Exploring Directional derivatives and Gradient
This simulation shows the geometric interpretation of the directional derivative of ff in the direction of a unit vector u and the gradient vector of f(x,y) at the point P∈.
- For better view, rotate the 3D view or click on View button.
- Activate box Dir. derivative to show the directional derivative. Change the angle θ by dragging the slider or type an specific value on the box.
- Drag the point P or type specific values on the boxes.
- Now drag point P to (1,1). Change the angle θ by dragging the slider. What value change?
- At what angle, = 0?
- At what angle, is smallest? largest? and how large?