Indian Institute of Technology Ropar

Department of Mathematics
MA101 - Calculus

Tutorial Sheet - 9 Partial Derivatives Date: February 9, 2022

∂f ∂f
1. Using the limit definition of partial derivative, find and at the point (1, 2) for
∂x ∂y
f (x, y) = 1 − x + y − 3x2 y.

2. Find the partial derivative of the functions with respect to each variable:
(a)f (ρ, ϕ, θ) = ρ sin(ϕ)
X∞
(b)f (x, y) = (xy)n where |xy| < 1.
n=0

∂z
3. Find the value of at the point (1, 1, 1), if the equation xy + z 3 x − 2yz = 0 holds, where z
∂x
defines as a function of the independent variables x and y and the partial derivatives exists.

∂x ∂y
4. Find and , if the equations u = x2 − y 2 and v = x2 − y where x and y defines as functions
∂u ∂v
of the independent variables u and v, and the partial derivative exist. Then let s = x2 + y 2 and
∂s
find .
∂u

∂w
5. Express as a function of t, both by using the chain rule and by expressing w in terms of t
∂t √
before differentiating, where w = ln(x2 + y 2 + z 2 ), x = cos t, y = sin t, z = 4 t.

∂z ∂z
6. Express and as a function of u and v, both by using the chain rule and by expressing z
∂u ∂v
in terms of u and v before differentiating where z = 4ex ln y, x = ln(u cos v) and y = u sin v.

7. Suppose that the partial derivatives of a function f (x, y, z) at the point on the helix x = cos t,
y = sin t, z = t are fx = cos t, fy = sin t, fz = t2 + t − 2. At what points on the curve, if any,
can f take on extreme values?

8. Find the derivative of the functions at P0 in the direction of A ⃗ using definition and also using
gradient,
⃗ = 4î + 3ĵ.
(a) f (x, y) = 2xy − 3y 2 , P0 = (5, 5), A
x
(b) g(x, y, z) = 3e cos(yz), P0 = (0, 0, 0), A⃗ = 2î + ĵ − 2k̂.

x
9. Find the directions in which the function f (x, y, z) = − yz increase and decrease rapidly at
y
point P0 = (4, 1, 1). Then find the derivatives of the function in these directions.

x2 − y 2
10. In what direction, the derivative of f (x, y) = at P (3, 2) equal to zero?
x2 + y 2

1
11. In the following parts, find an equation for the plane, tangent to the level surface f (x, y, z) = c
at P0 . (a)x2 − y − 5z = 0, P0 : (2, −1, 1) (b) x2 + y 2 + z = 4, P0 : (1, 1, 2)
   
df  df  df  df 
12. If exists, then exists and also show that =c  , where c is any
ds ⃗u,P0 ds c⃗u,P0 ds c⃗u,P0 ds ⃗u,P0
non-zero real number and f defines the function of two independent variables x and y.

13. (a)Find the total derivative of f (x, y) = sin xy + x2 y at the point (1, π).
(b)Find the total derivative of f (x, y) = (ex y + x2 y, x2 + y 2 , xy ) at the point (1, −1).
(c)Find the total derivative of g o f at the point (−3, 1) where f (x, y) = (x2 + y 2 , xy) and
g(x, y) = (4xy, x − y, 3x2 + 2y 2 ).

14. What is the largest value that the directional derivative of f (x, y, z) = xyz can have at the point
(1,1,1)?

15. Find a vector indicating the direction of most rapid increase of f (x, y) at the given point. Then
find the rate of change in that direction.
y 5π
(a) f (x, y) = e sin x at ,0
6
2
(b) f (x, y) = x2 y − at (1, 1)
xy

2 2 2
16. The temperature at (x, y, z) of a ball centered at the origin is T = 100e−(x +y +z ) . Show that
the direction of the greatest decrease in temperature is always a vector pointing away from the
origin.

∂ 2 f  ∂ 2 f 
 
17. For the following functions, check whether = holds or not. If yes, show
∂x∂y (0,0) ∂y∂x (0,0)
it. If not, give reasons.

ey
(a)f (x, y) = xy +
y2 + 1

 xy y 2 − x2


, (x, y) ̸= (0, 0)
(b)f (x, y) = x2 + y 2
0, (x, y) = (0, 0)


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