4th Topic

Vector Calculus
Scalar point function,
Vector point function,
Vector operator ‘del’,
Del applied to scalar point functions (Gradient) and
its Geometrical interpretation,
Directional derivative

Prepared by:
Prof. Sunil
Department of Mathematics & Scientific Computing
NIT Hamirpur (HP)

Scalar function:
A scalar function is a function that assigns a real number (i.e. a scalar) to a set of
real variables. Its general form is
u = u(x1, x2, ... , xn)
where x1, x2, ... , xn are real numbers.
Vector function:
A vector function is a function that assigns a vector to a set of real variables. Its
general form is
F = f1(x1, x2, ... , xn) i + f2(x1, x2, ... , xn) j + f3(x1, x2, ... , xn) k
where x1, x2, ... , xn are real numbers.
Point function:
A point function u = f(P) is a function that assigns some number or value u to
each point P of some region R of space.
Examples of point functions are scalar point functions and vector point functions.
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Scalar point function:

Scalar point function is a function that assigns a real number (i.e. a scalar) to
each point of some region of space. If to each point (x, y, z) of a region R in space there
is assigned a real number u = Φ(x, y, z), then Φ is called a scalar point function.
Examples: 1. The temperature distribution within some body at a particular point in time.
2. The density distribution within some fluid at a particular point in time.
Scalar field:
A scalar point function defined over some region is called a scalar field.
In other words, a scalar field associates a scalar value to every point in a space. The
scalar may either be a mathematical number, or a physical quantity. Scalar fields are
required to be coordinate-independent, meaning that any two observers using the same
units will agree on the value of the scalar field at the same point in space (or spacetime).
A scalar field which is independent of time is called a stationary or steady-state
scalar field.
A scalar field that varies with time would have the representation
u = Φ(x, y, z, t).
Vector point function:
A vector point function is a function that assigns a vector to each point of some
region of space. If to each point (x, y, z) of a region R in space there is assigned a vector
F = F(x, y, z), then F is called a vector point function. Such a function would have a
representation
F = f1(x, y, z) i + f2(x, y, z) j + f3(x, y, z) k
Examples: 1. The velocity of a moving fluid at any instant,
2. The gravitational intensity of force.

A scalar field such as temperature or pressure,

where intensity of the field is graphically represented by intensity of the color.
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Vector field:
A vector point function defined over some region is called a vector field.
field
A vector field which is independent of time is called a stationary or steady--state vector
field.
A vector field that varies with time would have the representation
F = f1(x, y, z, t) i + f2(x, y, z, t) j + f3(x, y, z, t) k
Examples. 1. Gravitational field of the earth.
2. Electric field about a current
current-carrying wire.
3. Magnetic field generated by a magnet.

A portion of the vector field (sin y, sin x) vector

ector field given by vectors of the form (−y,
( x)

A vector field on a sphere.

Remarks: If F (x, y, z) be a vector point function, then

dF ∂F dx ∂F dy ∂F dz
= + +
dt ∂x dt ∂y dt ∂z dt

∂F ∂F ∂F  ∂ ∂ ∂ 
and dF = dx + dy + dz =  dx + dy + dz F . (i)
∂x ∂y ∂z  ∂x ∂y ∂z 
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Vector operator del:

Definition: The operator on the right side of the equation (i)

 ∂ ∂ ∂  ∧ ∂ ∧ ∂ ∧ ∂ 
i.e.  dx + dy + dz  is in the form of a scalar product of  I + J + K  and
 ∂x ∂y ∂z   ∂x ∂y ∂z 

∧ ∧ ∧ 
 I dx + J dy + K dz  .
 
∧ ∂ ∧ ∂ ∧ ∂
If ∇ (read as del) be defined by the equation ∇ = I +J +K .
∂x ∂y ∂z
∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧
Then (i) ⇒ dF = (∇.dR )F , where R = x I + y J + z K , dR = I dx + J dy + K dz .
History of del operator: In vector calculus, del is a vector differential operator
represented by the nabla symbol: .
The name comes from the Greek word for a Hebrew harp, which had a similar shape.

The harp, the instrument after which the nabla symbol is named.
The symbol was first used by William Rowan Hamilton.
Basic Concept:
The method to calculate the Gradient is:
Divide the change in height by the change in horizontal distance
Change in Y
Gradient =
Change in X
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Del applied to scalar point functions: (Gradient)

In vector calculus, the gradient of a scalar field is a vector field that points in the
direction of the greatest rate of increase of the scalar field, and whose magnitude is the
greatest rate of change.
Interpretations:
Consider a room in which the temperature is given by a scalar field, T, so at each point
(x, y, z) the temperature is T(x, y, z). (We will assume that the temperature does not change over
time.) At each point in the room, the gradient of T at that point will show the direction the
temperature rises most quickly. The magnitude of the gradient will determine how fast the
temperature rises in that direction.
Consider a surface whose height above sea level at a point (x, y) is H(x, y). The gradient
of H at a point is a vector pointing in the direction of the steepest slope or grade at that point. The
steepness of the slope at that point is given by the magnitude of the gradient vector.
The gradient can also be used to measure how a scalar field changes in other directions,
rather than just the direction of greatest change, by taking a dot product. Suppose that the
steepest slope on a hill is 40%. If a road goes directly up the hill, then the steepest slope on the
road will also be 40%. If, instead, the road goes around the hill at an angle, then it will have a
shallower slope. For example, if the angle between the road and the uphill direction, projected
onto the horizontal plane, is 60°, then the steepest slope along the road will be 20%, which is
40% times the cosine of 60°.
This observation can be mathematically stated as follows. If the hill height function H is
differentiable, then the gradient of H dotted with a unit vector gives the slope of the hill in the
direction of the vector. More precisely, when H is differentiable, the dot product of the gradient of
H with a given unit vector is equal to the directional derivative of H in the direction of that unit
vector.

Definition:The vector function ∇f is defined as the gradient of the scalar point function
f and is written as grad f .
∧ ∂f ∧ ∂f ∧ ∂f ∧ ∂f
Thus, grad f = ∇f = I +J +K = ∑I .
∂x ∂y ∂z ∂x
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Geometrical interpretation:
∧
1. ∇f = ∇f N ⇒ ∇f is normal to the surface f (x, y, z) = c.

∂f
2. ∇f = ⇒ magnitude of ∇f is equal to the rate of change of f along this normal.
∂n
∧ ∧ ∧
Consider the scalar point function f (R ) , where R = x I + y J + z K .

Draw a surface f (x, y, z) = c through any point P(R ) s.t. at each point on it, the function

f (x, y, z ) has the same value as at P.

This type of surface is called a level surface of the function f through P.
Examples: Equipotential or isothermal surfaces are examples of level surfaces.
Thus, if f (x, y, z ) represents potential at the point (x, y, z ) , the equipotential surface

f (x, y, z ) =c is a level surface.

∧ ∧
N′ N
P′(R + δR )
M

R + δR δR δr δn f + δf = c′

O θ
R
P(R)

f (x, y, z ) = c
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∧
1. ∇f = ∇f N ⇒ ∇f is normal to the surface f (x, y, z) = c.

Let P′(R + δR ) be a point on a neighbouring level surface f + δf = c′ , where the

function is f + δf .
∧ ∂f ∧ ∂f ∧ ∂f   ∧ ∧ ∧  ∂f ∂f ∂f
Then ∇f .δR =  I + J + K . I δx + J δy + K δz  = δx + δy + δz = δf .
 ∂x ∂y ∂z    ∂x ∂y ∂z

Now, if P′ lies on the same level surface as P, then ⇒ δf = 0

Now since ∇f .δR = δf ⇒ ∇f .δR = 0 .
This means that ∇f is ⊥ to every δR lying on this surface.
Thus ∇f is normal to the surface f (x, y, z) =c.
∧
Now, if N is unit vector normal to the surface f (x, y, z) =c, then we can write
∧
∇f = ∇f N .

⇒ ∇f is normal to the surface f (x, y, z) = c.

∂f
2. ∇f = ⇒ magnitude of ∇f is equal to the rate of change of f along this normal.
∂n
Let the perpendicular distance PM between the surfaces through P and P′ is δn .
∂f
Then the rate of change of f normal to the surface through P = .
∂n
∂f δf δR
Now = Lt = Lt ∇f. [∵ δf = ∇f .δR]
∂n δn →0 δn δn →0 δn
∧
N .δR  ∧
= ∇f Lt ∵ ∇ f = ∇ f N 
δn →0 δn  
∧
N . δR cos θ
δr cos θ
= ∇f Lt = ∇f Lt
δn →0 δn δn → 0 δn

= ∇f ∵ 
δn δn
= ∇f Lt = cos θ
δn → 0 δn  δr 
∂f
Hence, the magnitude of ∇f = .
∂n
Thus the magnitude of ∇f is equal to the rate of change of f along this normal.
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Thus, grad (f) is a vector normal to the surface (f = constant) and has a magnitude equal
to the rate of change of f along the normal.
Directional derivative:
∧
Definition: Let δr denotes the length P P ′ and N′ is a unit vector in the direction of P P ′ .
δf  ∂f 
Then the limiting value of as δr → 0  i.e.  is known as directional derivative of
δr  ∂r 
f at P along the direction P P ′ .
δn δn  δn 
Now since δr = = ∧ ∧ ∵ cos θ = δr 
cos θ
N. N′  

∂f δf  ∧ ∧ δf 
∴ = Lim = Lim N . N′ 
∂r δr →0 δr δn →0  δn 
∧ ∂f ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧  ∂f ∧ 
= N′. N = N′. ∇f N = N′.∇f . ∵ ∇ f = and ∇ f N = ∇f 
∂n  ∂n 
∧
Thus, directional derivative of f in the direction of N′ is the resolved part of ∇f in the
∧
direction N′ .
∧ ∂f
Since ∇f . N′ = ∇f cos α ≤ ∇f ⇒ ≤ ∇f .
∂r
⇒ ∇f gives the maximum rate of change of f,, and the magnitude of this maximum is
∇f .
Remarks:
In cylindrical coordinates, the gradient is given by (Schey 1992, pp. 139–142):
142):

where ϕ is the azimuthal angle, z is the axial coordinate, and eρ, eφ and ez are unit vectors
pointing along the coordinate directions.
In spherical coordinates (Schey 1992, pp. 139–142):

where ϕ is the azimuth angle and θ is the zenith angle.

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Q.No. Select the correct answer in the following question:

1. The directional derivative of a scalar point function φ along the direction of unit
∧
vector a is
∧ ∧ ∧
(a) curlφ. a (b) divφ. a (c) gradφ. a (d) None of these
2. The unit vector normal to the surface xy3z 2 = 4 , at the point (− 1, − 1, 2) is

1 ∧ ∧ ∧  , (b) − 1  I + 3 J − K  , (c)
∧ ∧ ∧
(a) 1 ∧ ∧ ∧  , (d) 1 ∧ ∧ ∧  .
 I + 3 J − K    −  I − 3 J − K  −  I + 3 J + K 
11   11   11   11  

Now let us solve some problems related to these topics:

Q.No.1.: Find the unit vector normal to the surface xy3z2 = 4 , at the point (− 1, − 1, 2) .

Sol.: A vector normal to the given surface is ∇ xy3z2 ( )

∧ ∧ ∂ ∧ ∂
=I
∂
∂x
(
xy3z 2 + J
∂y
)
xy3z 2 + K
∂z
(
xy3z 2 ) ( )
∧ ∧ ∧
( ) (
= I y3z 2 + J 3xy2 z 2 + K 2xy3z ) ( )
∧ ∧ ∧
= −4 I − 12 J + 4 K at the point (− 1, − 1, 2 ) .
∧ ∧ ∧
∇f − 4 I − 12 J + 4 K ∧
Hence, the desired unit normal to the surface N = =
∇f 16 + 144 + 16

1 ∧ ∧ ∧ 
=−  I + 3 J − K  . Ans.
11  

Q.No.2: Find a unit vector normal to the surface x3 + y3 + 3xyz = 3 at the point

(1, 2, − 1) .

Sol.: A vector normal to the given surface is ∇f , where f = x3 + y3 + 3xyz − 3 .

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∧ ∂f ∧ ∂f ∧ ∂f
∇f = I +J +K
∂x ∂y ∂z
∧ ∧ ∂ ∧ ∂
=I
∂ 3
∂x
(
x + y3 + 3xyz − 3 + J
∂y
)
x 3 + y3 + 3xyz − 3 + K (
∂z
x 3 + y3 + 3xyz − 3 ) ( )
∧ ∧ ∧
( ) (
= I 3x 2 + 3yz + J 3y 2 + 3xz + K (3xy ) )
∧ ∧ ∧
Therefore, ∇f at the point (1, 2, − 1) is − 3 I + 9 J + 6 K
∧ ∇f
Since, we know that unit vector normal to the surface is N = .
∇f

Hence, the desired unit vector normal to the surface is

∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧
∧ ∇f − 3I + 9 J+ 6K − 3 I + 9 J+ 6 K − 3 I + 9 J+ 6 K − I + 3J+ 2 K
N= = = = = . Ans.
∇f (− 3) + 9 + 6
2 2 2 126 3 14 14

Q.No.3: Find the directional derivatives of f (x, y, z) = xy2 + yz3 at the point
∧ ∧ ∧
(2, − 1, 1) in the direction of vector I + 2 J + 2 K .

Sol.: Given f (x, y, z) = xy2 + yz3

∧ ∂f ∧ ∂f ∧ ∂f 
Then ∇f =  I +J +K 
 ∂x ∂y ∂y 
∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧
( ) ( ) ( )
= I y 2 + J 2xy + z 3 + K 3yz2 = I − 3 J − 3 K at the point (2, − 1, 1) .
∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ N′
∴ Directional derivative of f in the direction I + 2 J + 2 K = N ′ .∇f = .∇f
N′
∧ ∧ ∧
I + 2 J+ 2 K ∧ ∧ ∧ 2
= . I − 3 J − 3 K  = −3 .Ans.
(1 2
+ 22 + 22 )   3

Q.No.4: Find the directional derivative of φ = x 2yz + 4xz2 at the point (1, − 2, − 1) in
∧ ∧ ∧
the direction of the vector 2 I − J − 2 K .
∧ ∂φ ∧ ∂φ ∧ ∂φ
Sol.: Here ∇φ = I +J +K
∂x ∂y ∂z
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∧ ∧ ∂ ∧ ∂
=I
∂ 2
∂x
(
x yz + 4 xz 2 + J
∂y
) (
x 2 yz + 4xz 2 + K
∂z
x 2 yz + 4xz 2 ) ( )
∧ ∧ ∧
( ) ( ) (
= I 2xyz + 4z 2 + J x 2 z + K x 2 y + 8xz )
∧ ∧ ∧
= 8 I − J − 10 K at (1, − 2, − 1)
∧ ∧ ∧
Hence, the directional derivative of f in the direction of 2 I − J − 2 K
∧ N′
= N ′ .∇f = .∇f
N′
∧ ∧ ∧
∧ N′  ∧ ∧ ∧  2 I − J− 2 K 16 + 1 + 20 37 1
= ∇φ. N' = ∇φ. =  8 I − J − 10 K . = = = 12 . Ans.
N′   4 +1+ 4 9 3 3

Q.No.5: What is the directional derivative of φ = xy2 + yz3 at the point (2, − 1, 1) in

the direction of normal the surface x logz − y2 = −4 at (− 1, 2, 1) ?

Sol.: The directional derivative of φ = xy2 + yz3 in the direction of normal the
∧ ∇f
surface f = x log z − y 2 + 4 = 0 is ∇φ. N' = ∇φ. ,
∇f
∧
where N' is the unit vector normal to the surface f.

Given φ = xy2 + yz3

∧ ∂φ ∧ ∂φ ∧ ∂φ
Then ∇φ = I +J +K
∂x ∂y ∂z
∧ ∧ ∂ ∧ ∂
=I
∂
∂x
(
xy 2 + yz 3 + J )
∂y
(
xy 2 + yz 3 + K
∂z
)
xy 2 + yz 3 ( )
∧ ∧ ∧
( ) (
= I y 2 + J 2 xy + z3 + K 3yz 2) ( )
∧ ∧ ∧
= I − 3J− 3K at (− 1, 2, 1)

Also given f = x log z − y2 + 4

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∧ ∂f ∧ ∂f ∧ ∂f
Then ∇f = I +J +K
∂x ∂y ∂z
∧ ∧ ∂ ∧ ∂
=I
∂
∂x
(
x log z − y 2 + 4 + J
∂y
)
x log z − y 2 + 4 + K
∂z
(
x log z − y 2 + 4 ) ( )
∧ ∧ ∧ x
 
= I (log z ) + I (− 2 y ) + K  
2
∧ ∧
= −4 J − K at (− 1, 2, 1)

Then the directional derivative of φ = xy2 + yz3 in the direction of normal the

surface f = x log z − y 2 + 4 = 0 is
∧ ∧
∧ ∇f  ∧ ∧ ∧  − 4 J− K 12 + 3 15
∇φ. N ' = ∇φ. =  I − 3 J − 3 K . = = . Ans.
∇f   16 + 1 17 17

Q.No.6: Find the directional derivative of f (x, y, z) = 2xy + z2 at the point (1, − 1, 3)
∧ ∧ ∨
in the direction of the vector I + 2 J + 2 K .
∧ ∂f ∧ ∂f ∧ ∂f
Sol.: Here ∇f = I +J +K
∂x ∂y ∂z
∧ ∧ ∂ ∧ ∂
=I
∂
∂x
(
2xy + z 2 + J
∂y
)
2 xy + z 2 + K
∂z
(
2xy + z 2 ) ( )
∧ ∧ ∧
= I (2 y ) + J (2 x ) + K (2z )
∧ ∧ ∧
= −2 I + 2 J + 6 K at (1, − 1, 3)
∧ ∧ ∧
Hence, the directional derivative of f in the direction of I + 2 J + 2 K
∧  ∧ ∧ ∧  N′
= ∇f . N' =  − 2 I + 2 J + 6 K .
  N′
∧ ∧ ∧
 ∧ ∧ ∧  I + 2 J+ 2 K − 2 + 4 + 12 14 2
=  − 2 I + 2 J + 6 K . = = = 4 . Ans.
  1+ 4 + 4 9 3 3

Q.No.7: In what direction from (3, 1, − 2) is the directional derivative of φ = x 2 y2z4

maximum ? Find also the magnitude of this maximum.

Sol.: Given φ = x 2 y2z4

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∧ ∂φ ∧ ∂φ ∧ ∂φ ∧ ∂ 2 2 4 ∧ ∂ 2 2 4 ∧ ∂ 2 2 4
Then ∇φ = I
∂x
+J
∂y
+K
∂z
=I
∂x
(
x y z +J
∂y
)
x y z +K
∂z
x y z ( ) ( )
∧ ∧ ∧
( ) ( ) (
= I 2 xy2 z 4 + J 2 yx 2 z 4 + K 4z 3x 2 y 2 )
∧ ∧ ∧
= 96 I + 288 J − 288 K at (3, 1, − 2)
∧ ∧ ∧
= 96 I + 3 J − 3 K . Ans.
 

Thus, the directional derivative of φ = x 2 y2z4 is maximum in the direction of

∧ ∧ ∧
96 I + 3 J − 3 K  from the point (3, 1, − 2) .
 

IInd Part: Since we know that the directional derivative of φ = x 2 y2z4 is maximum

along its normal, so its magnitude is ∇φ = 96 1 + 9 + 9 = 96 19 . Ans.

∧ ∧ ∧
Q.No.8: Prove that ∇r n = nr n − 2R , where R = x I + y J + z K .

(
Sol.: We have f (x, y, z ) = r n = x 2 + y 2 + z 2 )
n/2

∴
∂f ∂ r n
= =
( )
∂ 2
x + y2 + z 2( )
n/2 n
(
= x 2 + y2 + z2 )
n
−1
2 .2 x = n x r n −2 .
∂x ∂x ∂x 2
∂f ∂f
Similarly = ny r n − 2 and = nz r n − 2
∂y ∂z
∂f ∂f ∂f
Thus ∇r n = I +J +K = nr n − 2 (xI + yJ + zK ) = nr n − 2 R . Ans.
∂x ∂y ∂z

( ) 1
r
R
Q.No.9: (a) Find ∇φ , if φ = log x 2 + y2 + z2 , (b) Show that grad   = − 3 .
r

(
Sol.: (a) Given φ = log x 2 + y2 + z2 , then )
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∧ ∂φ ∧ ∂φ ∧ ∂φ
∇φ = I +J +K
∂x ∂y ∂z
∧ ∧ ∂ ∧ ∂
=I
∂
∂x
( ) (
log x 2 + y 2 + z 2 + J log x 2 + y 2 + z 2 + K log x 2 + y 2 + z 2
∂y ∂z
) ( )
∧ 2x ∧ 2y ∧ 2z
=I 2 2 2
+J 2 2 2
+K
x +y +z x +y +z x + y2 + z2
2

∧ ∧ ∧ 
 I x + J y + K z 
= 2 2 2 2
 . Ans.
x +y +z
∧ ∧ ∧ 1 1
(b) Now since R = I x + J y + K z, then r 2 = x 2 + y 2 + z 2 ⇒ =
r x 2 + y2 + z 2

1 1 ∧ ∂ 1 ∧ ∂ 1 ∧ ∂ 1

Then grad   = ∇  = I   + J   + K  
r r ∂x  r  ∂y  r  ∂z  r 

∧ ∂  1  ∧ ∂ 
+J  1  ∧ ∂ 
+K  1 

=I
∂x  2 2 2  
∂y x 2 + y 2 + z 2  
∂z x 2 + y 2 + z 2 
 x +y +z     
∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧
− Ix −Jy−Kz Ix +Jy+Kz R
= =− =−
(x 2
+ y2 + z2 )
3/ 2
 x 2 + y 2 + z 2 
3
r3
 
This completes the proof.

Q.No.10: Find the constants a and b so that the surface ax2 − byz = (a + 2)x is

orthogonal to the surface 4x 2y + z3 = 4 at the point (1, − 1, 2) .

Sol.: Let the given surfaces be f1 and f2 , therefore

f1 = ax2 − byz − (a + 2)x and f 2 = 4x 2 y + z3 − 4

∧ ∂f ∧ ∂f1 ∧ ∂f1
1
∇f1 = I +J +K
∂x ∂y ∂z
∧ ∧ ∂ ∧ ∂
=I
∂
∂x
[
ax 2 − byz − (a + 2 )x + J
∂y
] [
ax 2 − byz − (a + 2 )x + K
∂z
ax 2 − byz − (a + 2 )x] [ ]
∧ ∧ ∧
= I [2ax − (a + 2 )] − J (bz ) − K (by )
∧ ∧ ∧
Now ∇ f1 at the point (1, − 1, 2) is (a − 2) I − 2b J + b K
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∧ ∇f1
Since, we know that unit vector normal to the surface f1is N = .
∇f1

Hence, the desired unit vector normal to the surface is

∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧
∧ ∇f1 (a − 2) I − 2b J + b K (a − 2) I − 2b J + b K
N1 = = =
∇f1 (a − 2)2 + 4b2 + b2 (a − 2)2 + 5b2
Similarly,
∧ ∂f ∧ ∂f 2 ∧ ∂f 2
2
∇f 2 = I +J +K
∂x ∂y ∂z
∧ ∧ ∂ ∧ ∂
=I
∂
∂x
(
4 x 2 y + z3 − 4 + J
∂y
)
4x 2 y + z3 − 4 + K
∂z
(
4x 2 y + z3 − 4 ) ( )
∧ ∧ ∧
( ) ( )
= I (8xy ) + J 4 x 2 + K 3z 2
∧ ∧ ∧
Now ∇f 21 at the point (1, − 1, 2) is − 8 I + 4 J + 12 K
Hence, the desired unit vector normal to the surface is
∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧
∧ ∇f 2 − 8 I + 4 J + 12 K − 8 I + 4 J + 12 K − 2 I + J + 3 K
N2 = = = = .
∇f 2 2
(− 8) + 4 + 12
2 2 224 14

∧ ∧
Since the surfaces are orthogonal to each other. Hence N1 . N 2 = 0 .
∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧
(a − 2) I − 2b J + b K − 2 I + J + 3 K
⇒ . =0
(a − 2)2 + 5b 2 14
(a − 2)(−2) 2b(1) b(3)
⇒ − + =0
(a − 2)2 + 5b 2 14 (a − 2)2 + 5b 2 14 (a − 2)2 + 5b 2 14
⇒ −2a + 4 − 2b + 3b = 0 ⇒ b − 2a + 4 = 0 ⇒ 2a − b = 4
⇒ b = 2a − 4
Putting this value of b in f1, we get

f1 = ax 2 − byz − (a + 2)x = ax 2 − (2a − 4)yz − (a + 2)x = 0

⇒ a.(1) 2 − (2a − 4)(−1).2 − (a + 2).1 = 0 at (1, − 1, 2)

⇒ a − (− 4a + 8) − (a + 2) = 0
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⇒ 4a − 10 = 0
10
⇒a= = 2.5 Ans.
4
And b = 2a − 4 = (2 × 2.5) − 4 = 5 − 4 = 1. Ans.
Hence the values of a and b are a = 2.5 and b = 1.

Q.No.11: What is the greatest rate of increase of u = x 2 + yz2 at the point (1, − 1, 3) ?
Sol.: Since we know that ∇u gives the greatest rate of change of a scalar point function
u.
∧ ∂u ∧ ∂u ∧ ∂u ∧ ∂ 2 ∧ ∂ ∧ ∂
Then ∇u = I
∂x
+J
∂y
+K
∂z
=I
∂x
(
x + yz2 + J
∂y
)
x 2 + yz2 + K (
∂z
x 2 + yz2) ( )
∧ ∧ ∧
( )
= I (2x ) + J z 2 + K (2 yz)
∧ ∧ ∧
= 2 I + 9 J− 6 K at (1, − 1, 3)
∧ ∧ ∧
Thus ∇u = 2 I + 9 J − 6 K is the greatest rate of increase of u = x 2 + yz2 at the point

(1, − 1, 3) .

Q.No.12: The temperature of points in space is given by T(x, y, z) = x 2 + y2 − z .

A mosquito located at (1, 1, 2) desires to fly in such a direction that it will get
warm as soon as possible. In what direction should it move ?
Sol.: The mosquito wants to move to the region where the temperature is maximum as
soon as possible. So, it will transverse its direction where the directional derivative of
temperature is maximum i.e. the direction normal to the isothermal surface on which it is
 ∂T 
situated. As we know   = ∇T , which is normal to the surface.
 ∂r max
∧ ∂T ∧ ∂T ∧ ∂T ∧ ∂ 2 ∧ ∂ ∧ ∂
Then ∇T = I
∂x
+J
∂y
+K
∂z
=I
∂x
(
x + y2 − z + J
∂y
)
x 2 + y2 − z + K(∂z
)
x 2 + y2 − z ( )
∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧
= I (2x ) + J (2 y ) − K (1) = 2 I + 2 J − K at (1, 1, 2)

Thus unit vector normal gives the direction in which the mosquito ought to move is
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∧ ∧ ∧
∧ ∇T 2 I + 2 J − K 1  ∧ ∧ ∧ 
N= = =  2 I + 2 J − K  . Ans.
∇T 4 + 4 +1 3 

Q.No.13: Calculate the angle between the normals to the surface xy = z2 at the points

(4, 1, 2) and (3, 3, − 3) .

Sol.: Let N1 and N 2 be any vectors normal to the surface xy = z2 at the points

(4, 1, 2) and (3, 3, − 3) respectively.

Now ∇f gives the vector normal to the surface f = xy − z2 = 0

∧ ∂f ∧ ∂f ∧ ∂f ∧ ∂ ∧ ∂ ∧ ∂
Then ∇f = I
∂x
+J
∂y
+K
∂z
=I
∂x
xy − z 2 + J
∂y
(
xy − z 2 + K )
∂z
(
xy − z 2 ) ( )
∧ ∧ ∧
= I (y ) + J (x ) − K (2z )
∧ ∧ ∧
⇒ N1 = I + 4 J − 4 K at (4, 1, 2 )
∧ ∧ ∧
and N 2 = 3 I + 3 J + 6 K at (3, 3, − 3)
Also N1 = 1 + 16 + 16 = 33 , and N 2 = 9 + 9 + 36 = 54 = 3 6

N1.N 2 3 + 12 − 24 −9 1
∴ cosθ = = = =−
N1 . N 2 3 6. 33 9 22 22
 −1 
⇒ θ = cos −1 . Ans.
 22 

Q.No.14: Find the angle between the tangent planes to the surfaces x logz = y2 − 1,

x2y = 2 − z at the point (1, 1, 1) .

Sol.: Let f = x logz − y2 + 1 = 0 and g = x 2 y + z − 2 = 0 be two surfaces.
∧ ∂f ∧ ∂f ∧ ∂f
Then ∇f = I +J +K
∂x ∂y ∂z
∧ ∧ ∂ ∧ ∂
=I
∂
∂x
(
x log z − y 2 + 1 + J
∂y
) (
x log z − y 2 + 1 + K
∂z
) (
x log z − y 2 + 1 )
∧ ∧ ∧ x
 
= I (log z ) − J (2 y ) + K  
z
∧ ∧
⇒ N1 = −2 J + K at (1, 1, 1)
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∧ ∂g ∧ ∂g ∧ ∂g ∧ ∂ 2 ∧ ∂ ∧ ∂
Also, ∇g = I
∂x
+J
∂y
+K
∂z
=I
∂x
x y+z−2 +J
∂y
( )
x2y + z − 2 + K
∂z
(
x2y + z − 2 ) ( )
∧ ∧ ∧
= I (2xy ) + J x 2 + K (1) ( )
∧ ∧ ∧
⇒ N2 = 2 I + J+ K at (1, 1, 1)
whereN1 and N2 be normals of the surfaces f and g, respectively.
Now angle between the two tangents planes = angle between their normals
N1.N 2 − 2.1 + 1.1 −1 1
∴ cosθ = = = =−
N1 . N 2 4 + 1. 4 + 1 + 1 5 6 30
 −1 
⇒ θ = cos −1 . Ans.
 30 

Q.No.15: Find the angle between the surfaces x 2 + y2 + z2 = 9 and z = x 2 + y2 − 3 at

(2, − 1, 2) .
Sol.: Let f = x 2 + y2 + z2 − 9 = 0 and g = x 2 + y2 − z − 3 = 0 be two surfaces.
∧ ∂f ∧ ∂f ∧ ∂f
Then ∇f = I +J +K
∂x ∂y ∂z
∧ ∧ ∂ ∧ ∂
=I
∂ 2
∂x
(
x + y2 + z2 − 9 + J
∂y
)
x 2 + y2 + z2 − 9 + K
∂z
( )
x 2 + y2 + z2 − 9 ( )
∧ ∧ ∧
= I (2 x ) + J (2 y ) + K (2z )
∧ ∧ ∧
⇒ N1 = 4 I − 2 J + 4 K at (2, − 1, 2 )
∧ ∂g ∧ ∂g ∧ ∂g
Also, ∇g = I +J +K
∂x ∂y ∂z
∧ ∧ ∂ ∧ ∂
=I
∂ 2
∂x
(
x + y2 − z − 3 + J
∂y
)
x 2 + y2 − z − 3 + K (
∂z
)
x 2 + y2 − z − 3 ( )
∧ ∧ ∧
= I (2 x ) + J (2 y ) − K (1)
∧ ∧ ∧
⇒ N2 = 4 I − 2 J− K at (2, − 1, 2 )
where N1 and N2 be normals of the surfaces f and g, respectively.
Now angle between the two surfaces = angle between their normals
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N1.N 2 4.4 + (−2).(−2) + 4.(−1) 16 16 8 8 21

∴ cosθ = = = = = =
N1 . N 2 16 + 4 + 16 . 16 + 4 + 1 36 21 6 21 3 21 63
 8 21 
⇒ θ = cos −1 . Ans.

 63 
Q.No.16: If f and G are point functions, prove that the components of the latter normal
and tangential to the surface f = 0 are
(G.∇f )∇f and
∇f × (G × ∇f )
(∇f )2 (∇f )2

Sol.:
tangent

G
normal
O
∇f A

surface f = 0

Normal component of G = OA (unit vector along ∇f )

 ∧  ∧  ∇f  ∇f
=  G.∇f  ∇f =  G. 
 ∇f  ∇f
   
= [
(G.∇f )∇f ∵ ∇f 2 = (∇f )2
(∇f )2
]
Tangential component of G = AB = OB − OA = G −
(G.∇f )∇f
(∇f )2
=
(∇f .∇f )G − (G.∇f )∇f =
∇f × (G × ∇f )
∇f .∇f (∇f )2

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