Problem 48

Question

A CAS can be used to calculate and graph partial derivatives. Draw the graphs of each of the following: (a) \(\sin \left(x+y^{2}\right)\) (b) \(D_{x} \sin \left(x+y^{2}\right)\) (c) \(D_{y} \sin \left(x+y^{2}\right)\) (d) \(D_{x}\left(D_{y} \sin \left(x+y^{2}\right)\right)\)

Step-by-Step Solution

Verified
Answer
Draw the graphs of \( \sin(x + y^2) \), \( \cos(x + y^2) \), \( 2y \cos(x + y^2) \), and \( -2y \sin(x + y^2) \) using a CAS.
1Step 1: Understand the Problem
The task involves drawing graphs of a function and its partial derivatives with respect to different variables. We need to plot the function \( f(x, y) = \sin(x + y^2) \) along with its derivatives using a Computer Algebra System (CAS).
2Step 2: Define the Function
Consider the function \( f(x, y) = \sin(x + y^2) \). This function depends on two variables, \( x \) and \( y \), where the argument of the sine function is the sum of \( x \) and \( y^2 \).
3Step 3: Compute the Partial Derivative with respect to x
To find \( D_x \sin(x + y^2) \), we apply the chain rule. The derivative is given by \( D_x [\sin(u)] = \cos(u) \cdot D_x[u] \), where \( u = x + y^2 \). Thus, \( D_x \sin(x + y^2) = \cos(x + y^2) \).
4Step 4: Compute the Partial Derivative with respect to y
Compute \( D_y \sin(x + y^2) \). Here, apply the chain rule: \( D_y [\sin(u)] = \cos(u) \cdot D_y[u] \), where \( u = x + y^2 \). Then \( D_y[x + y^2] = 2y \) so \( D_y \sin(x + y^2) = 2y \cos(x + y^2) \).
5Step 5: Compute the Second Partial Derivative \( D_{xy} \)
To find \( D_x(D_y \sin(x + y^2)) \), we start with \( D_y \sin(x + y^2) = 2y \cos(x + y^2) \). Now differentiate with respect to \( x \): \( D_x(2y \cos(x + y^2)) = 2y (-\sin(x + y^2)) \) because the derivative of \( \cos(u) \) is \( -\sin(u) \). Thus, \( D_x(D_y \sin(x + y^2)) = -2y \sin(x + y^2) \).
6Step 6: Use CAS to Plot the Functions
Use a CAS to plot \( \sin(x + y^2) \), \( \cos(x + y^2) \), \( 2y \cos(x + y^2) \), and \( -2y \sin(x + y^2) \). Each graph corresponds to parts (a), (b), (c), and (d) of the problem.

Key Concepts

Partial DerivativesChain RuleGraphing FunctionsComputer Algebra System
Partial Derivatives
Partial derivatives help us find how a function changes when we alter just one variable, keeping others constant. If we have a function of two variables, like \( f(x, y) = \sin(x + y^2) \), we can explore how it changes with respect to \( x \) or \( y \).
For example, the partial derivative of \( f \) with respect to \( x \), written as \( D_x \sin(x + y^2) \), shows how \( f \) reacts to changes in \( x \) while \( y \) stays fixed.
Similarly, finding the partial derivative with respect to \( y \), \( D_y \sin(x + y^2) \), can indicate how sensitive the function is to changes in \( y \) alone. Partial derivatives are essential in many areas like optimization, where we need to understand gradients and slopes.
Chain Rule
The chain rule in calculus is a powerful tool for finding derivatives of composite functions. It helps us tackle functions involving nested operations, like \( \sin(x + y^2) \).
When we compute partial derivatives using the chain rule, we differentiate the outer function and multiply it by the derivative of the inner function. For instance, to find \( D_x \sin(x + y^2) \), we identify the outer function as \( \sin(u) \), where \( u = x + y^2 \), and the derivative of \( \sin(u) \) is \( \cos(u) \).
This means \( D_x \sin(x + y^2) = \cos(x + y^2) \cdot D_x[x + y^2] \), where \( D_x[x + y^2] = 1 \). The chain rule is especially useful for functions with layers of operations.
Graphing Functions
Graphing a function is a visual way to understand its behavior across different values of its variables. For multi-variable functions like \( \sin(x + y^2) \), plotting its surface can offer insights into how values of \( x \) and \( y \) affect changes in the function's output.
A graph will show hills, valleys, and changes that inform us about the function's gradient and curvature. For partial derivatives, such as \( D_x \sin(x + y^2) \) and \( D_y \sin(x + y^2) \), their graphs highlight the function’s rate of change along specific directions. By examining these plots, we see how each variable contributes separately to the function’s total variation.
Computer Algebra System
A Computer Algebra System (CAS) is like having a mathematical assistant who never gets tired. It helps perform symbolic calculations, including derivatives and plotting functions quickly.
A CAS allows us to compute things like \( D_x \sin(x + y^2) \) without manual errors. It can handle tedious calculations and visualize complex graphs in seconds. This is useful for our example because we can easily chart \( \sin(x + y^2) \) and its derivatives. With a CAS, students and scientists can focus on higher-level mathematics without getting bogged down by arithmetic.
Overall, a CAS is an invaluable tool in education and research that enhances our ability to explore and understand functions and their behaviors.