Questions and Answers
What is the total differential change $df$ defined as?
The sum of the partial derivatives of $f$ with respect to each independent variable, multiplied by the corresponding change in the variable
When finding the total differential change $df$, what does keeping 'the rest y small in change' mean?
Keeping all other independent variables except one constant while observing changes in that one independent variable
What does the expression $rac{ ext{d}f}{ ext{d}n}$ represent?
The partial derivative of $f$ with respect to the variable $n$
In the context of partial derivatives, what does 'two independent variables' imply?
Signup and view all the answers
What does 'partial derivative' mean when applied to a function with more than one independent variable?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Vectors and Objects
- A vector is an object with both magnitude and direction, and can be represented as an arrow in space.
- Vectors can be added and scaled, but they do not obey the usual rules of arithmetic.
Vector Notation
- Vectors can be represented in Cartesian coordinates as xi + yj + zk, where xi, y, and zk are the components of the vector.
- The Cartesian coordinate system is a three-dimensional coordinate system that allows us to locate points in space using three perpendicular lines.
Basis and Components
- A basis is a set of vectors that can be used to represent any other vector in a vector space.
- Any vector can be written in terms of a basis, and the coefficients of the basis vectors are called the components of the vector.
- The components of a vector change when the basis changes, but the vector itself remains the same.
Position Vectors
- A position vector specifies the location of a point in space relative to a fixed reference point.
- Position vectors can be represented in Cartesian coordinates as xi + yj + zk, where xi, y, and zk are the coordinates of the point.
Polar Coordinates
- Polar coordinates are a two-dimensional coordinate system that uses a radial distance and an angle to locate points in a plane.
- In polar coordinates, a vector can be represented as r(cos(θ)i + sin(θ)j), where r is the radial distance and θ is the angle.
- Polar coordinates can be useful for solving problems involving circular motion or other symmetries.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
