ I\

Velocity at t = I is = 3 i + 2 j
The component of velocity in the same direction of velocity

= ~ I': (3/ +
(3, + 2J). rn-;-; = 9+ 21]
4 r.:;
r.:; = v13 Ans
v9 + 4 vl3 •
Eumple 26. Fif!d the directional derivative of ♦ (x. y, =) = x2 y =+ 4 x =2 at (/, -2, /) in
I\ I\ I\
the direction of 2 i _ j _ 2 k . Find the greatest rate of increase of ♦.

( Uttarakhand. I Semester. Dec. 2006)

Solution. Here, q, (x, y, =) = x2y =+ 4.r
Now, V♦ = (, ~ + j~ +
ox oy
k~)
o=
(x2 y= + 4.x=2 )
I\ I\ I\
2 2 2
= (2xy= + 4= ) i + (x =)J + (x y + 8.x=)k
I\ I\ I\

V♦ at(l , -2, I)= (2(1)(-2)(1)+4(1)2 }i+(lxl)J+(l(-2)+8(1)(1)}k

I\ I\ I\ I\ I\

= (-4+4)i+j+(-2+8)k = j+6k
I\ I\ I\

2i-J-2k I " " "

Let ~ = unit vector = ---;:::===- = -(2 i - j - 2 k)
.J4 +I+ 4 3
So, the required directional derivative at ( I, -2, I)
= "
V♦. a=(J+6k).
" " I (2i-J-2k)
" " - 13
" = I (-1-12)=-
3
-
3 3
Greatest rate of increase of cl> = 11 + 6 ZI = .Jl+36
= Jfi Ans.
Eumple 27. Find the directional deri,,atfre of the function ♦ = x2 - + 2=2 at the point P I
(/, 2, 3) in the direction of the line PQ where Q is the point (5. 0, 4).
(AMIETE. Dec. 20010. Nagpur UnJ,,ersity. Summer 2008. U.P. . I Sem.. Winter 2000)
Solution. Directional derivative = V♦

= (7 ~ox + j ~ay + k~)

o=
(x 2 - y2 + 2=2 ) = 2x i - 2y j + 4= k

Directional Derivative at the point P (I , 2, 3) = 2 i _4 J+ 12 k ... (I)

PQ = Q- P = (5, 0, 4) - (I, 2, 3) = (4, -2, I) .. (2)
I\ I\ I\

. . al Dertvattve
Direct1on . . a Iong PQ = (2 ".', - 4 J~ + 12k ( 4 i- 2 J+k) [From ( I ) and (2))
" ).----.======:-'-
.Jl6 + 4 + I
8 + 8 + 12 28
= Ans.
.ffi = .ffi
X
Example 28. For the Junction ♦ (x. y) =
2 • find the magnitude of the directional
2
+y X
derivative along a line making an angle 30° with the positive x-axis at (0. 2).
(A.M.I.E. TE. , Winter 2002)
394 Vectors
➔

Solution. Directional derivative = V ♦

-(,~+ j~ay +k~)

- ox fJ= x2 + y2
X
= ,( I _ x(2x) )- j x(2y)
x2 + y2 (x2 + y2 )2 (x2 + y2 )2
I\
,:, y2 -x2 I': 2xy j
- I - - - ' - - - - - J------'-- A
- (x2 + y2)2 (x2 + y2)2 I
Directional derivative at the point (0, 2) I 1 '>
I - J
I 2
I\ (0, 2) I
') 4-0
- 1---
l': 2(0)(2) i
-1--- =- -c--~....L..---Jt-"-i--'--•f
- (0+4)2 (0+4)2 4

Directional derivative at the point (0, 2) in the direction . CA i.e. .( ~ / + ½]) 41 0

· ~
I
(
✓ 3 1\ I I\
) { ~ = OB + BA = i cos 30° + ] sin 30"J
= -4 . -2 i + -2 j ( ✓3 ') I I': )
= - 1+ - J
2 2
= - Ans.
8
➔2 ➔
Example 29. Find the directional derivative of V , where v = xy2 i + .:y2 ] + x= 2 k, at the
poinl (2, 0. 3) in the direction of the outward normal to the sphere x1 + + =2 = 14 at the I
point (3, 2. /). (A. M.l.E. T.E.. Dec. 2007)
➔➔

Solution. v2 = v.v
= (xy2 + =l i j + x=2k).(x y2 i + =y2 j + x=2 k) = x2y4 + =2y4 + x2=4
Directional derivative = vv 2
= (, ~ + ]~ +
ax ay
*~) B=
(x2/ + =2y4 + x2=4)

= (2xy4 +2x=4 )i+(4x2 y 3 +4y3= 2 )j+(2/=+4x2=3 )k

I\ I\ I\
DirectionaJ derivative at (2, 0, 3) = (0+ 2 x 2 x 81) i + (0 + 0) J + (0 + 4 x 4 x 27) k
I\ I\ I\ I\
= 324i +432k = I08(3i +4k) ...(I)
2
Normal to x + y2 + =2 - 14 = V♦
=
/\i a- +j-+k-
a a ) (x2 +/+:2 -l4)
I\ I\

(
. ax ay B=
I\ I\ I\
= (~xi +2yj+2=k)
I\ I\ I\
Normal vector at (3, 2, I) = 6i + 4J + 2k ...(2)
/\ I\ I\ "I\/\ I\ I\/'\

6 i + 4J + 2k 2(3 i + 2 j + k) 3; + 2 j + k
Unit normal vector = ✓ + +
36 16 4 = 2
./14 = ./14 [From (I), (2)]

I\ I\ I\
31
Directional derivative along the normal = l08(3i+4k). +~ + k
. 14
J08 X (9 + 4) 1404
= ./14 = ./14 Ans.
Vectors 395
Example 30. Find the directional derivative of V (Vj) at the point (1, - 2. 1) in the direction
of the normal to the surface xi= = 3x + !. where f = 2x3/='· ( U.P.. I Semester. Dec 2008)
Solution. Here, we have
f = ix:3 =4 l
-: a a kA a ) ( 3 2 4)
(1 ox+ Joy+ o= 2r y = = 6 x2y2=4i
A. A A A

VJ= + 4x3y.=4 j + Bx3/=3k

V(V.fJ = (, ! +]; +k 4
!)(6x2/= i+4x3y.= ]+8x /=
4 3 3
k)
= I2xy"=4 + 4x3=4 + 24x3y2=2
DirectionaJ derivativ~ of V(V f)

= (,~ + ) ~ +
ox oy
k~)
o= (12xy2= 4 + 4x3=4 + 24x3 y2 =2 )

= (12/=4 + 12x2=4 + 72x2y 2=2 )i + (24xy=4 + 48x3y.=2)]'

3 3 3
+ (4&xl= + 16x =3 + 4&x l =>k
A A

DirectionaJ derivative at (I, - 2, I)= (48 + 12 + 288) i + (-48- 96)} + (192 + 16 + 192)k
A A A

= 348i-144J + 400k
Normal to(xy2= - 3x - =2) = V(xy= - 3x - =2)
= (t~+ j~+ k~) (xy2= -3x- = )
2
ox oy o=
= (y =- 3)' + c2xr->i + (.xy2 - 2=)k
2

Normal at( I, - 2, I) = i - 4 j + 2k
i - 4j + 2k . I A A A

Unit Normal Vector= ..Ji+ 16 + 4 = .fil (i - 4/ + 2k)

Directional derivative in the direction of normal
A 1 ""' ,._ "' A A

= (348i - 144} + 400k) ~ (i - 4} + 2k)

. v21 .
I 1724
= ~ (348 + 576 + 800) = ~ Ans.
v2 I v2I
Example 31. If the directional derivative of ♦ = a x1 y + b y1 = + ~ =1 x at the point

(I. I , 1) has maxim11m magnitude 15 in the direction parallel to the line x; 1 3

= y -~ = T,
find the values of a. b and c. ( U.P. 1 semester. Winter 200 /)
Solution. Given ♦ = a x 2 y + b y2 =+ c =2 x
V♦ = (i ! +]; k! )+
2
(a x y + b y2 =+ c =2 x)

= i(2axy+c=2 )+ j(ax 2 +2by=)+k(by2 +2c=x)

I\ I\ I\

V♦ atthepoint(l , I, I)= i(2a+c)+j(a+2b)+k(b+2c) ...(I)

We know that the maximum value of the directional derivative is in the direction of v+.
i.e. IV♦I = 15 ⇒ (2a + c) + (2b + a)2 + (2c + b) 2 2
= (15) 2

But, the directional derivative is given to be maximum parallel to the line

396 Vectors

x-1 y-3 = . " " "

2
= ~=
1 ,. e., parallel to the vector 2; _ 2 j + k . ...(2)
On comparing the coefficients of ( I) and (2)
2a + c 2b + a 2c + b
⇒ = --=--
2 -2 I
⇒ 2a + c = - 2b - a ⇒ 3a + 2b + c = 0 .. .(3)
and 2b + a = - 2(2c + b)
⇒ 2b + a = - 4c - 2b ⇒ a+ 4b + 4c =0 ... (4)
Rewriting (3) and (4), we have
3a + 2b + c = 0 } ⇒ b c a
= k (say)
- =-=-
a+ 4b +4c=0 -11 10 4
⇒ a = 4k, b = - 11 k and c = IOk.
Now, we have
(2a + c)2 + (2b + a)2 + (2c + b)2 = (15) 2
⇒ (8k + l0k)2 + (-22k + 4k)2 + (20k - l lk)2 = ( 15)2
⇒ k ±1
9
⇒ a = ± 20 b = ± 55 and c = ± 50 Ans.
9 ' 9 9
I\ I\ I\
Eumple 32. If r = x; + y J + =k, show that :

(!)
➔ ➔

(i) grad r = !.... (ii) grad = _!.._

3
_ (Nagpur University, Summer 2002)
r r r
I\ I\ I\ -----

SoIution. (i)",:= xl+yJ+=k ⇒ r= ✓x 2 + /+ = 2 ⇒ l=J-+y-+!-

ar ar X
2r- = 2x ⇒ -=-
ax ax r
. ., ar y ar =
S1m1 arly, - = - and - =-
ay r B= r

grad r = Vr = ( ~, -a + J". -a + k -a ) r = ~, -ar + J". -ar + k -ar

I\ I\

. ax ay a= ax ay a:
I\ I\ I\

~x ". Y " : xi+yj+:k r

= ,- + J- + k - = - - - - - = - Proved.
r r r r r .
(i/) grad (;) = v(;:)=(7 ! +J; +k !)U) = i !U)+ J: U)+k !U)
= i (- r12 : )+ J( ~21:: ) + k(- r12 : )
I\ I\ ,,.

= 7(--1~) + 1(--1r Y)r + Z(--1r =-)r

r r 2 2 2 =
xi+yj+:k
rl
r
= --;J
Proved.

2
Example 33. Prove that V f (r) = f " (r) +If' (r). ( K. University, Dec. 2008)
r
Solution.
Vectors 397

V f (r) = (; ~
ox + J !_
oy
+k !_) J
cJ=
(r)

ar
[
2 .2 2
r = r + y +:
2
⇒ 2r - = 2x ⇒ -ar X
=- , -
ar y
= - and
ax ax r ay r

=if'(r)ar +Jj'(r)ar +kj'(r)ar =f'(r)[i~+jy +k=-]

ax ay cJ= r r r
=f'(r)xi+yj+:k
r
·v 2 /(r) .=V [Vf(r)] =(i!_+j!_+k!_)[f'(r)xi+yj+:k]
ax oy cJ= r

= ~
fu r
~J
[f'(r) +!._[I (r) I]+!._ [f'(r) =-]
oy r cJ= r
ar
r. 1-y-
= (n,>!) U)+ n,>'1-,: ~+(re,> !) (:) + j'(r)
r
2 oy +
a:
(! (r):) (;)+ /(ri" ~,=a;:
x2 y2 =2

= (r·(r);)(;)+f'(r)r~/ +(/"(r)~J(~J+f'(r)r~/- +(/"(r);)(;)+f'(r)r~/

= (/"{r);) (~ ) +f'(r)r2?x2 +(f"(r); ) +f'(r)r2?y2 +(J" (r>;)(;)+j'(r)r2?=2
2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
=f"(r)\ +j'(r)y ~= +j"(r)y +j'(r)x ~ = +J"(r)\ +j'(r)x ~y
r r r2 r r r
" ( )[~ y2=2] f'( >[y2+:2 =2+x2 x2+y2]
= / 2+2+2+
r r 3 + 3 + 3
.
rr r r r. r
2 2 2 2( 2 2 _2 ) 2 2 2
=J" (r)x +y2 +x +j'(r) x +{ +- = f"(r)r2 +j'(r)+
r r r r
= f " (r) + f' (r) 3_ Ans.
r
EXERCISE 5. 7
I\ I\ I\
2(x i+ yJ+=k)
I. Evaluate grad ♦ if ♦ = log (x2 + y2 + :2) Ans. 2
X +y2 + : 2
2. Find a lD'lit normal vector to the slrlace x2 + y + :!- = 5 a the point (0, I, 2). Ans. )so+ 2k.)
(AMJETE. June 2010)
3. Calculate the directional derivative of the function ♦(x. y, =) = x/ + y: 3 _at the point
5
(I , - 1, I) in the direction of (3, I, - 1) (A.Ml.£.T.E. Winter 2009, 2000) Ans. ✓II
4. Find the direction in which the directional derivative of f(x. y) = (x2 - y)/xy ~t ( I, I) is zero.
I\ I\
i + 1·
(Nagpur Winter 2000) Ans. - -
✓ 2
398 Vectors
5. Find the directional derivative of the scalar function of (x, y, =) • xy.; in the dir~tion of the outer
. 27
normal to the surface == xy at the point (3, I, 3). Ans. r.;
vii
6. The temperature of the points in space is given by T(x, y. =) • l- + y- =· A mosquito located at
( I, I, 2) desires to Oy in such a direction that it wiJI get warm as soon as PQSSible. In what direction

3(2 i + 2J - k)
' " 1\1\
should it move? Ans.

7. If ♦ (x. y. =) • 3t'y-y=2, fmd grad ♦ at the point ( I, - 2, - I) Ans. -(16/ +9j+ 4k)
8. Find a unit vector normal to the surface Jy + 2x= = 4 at the point (2, - 2, 3).

Ans. -I (-i+2J+2k)
" " "
3
9. What is the greatest rate of increase of the function u = xr-2 at the point ( I, 0, 3)? Ans. 9
10. If 8 is the acute angle between the surfaces xr-2 • 3x + =2 and 3x2 - y + 2.: • I at the point
( I, - 2, I) show that cos 8 • 3n ✓ 6.
11. Find the values of constants a. b. c so that the maximum vaJue of the directional directive of
t = axy- + by.; + c 2x3 at ( I, 2, -I) has a maximum magnitude 64 in the direction paraJlel to the
axis of =· Ans. a = b, b = 24, c = -8
12. Find the vaJues of A and µ so that surfaces A l- - µ y == (A + 2).x and 4 l- y + =3 = 4 intersect
9
orthogonally at the point (I , - 1, 2). Ans. A = -, µ=I
2
13. The position vector of a particle at time I is R = cos (I - I) ; + sinh (t - I) j + ark. If at t = I,
the acceleration of the particle be perpendicular to its position vector, then a is equaJ to
I I
(a) 0 (b) I (c) - (d) ✓2 (AMIETE. Dec. 2009) Ans. (d)
2