Department Of Mathematics

UNIT - IV

VECTOR DIFFERENTIATION

Topic Learning Objectives:

 Understand the existence of vector functions, derivatives of vector functions and rules of
differentiation. Geometrical and physical interpretation of derivative of vector functions.
 The importance of defining vector differential operator ∇ and the operations- Gradient of scalar
point functions, Divergence and Curl of vector point functions.
 Some important vector identities and applications.

Note: In all the vectors wherever i, j, k are used they have to be treated as unit vectors î, ̂j, k̂
along x, y, z directions respectively.

Vector calculus plays an important role in differential geometry and in the study of partial
differential equations. Vector calculus originated in the 19th century in connection with the needs of
mechanics and physics, when operations on vectors began to be performed directly, without their
previous conversion to coordinate form. More advanced studies of the properties of mathematical and
physical objects which are invariant with respect to the choice of coordinate systems led to a
generalization of vector calculus. It is used extensively in physics and engineering, especially in
the description of electromagnetic fields, gravitational fields and fluid flow.
Vector Fields:
If at each point (x, y, z) there is an associated vector
v( x, y, z )  v1 ( x, y, z )i  v2 ( x, y, z ) j  v3 ( x, y, z )k , then v( x, y, z ) is a vector function and the
field processing such a vector function is called a vector field.

Examples:
(i) A magnetic field B in a region of space, B  B1i  B2 j  B2 k

S N

(ii) The velocity field of water flowing in a pipe, v( x, y, z ) .

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Vector function is a function whose domain is set of real numbers and whose range is a set of
vectors.

Differentiation of a Vector Function:

Let the position vector of a point P (x, y, z) in space be r (t )  x i  y j  z k .

If x, y, z are all functions of t, then r is said to be a vector

function of t. As the parameter t
varies the point P traces a curve in space. Therefore r (t) = x(t) i + y(t)j + z(t) k is the vector
equation of the curve, where x(t), y(t)and z(t) are real functions of the real variable t.

This function can be viewed as describing a space curve. Intuitively it can be regarded as a
position vector, expressed as a function of ‘t’ that traces out a space curve with increasing
values of t.

r (t   t )
r (t   t )  r (t )   r

O r (t )

If r (t )  x(t )i  y(t ) j  z (t )k is a vector function of a scalar variable t then the derivative of

r⃗(t) with respect to t is

d  r (t   t )  r (t ) 
r (t )  lim
t 0  
dt   t 
x(t   t )  x(t ) y (t   t )  y (t ) z (t   t )  z (t )
 lim i  lim j  lim k
t 0  t t 0  t t 0  t
dx dy dz
 i j k
dt dt dt

• For example, suppose you were driving along a wiggly

road with position r (t) at time t.
• Differentiating r (t) should give velocity v (t).
• Differentiating v (t) should yield acceleration a (t).
• Differentiating a (t) should yield the jerk j (t).

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Velocity and Acceleration:


If r (t) = x(t) i + y(t) j + z(t) k is the position vector of a particle moving along a smooth curve
𝑑𝑟⃗
in space, then 𝑣 (𝑡) = 𝑑𝑡 is the particle’s velocity vector, tangent to the curve. At any time t,
the direction of v(t) is the direction of motion, the magnitude of v(t) is the particle’s speed,
𝑑𝑣
and the derivative 𝑎(𝑡) = 𝑑𝑡 , when it exists, is the particle’s acceleration vector.
In summary,
𝑑𝑟⃗
 Velocity is the derivative of position vector: 𝑣(𝑡) =
𝑑𝑡
 Speed is the magnitude of velocity: 𝑠𝑝𝑒𝑒𝑑 = |𝑣(𝑡)|
𝑑𝑣 𝑑2 𝑟⃗
 Acceleration is the derivative of velocity: 𝑎(𝑡) = 𝑑𝑡
= 𝑑𝑡 2
𝑣(𝑡)
 ̂=
Unit Tangent vector 𝑇 is the direction of motion at time t.
|𝑣(𝑡)|
 ⃗⃗ is 𝑣(𝑡) ∙ 𝐶̂
Component of velocity along a given vector 𝐶
 Component of acceleration along a given vector 𝐶⃗⃗ is 𝑎(𝑡) ∙ 𝐶̂

Differentiation rules for vector functions:

d d d
(1) [ a (t )  b (t )]  a (t )  b (t )
dt dt dt
d d 
(2) [c a (t )]  c  a (t )  , where c is constant
dt  dt 
d d  d 
(3) [ a (t )  b (t )]   a (t )   b (t )  a (t )   b (t ) 
dt  dt   dt 
d d  d 
(4) [ a (t )  b (t )]   a (t )   b (t )  a (t )   b (t ) 
dt  dt   dt 

Examples:

1. A particle moves such that its position vector at time t is r  e  t i  2cos3tj  3sin3tk .
Determine its velocity, acceleration and their magnitude, direction at time t = 0.

 dr
Solution: velocity : v   e t i  6sin3tj  9cos3tk
dt
 1
v(0)  i  9k , magnitude = 82 , direction is (i  9k )
82

 d2 r 
acceleration: a  2  e t i  18cos3t j  27sin3t k , a(0)  i  18j , magnitude = 325 ,
dt
1
direction is (i  18j) .
325
2. For the curves whose equations are given below, find the unit tangent vectors:
(i) x  t 2  1, y  4t  3, z  2(t 2  3t) at t  0 .
 π
(ii) r  acos3t i  asin3t j  4at k at t 
4

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Solution: (i) In the vector form equation of the given curve is


r  x i  y j  z k  (t 2  1) i  (4t  3)j  2(t 2  3t)k

dr
  2t i  4 j  2(2t  3) k
dt

dr
 4t 2  16  (4t  6) 2  20t 2  52  48t  2 5t 2  13  12t
dt
 Unit tangent vector to the given curve at a point ‘𝑛̂’ is given by

d r /dt 2[t i  2 j  (2t  3) k]
n̂  

| d r /dt | 2 5t 2  13  12t
(2j  3k)
At t = 0, n̂ 
13

(ii) r  a cos3t i  a sin3t j  4at k

dr
 3 asin3t i  3 acos3t j  4a k
dt

dr
 9a 2 sin 2 3t  9a 2 cos2 3t  16a 2  5a
dt

d r /dt a[ 3sin3t i  3cos3t j  4 k]
n̂  

| d r /dt | 5a

π 1 3 3  1  
At t= ,  i j  4 k =   3 i  3j  4 2 k 
4 5 2 2  5 2 


3. Find the angle between the tangents to the curve r  t 2 i  2t j  t 3 k at the points t  1 .

dr
Solution:  2t i  2 j  3t 2 k
dt

dr
 4t 2  4  9t 4
dt

d r /dt 2t i  2  3t 2 k
n̂  

| d r /dt | 4t 2  4  9t 4
2 i  2j  3k
At t  1, nˆ1 
17
 2 i  2j  3k
At t  1, n̂ 2 
17

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Angle between unit tangent vectors at the points t  1 is given by

^ ^ 9
cosθ  n1 . n 2 
17
  cos (9 / 17) .
1

4. A particle moves along the curve x  cos(t  1) , y  sin( t  1), z  at 3 where a is a constant.
Find a so that acceleration is perpendicular to position vectors at t  1 .
Solution: At time t position vector of particle is

r  cos(t  1) i  sin(t  1) j  at 3 k

 dr
v  sin(t  1) i  cos(t  1) j  3at 2 k
dt
v/ t 1  j  3a k

dv
Acceleration =  cos(t  1) i  sin(t  1) j  6at k
dt
 
dv
 i  6a k , r t 1  i  a k
dt t 1
Given acceleration is perpendicular to position vector,

 dv
r.  0
dt
1
 1  6a 2  0  a 2   a  1 / 6
6

5. A particle moves along the curve r  2t 2 i  (t 2  4t) j  (3t  5) k . Find the component of
velocity and acceleration in the direction of vector c  i  3 j  2k at t  1 .

Solution: Given r  2t 2 i  (t 2  4t) j  (3t  5) k

 dr
Velocity v   4t i  (2t  4) j  3 k
dt
dv
Acceleration=  4i2 j
 dt
At t  1 , v  4 i  2 j  3 k

dv
 4i2 j
dt
Also c  i  3 j  2k
| c | 14

^ c i  3 j  2k
c 
|c| 14

 Component of velocity at t  1 along the given vector c is,
^ 1 16
v.c  (4  6  6) 
14 14

Component of acceleration at t  1 along the given vector c is,

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
dv ^ 1 2
. c  (4  6)  .
dt 14 14

Exercise:
1. A person on a hang glider is spiralling upward due to rapidly rising air on a path having
position vector 𝑟(𝑡) = (3𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑡)𝑖 + (3𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑡)𝑗 + 𝑡 2 𝑘. Find
(a) The velocity and acceleration vectors
(b) The glider’s speed at any time t.
2. Given the curve 𝑥 = 𝑡 2 + 2, 𝑦 = 4𝑡 − 5, 𝑧 = 2𝑡 2 − 6𝑡 find the unit tangent vector at the
point 𝑡 = 2.

Answers
1. 𝑣⃗ =– (3𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑡)𝑖 + (3𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑡)𝑗 + 2𝑡 𝑘; 𝑎⃗ = (−3𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑡)𝑖 + (−3𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑡)𝑗 + 2𝑘; |𝑣⃗| = √9 + 4𝑡 2
2𝑖+2𝑗+𝑘
2. 3

Scalar and Vector Point Functions:

A physical quantity that can be expressed as a continuous function and which can assume
definite values at each point of a region of space is called a point function in that region, and
the region containing the point function is called a field.
There are two types of point functions namely scalar point function and vector point
function.
Scalar point function:
At each point x, y, z  of a region R in space if there corresponds a definite scalar  x, y, z  ,
then such a function  x, y, z  is called a scalar point function and the region is called a scalar
field.
Examples: Functions representing the temperature, density of a body, gravitational potential
etc. are scalar point functions.

Vector point function: At each point x, y, z  of a region R in space if there corresponds a
definite vector⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝑓 (𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧) = 𝑓1 (𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧)i + 𝑓2 (𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧)𝑗 + 𝑓3 (𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧)𝑘, then such a function
⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝑓 (𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧) is called a vector point function, the region is called a vector field.

Examples: Functions representing the velocity of moving fluid particle, gravitational force,
etc. are vector point functions.

Level surface: The scalar point function  x, y, z  is usually called the potential function and
 x, y, z   c represents the family of surfaces in the scalar field. If at each point on the surface,
 x, y, z  = c has the same value then the surface is called the level surface.

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Definition: The vector differential operator denoted by  read as del or nabla is defined by
  
 i j  k is called vector differential operator. This operator has no meaning
x y z
on itself but assumes specific meaning depending on how it operates on a scalar or vector point
function.

Gradient of a scalar point function: Let  x, y, z  be any scalar point function defined at
some point x, y, z  of a scalar field so that the function is continuously differentiable. Then
  
the vector function i j k is called a gradient of scalar function  x, y, z  and it
x y z
  
is denoted by  or grad  . Thus grad    i j k.
x y z
Note:
  
1. If  is a scalar point function, then , , are called components of grad 
x y z
2
        
2 2

2. |  |         is called the magnitude of grad  .

 x   y   z 

Geometrical interpretation of gradient: 𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑑 𝜙 is a vector normal to the surface 𝜙 = 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑡

and has a magnitude equal to the rate of change of f along this normal.

Properties of Gradient
 ^ ^ ^
1. The differential d of  is given by d  . dr where d r  dx i  dy j  dz k
2. For any scalar function  and  and any scalar  and 
(     )      ( )
3. For any scalar function  and 

i) ( )      ii)     (     ) if   0
  2
 
Unit normal vector:
^
Since  is normal vector to surface  ( x, y, z )  c then unit vector is denoted by n and is

^ n  ^
defined as, n   where n   = normal vector.
|n|

|  |
 
Note: The angle between the normal’s to the surfaces is given by cos  n1 . n2 .

Directional derivative:

If a is any vector incline at an angle  to the direction of  where  is scalar point function
then

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𝜕𝜙 𝜕𝜙 𝜕𝜙 (𝑎1 𝑖+𝑎2 𝑗+𝑎3 𝑘) 𝜕𝜙 𝜕𝜙 𝜕𝜙

∇𝜙. 𝑎̂ = ( 𝜕𝑥 𝑖 + 𝑗+ 𝑘) ∙ ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
= 𝑎1 + 𝑎2 + 𝑎3 .
𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑧 |𝑎| 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑧

It represents component of  in the direction of a which is known as directional derivative

of  in the direction of a .

Maximum Directional Derivative:


The direction derivative will be maximum in the direction of  (a   ) and maximum
 . |  |2
value of the directional derivative   |  |
|  | |  |
Maximum directional derivative is also called normal derivative.
 normal derivative |  |

Problems:

1. If  x, y, z   xy 2 z 3  x 3 y 2 z then find  and |  | at (1, -1, 1).

Solution: Given  x, y, z   xy 2 z 3  x 3 y 2 z
  
 y 2 z 3  3x 2 y 2 z ,  2 xyz 3  2 x 3 yz ,  3xy 2 z 3  x 3 y 2
x y z
  
 
x
i
y
j
z
    
k  y 2 z 3  3x 2 y 2 z i  2 xyz 3  2 x 3 yz j  3xy 2 z 3  x 3 y 2 k 
At (1, -1, 1),   2i  0 j  2k
|  |  22  0 2  2 2  82 2.

2. Find the directional derivative of  x, y, z   x 2 yz  xz 2 at the point

(1, -2, 1) in the direction of 2i  j  2k .
Solution:  x, y, z   x 2 yz  xz 2
  
grad   
x
i
y
j
z
    
k  2 xyz  z 2 i  x 2 z j  x 2 y  2 xz k 
At (1, -2, 1),   3i  j  0k
Given 𝑎⃗ = (2𝑖 − 𝑗 + 2𝑘) ⇒ |𝑎⃗| = 3
𝑎⃗⃗ 1
𝑎̂ = |𝑎⃗⃗| = 3 (2𝑖 − 𝑗 + 2𝑘)
The directional derivative of  x, y, z  is ∇∅. 𝑎̂ = (−3𝑖 + 𝑗 + 0𝑘 ). 3 (2𝑖 − 𝑗 + 2𝑘)
1

1 7
The directional derivative∇∅. 𝑎̂ = 3 (−6 − 1 + 0) = − 3.

3. Find the directional derivative of  x, y, z   xy 2  yz 3 at ( 2, -1, 1) in the direction

2i  j  2k .
Solution:  x, y, z   xy 2  yz 3

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  
grad   
x
i
y
j
z
  
k  y 2 i  2 xy  z 3 j  3 yz 2 k   
At (2, -1, 1)   i  3 j  3k
Given 𝑎⃗ = (2𝑖 + 𝑗 + 2𝑘) ⇒ |𝑎⃗| = 3
𝑎⃗⃗ 1
𝑎̂ = |𝑎⃗⃗| = 3 (2𝑖 + 𝑗 + 2𝑘)
The directional derivative of  x, y, z  is ∇∅. 𝑎̂ = (𝑖 − 3𝑗 − 3𝑘). 3 (2𝑖 + 𝑗 + 2𝑘)
1

1 7
The directional derivative∇∅. 𝑎̂ = 3 (2 − 3 − 6) = − 3.

4. Find the directional derivative of  x, y, z   x 4  y 4  z 4 at the point

(-1, 2, 3) in the direction towards the point (2, -1, -1).
Solution: Given  x, y, z   x 4  y 4  z 4
  
  i j k  4 x 3i  4 y 3 j  4 z 3 k
x y z
At (-1, 2, 3)   4i  32 j  108k
Let P   1,2,3 and Q  2,1,1
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ − 𝑂𝑃
𝑎⃗ = 𝑂𝑄 ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ = (3𝑖 − 3𝑗 − 4𝑘) ⇒ |𝑎⃗| = √34
1
The directional derivative is ∇∅. 𝑎̂ = (−4𝑖 + 32𝑗 + 108𝑘). (3𝑖 − 3𝑗 − 4𝑘)
√34
1 540
The directional derivative∇∅. 𝑎̂ = (−12 − 96 − 432) = − .
√34 √34

5. Find the directional derivative of  x, y, z  

1
at the point 1,2,3 in the
x  y2  z2
2

direction of 2i  3 j  k .
Solution: Let  x, y, z  
1
x  y2  z2
2

    2x  2y  2z
  i j k i j k
x y z 
x2  y2  z2 
2
x 2
 y2  z 
2 2
x 2
 y2  z2 
2

2 4 2
At the point 1,2,3   i  2 j  3k 
6
i j k   
14 2
14  2
14  2
14 2
𝑎⃗ = (2𝑖 − 3𝑗 + 𝑘) ⇒ |𝑎⃗| = √14,
𝑎⃗⃗ 1
𝑎̂ = = (2𝑖 − 3𝑗 + 𝑘)
|𝑎⃗⃗| √14
−2 1
The directional derivative ∇∅. 𝑎̂ = (14)2 (𝑖 + 2𝑗 − 3𝑘). (2𝑖 − 3𝑗 + 𝑘)
√14
−2 1
The directional derivative∇∅. 𝑎̂ = (14)2 (2 − 6 − 3 ) = .
√14 14√14

6. Find the maximum directional derivative of  x, y, z   x 3 y 2 z at 1,2,3 .

Solution: Given  x, y, z   x 3 y 2 z
𝜕𝜙 𝜕𝜙 𝜕𝜙
∇𝜙 = 𝑖 + 𝜕𝑥 𝑗 + 𝜕𝑥 𝑘 = (3𝑥 2 𝑦 2 𝑧 )𝑖 + (2𝑥 3 𝑦𝑧)𝑗 + (𝑥 3 𝑦 2 )𝑘
𝜕𝑥

First Semester 9 Engineering Mathematics–I (18MA11)

 Department Of Mathematics

At 1,2,3   36i  12 j  4k

The maximum directional derivative = |  | 4 9   3  1

2 2 2
 4 91

7. Find the maximum directional derivative of  x, y, z   x 2 y  yz 2  xz 3 at  1,2,1.

Solution: Given  x, y, z   x 2 y  yz 2  xz 3
  
 
x
i
y
j
z
    
k  2 xy  z 3 i  x 2  z 2 . j  2 yz  3xz 2 k 
At  1,2,1   5i  2 j  7k
The maximum directional derivative = |  | =  52  2 2  7 2  78

8. Find the unit normal vector to the surface x 2  y 2  z  3 at (1, 0, 2).

Solution: Let  x, y, z   x 2  y 2  z
  2 xi  2 yj  k
At (1, 0, 2)   2i  k
|  | 2 2  12  5
 
The unit normal vector n  
1
2i  k 
|  | 5

9. Find the unit normal vector to the surface  x, y, z   x 2 y  y 2 z  z 2 x  5 at the

point (1, -1, 2).
Solution:  x, y, z   x 2 y  y 2 z  z 2 x
∇𝜙 = (2𝑥𝑦 + 𝑧 2 )𝑖̂ + (𝑥 2 + 2𝑦𝑧)𝑗̂ + (𝑦 2 + 2𝑥𝑧)𝑘̂
At (1, -1, 2)
  2i  3 j  5k and |  | 2 2   3  5 2  38
2

 
The unit normal vector n  
1
2i  3 j  5k 
|  | 38
10. Find the angle between the normals to the surface 2 x 2  3 y 2  5 z at the points (2, -2, 4)
and (-1, -1, 1).
Solution: Let  x, y, z   2 x 2  3 y 2  5 z
  
  i j k
x y z
   4 xi  6 yj  5k
Now at (2, -2, 4), 1  8i  12 j  5k | 1 | 8 2   12    5  233
2 2

At (-1, -1, 1), 2  4i  6 j  5k | 2 |  42   62   52  77

 1
Unit normal vector to the surface at (2, -2, 4) is n1  
1
8i  12 j  5k 
| 1 | 233

First Semester 10 Engineering Mathematics–I (18MA11)

 Department Of Mathematics

 2
Unit normal vector to the surface at (-1, -1, 1) is n2  
1
 4i  6 j  5k 
| 2 | 77
 
Angle between the normals is given by cos  n1 . n2
cos 
1
8i  12 j  5k . 1  4i  6 j  5k   1  32  72  25  65
233 77 17941 17941
 65 
  cos1   is the angle between the normals.
 17941 

11. Find the angle between the normals to the surface xy  z 2 at the points
(1, 9, -3) and (-2, -2, 2).
Solution: Let  x, y, z   xy  z 2
  
  i j k
x y z
  yi  xj  2 zk
Now at (1, 9,-3) 1  9i  j  6k | 1 | 9 2  12  6 2  118
 1
 n1  
1
9i  j  6k 
| 1 | 118
At (-2, -2, 2), 2  2i  2 j  4k | 2 |  22   22   42  24
  2
 n2  
1
 2i  2 j  4k 
|  2 | 24
 
Angle between the normal is cos  n1 . n2
 44  11
cos 
1
9i  j  6k . 1 . 2i  2 j  4k   1
 18  2  24  
118 24 2832 4 117 117
 11 
Hence the acute angle   cos1   .
 117 

12. Find the angle between the surfaces x 2  y 2  z 2  16 and x 2  y 2  z  4 at the point (2,
-1,2) common to them.
Solution: The angle between the two surfaces at common point is angle between the normals
drawn to the surfaces at that point.
Let 1 x, y, z   x 2  y 2  z 2 , 1  2xi  2 yj  2zk
At (2, -1, 2) 1  4i  2 j  4k | 1 | 4 2   2  4 2  6
2

 1
 4i  2 j  4k 
1
Now n1 
| 1 | 6
Let  2 x, y, z   x 2  y 2  z , 2  2 xi  2 yj  k
At (2, -1, 2) 2  4i  2 j  k | 2 | 4 2   2   1  21
2 2

First Semester 11 Engineering Mathematics–I (18MA11)

 Department Of Mathematics

  2
Now n1  
1
4i  2 j  k 
|  2 | 21
 
Angle between the normals is cos  n1 . n2
cos  4i  2 j  4k . .4i  2 j  k   16  4  4  16  8
1 1 1
6 21 6. 21 6 21 3 21
 8 
  cos1  
 3 21 

13. Find whether the surfaces 4 x 2  z 3  4 and 5 x 2  2 yz  7 x intersect orthogonally at the

point 1,1,2 .
Solution: Let 𝜙1 (𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧) = 4𝑥 2 − 𝑧 3 − 4, ∇𝜙1 = 8𝑥 𝑖 + 0 𝐽 − 3𝑧 2 k

At 1,1,2, 1  8i  0 j  12k | 1 | 64  144  208

 1
n1  
1
8i  0 j  12k 
| 1 | 208
𝜙2 (𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧) = 5𝑥 2 − 7𝑥 − 2𝑦𝑧, ∇𝜙2 = (10 𝑥 − 7)𝑖 − 2𝑧 𝑗 − 2𝑦 𝑘
At (1, -1, -2), 2  3i  4 j  2k | 2 | 32  4 2  2 2  29
  2 3i  4 j  2k
n2  
|  2 | 29
 
Angle between two normals is cos  n1 . n2
cos 
1
8i  0 j  12k . 1 3i  4 j  2k   1 24  0  24  0
208 29 6032

cos  0   
2
Therefore the surfaces intersect orthogonally.

14. Find the constants 𝑎 and 𝑏 so that the surface 3x 2  2 y 2  3z 2  8  0 is orthogonal to the
surface ax 2  y 2  bz at the point (-1, 2, 1).
Solution: Let 1 x, y, z   3x 2  2 y 2  3z 2  8
 1  6xi  4 yj  6zk
At (-1, 2, 1) 1  6i  8 j  6k | 1 |  6   8   6  136  2 34
2 2 2

 1
Now n1  
1
 6i  8 j  6k    1 3i  4 j  3k 
| 1 | 2 34 34
 2 x, y, z   ax 2  y 2  bz , 2  2axi  2 yj  bk
At (-1, 2, 1) 2  2ai  4 j  bk | 2 | 4a 2  16  b 2
  2  2ai  4 j  bk
n2  
|  2 | 4a 2  b 2  16
Since the surfaces intersect orthogonally

First Semester 12 Engineering Mathematics–I (18MA11)

 Department Of Mathematics

 
n1 . n2  0  
1
3i  4 j  3k . 1
 2ai  4 j  bk   0
34 4a  b 2  16
2

 3i  4 j  3k  .  2ai  4 j  bk   0  6a  16  3b  0

i.e. 6a  3b  16 .............. (1)
Also the point (-1, 2, 1) lies on the surface ax 2  y 2  bz  a  4  b
i.e. a  b  4 .............. (2)
4 40
Solving the equation (1) and (2) a  and b 
9 9
Exercise:
  
1. If  x, y, z   x 2  sin y  z then find  at  0, ,1 .
 2 
2. Find the directional derivative of  x, y, z   xyz  xy 2 z 3 at (1, 2,-1) in the direction of
i  j  3k .
3. Find the maximum directional derivative of  x, y, z   x 3 y 2 z at the point
(1, -2, 3).
4. Find the unit normal vector to the surface 3x 2  2 y 2  4 z 2  9 at (1, -1, 1).
5. Find the unit normal vector to the surface x 3  y 3  z 3  14  3xyz at (1, -1, 2).
6. Find the angle between the normals to the surface z 2  xy  0 at the points
(4, 1, 2) and (3, 3, -3).
7. Find the angle between the normals to the surface 2 x 2  3 y 2  3z at the points
(2, -2, 4) and (-1, -1, 1).
8. Find the angle between the normals to the surface x log z  y 2  1 at the points
(1, 1, 1) and (2, 1, 1).
9. Find the angle between the normals to the surface x log z  y 2  1 and
x 2 y  2  z at the point (1, 1, 1) common to them.
10. Find the constants 𝑎 and 𝑏 so that the surfaces x 2  ayz  3x and
bx 2 y  z 3  b  8 y intersect orthogonally at the point (1, 1,-2).

Answers:

1. K  1   1 
6. cos1   9. cos1  
29  22   30 
2.
11
 65  5
7. cos1   10.𝑎 = 2 , 𝑏 = 1
3. 4 91  17941 
 3 
4.
1
3i  2 j  4k  8. cos1  
29  10 

5.
1
3i  j  5k 
35

First Semester 13 Engineering Mathematics–I (18MA11)

 Department Of Mathematics

Divergence of a vector function:

Let⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝑓 (𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧) = 𝑓1 (𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧)𝑖 + 𝑓2 (𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧)𝑗 + 𝑓3 (𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧)𝑘 be a continuously differentiable
vector function, then divergence of a vector point function is denoted by ∇ ∙ 𝑓⃗ or 𝑑𝑖𝑣⃗⃗⃗ 𝑓 and
defined as

𝜕 𝜕 𝜕 𝜕𝑓1 𝜕𝑓2 𝜕𝑓3

∇ ∙ 𝑓⃗ or 𝑑𝑖𝑣⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝑓 = (𝜕𝑥 𝑖 + 𝜕𝑦 𝑗 + 𝜕𝑧 𝑘) ∙ (𝑓1 𝑖 + 𝑓2 𝑗 + 𝑓3 𝑘) = + +
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑧

Clearly divergence of a vector point function is a scalar point function.

Physical interpretation: If 𝑓⃗ represents a velocity field of a gas or fluid then 𝑑𝑖𝑣 ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝑓 represents
the rate of expansion per unit volume under the flow of gas or fluid.


Definition: A vector function f is said to be a Solenoidal if 𝑑𝑖𝑣⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝑓 = 0.
Clearly constant vector function is a solenoidal vector function.

Curl of vector function: Let ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ 𝑓 (𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧) = 𝑓1 (𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧)𝑖 + 𝑓2 (𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧)𝑗 + 𝑓3 (𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧)𝑘 be a
continuously differentiable vector function, then∇ operating vectorially on 𝑓⃗ is denoted
by𝑐𝑢𝑟𝑙 ⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝑓 or ∇ × 𝑓⃗ is given by
𝑖 𝑗 𝑘
𝜕 𝜕 𝜕 𝜕 𝜕 𝜕
∇ × ⃗f = ( 𝑖 + 𝑗 + 𝑘) × (𝑓1 𝑖 + 𝑓2 𝑗 + 𝑓3 𝑘) = | |
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑧 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑧
𝑓1 𝑓2 𝑓3
𝜕𝑓3 𝜕𝑓2 𝜕𝑓1 𝜕𝑓3 𝜕𝑓2 𝜕𝑓1
∇ × 𝑓⃗ = [ − ]𝑖 + [ − ]𝑗 +[ − ]𝑘
𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑧 𝜕𝑧 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦
Clearly curl of a vector function is a vector function.

Physical interpretation: The curl of a vector function represents rotational motion.


Definition: A vector function f is said to be irrotational vector function if 𝑐𝑢𝑟𝑙 ⃗⃗𝑓⃗ = 0
⃗⃗.

Laplacian of a scalar field

Let    ( x, y, z ) be a given scalar field. Then  is a vector field given by,
 ^  ^  ^
  i j k
x y z
 divergence of  is given by
           
div( )  .( )       
x  x  y  y  z  z 
 2  2  2
div( )   
x 2 y 2 z 2
The RHS is call Laplacian of  and denoted by  2 .

First Semester 14 Engineering Mathematics–I (18MA11)

 Department Of Mathematics

 2  2  2
 By definition  2    …. (1)
x 2 y 2 z 2
 div( )     2
Equation (1) can be rewritten as,
 2 2 2 
 2   2  2  2 
 x y z 
2 2 2
 is the differential operator given by,   2  2  2 and is called Laplacian operator.
2 2

x y z
Problems:
 
1. If f  x 2 yi  2 xzj  2 yzk then find div f .
f f f   
Solution: div f  . f  1  2  3  x 2 y    2 xz   2 yz 
 

x y z x y z
∇ ∙ 𝑓⃗ = 2𝑥𝑦 + 0 + 2𝑦 = 2𝑦(𝑥 + 1).


2. If f  3xyi  x 2 zj  y 2 e 2 z k then find ∇ ∙ 𝑓⃗ at (1, 2, 0).
f f f   
Solution: div f  . f  1  2  3  3xy   x 2 z    y 2 e 2 z 
 

x y z x y z
 3y  0  2 y 2e2z

At (1, 2, 0) ∇ ∙ 𝑓⃗ = −2.

 xi  yj 
3. If f  then find div f .
x y
 x y
Solution: f  i j
x y x y
   x    y  y x x y 1
div f          
x  x  y  y  x  y  x  y 2
x  y  x  y  x  y
2 2

4. If  x, y, z   2 x 3 y 2 z 4 then find divgrad  .

Solution:  x, y, z   2 x 3 y 2 z 4
  
grad  i j k  grad  6 x 2 y 2 z 4 i  4 x 3 yz 4 j  8x 3 y 2 z 3 k
x y z
  
divgrad   6 x 2 y 2 z 4   4 x 3 yz 4   8x 3 y 2 z 3   12 xy 2 z 4  4 x 3 z 4  24 x 3 y 2 z 3
x y z


5. If f  3xyi  20 yz 2 j  15 xzk and   y 2  xz then find 𝑑𝑖𝑣 (∅𝑓
⃗⃗⃗⃗).
Solution: 𝜙𝑓⃗⃗⃗⃗ = (𝑦 2 − 𝑥𝑧)(3𝑥𝑦 𝑖 + 20𝑦𝑧 2 𝑗 − 15𝑧 𝑘)

First Semester 15 Engineering Mathematics–I (18MA11)

 Department Of Mathematics

⃗⃗⃗⃗ = (3𝑥𝑦 3 − 3𝑥 2 𝑦𝑧) 𝑖 + (20𝑦 3 𝑧 2 − 20𝑥𝑦𝑧 3 ) 𝑗 − (15𝑥𝑦 2 𝑧 − 15𝑥 2 𝑧 2 )𝑘

𝜙𝑓
𝜕 𝜕 𝜕
⃗⃗⃗⃗) =
𝑑𝑖𝑣 (𝜙𝑓 (3𝑥𝑦 3 − 3𝑥 2 𝑦𝑧) + (20𝑦 3 𝑧 2 − 20𝑥𝑦𝑧 3 ) − (15𝑥𝑦 2 𝑧 − 15𝑥 2 𝑧 2 )𝑘
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑧
⃗⃗⃗⃗) = 3𝑦3 − 6𝑥𝑦𝑧 + 60𝑦2 𝑧2 − 20𝑥𝑧3 − 15𝑥𝑦2 − 30𝑥2 𝑧
𝑑𝑖𝑣 (𝜙𝑓

   

6. Show that the vector function f  2 xyzi  xy  y 2 z j  x 2  zx k is solenoidal.
  
Solution: Consider div f  2 xyz   xy  y 2 z   x 2  zx 


x y z

div f  2 yz  x  2 yz  x  0

 f is solenoidal vector function.


7. If f  ax  3 y  4 z i  x  2 y  3z  j  3x  2 y  z k is solenoidal vector field, then find
the value of 𝑎.

Solution: If f is solenoidal then 𝑑𝑖𝑣 ⃗⃗⃗𝑓⃗ = 0

Hence ax  3 y  4 z    x  2 y  3z    3x  2 y  z   0
x y z
 a  2 1  0  a  3

 
8. If r  xi  yj  zk and r | r | then show that div (𝑟 𝑛 𝑟⃗) = (n + 3)𝑟 𝑛

Solution: Given r | r | x 2  y 2  z 2 , r 2  x2  y2  z2 =  x2
r r x
2r  2x  
x x r
r y r z
Similarly  , 
y r z r

Now r n r  r n xi  yj  zk   r n xi  r n yj  r n zk
 
div r n r    r n   n.r n  2 .x 2  3r n  n.r n 2  x 2  3r n  n.r n 2 .r 2  3r n  nr n
 
 
 div r n r   3  n r n
 

  r
9. If r  xi  yj  zk and r | r | then show that is solenoidal.
r3

Solution: Given r | r | x 2  y 2  z 2 , r 2  x 2  y 2  z 2 =  x 2
𝜕𝑟 𝜕𝑟 𝑥
2𝑟 = 2𝑥 ⟹ =
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑥 𝑟
r r x
2r  2x  
x x r

First Semester 16 Engineering Mathematics–I (18MA11)

 Department Of Mathematics

r y r z
Similarly  , 
y r z r


 3 xi  yj  zk 
r 1
Now 3
r r
r
 r 3 .1  x.3r 2
r   x  x
Consider div 3     3   
r 
 
x  r  r  
3 2

x
 r 3  3.x.r 2 .
 r  r 3  3r , x 2 r 3 3r
div 3    r    6  6  x2
r  r 6
r 6
r r
 
 
 r  1 3r 2  r  3 3
div 3    3  6 .r  div 3   3  3  0
r  r r r  r r
   

r
 is solenoidal vector field.
r3

 
10. If r  xi  yj  zk and r | r | then prove that  2 f r   f (r ) 
2
f (r ) .
r

Solution: Given r | r | x 2  y 2  z 2 , r 2  x 2  y 2  z 2 =  x 2
r r x
2r  2x  
x x r
r y r z
Similarly  , 
y r z r
2 
 2 f (r )    f (r )      f (r ) r      f (r ) x      x f (r ) 
x 2
x  x  x  r x  r 
  r  r    x x
 r  f (r )  x f r x   x f r x   r  f r  x f r  r   x f r . r 
 2 f r            
   
2 2
r r
   
   
f r  f r  f r  f r  f r  2 f r  2
 2 f (r )    2  x2  3  x2  3  2 .r  3 .r
r r r r r r
 2 f r  
2 f  r   f r 
r
11. If r  xi  yj  zk and r | r | then prove that  2 r n1   n  1n  2r n 1 .
 


Solution: Given r | r | x 2  y 2  z 2 , r 2  x 2  y 2  z 2 =  x 2
 n 1 r 
 
 2 r n 1  n  1
x
  
r .x  n  1 r n 1 .1  x.n  1r n 2 . 
x 


First Semester 17 Engineering Mathematics–I (18MA11)

 Department Of Mathematics

 
 2 r n1  n  1[r n1  x.(n  1).r n2 . ]
x
r
 r   n  1 r  (n  1)r  x 2   n  13.r n 1  (n  1)r n 3 .r 2 
2 n 1 n 1 n 3

   
 2 r n1  n  1 3r n1  (n  1).r n 1  n  13  n  1r n 1  n  1n  2r n 1 .

 
12. If r  xi  yj  zk and r | r | then prove that div (𝑟𝑛 𝑟⃗) = (n + 3)𝑟𝑛 and

hence show that  2  r n r   nn  3r n 2 r .

 

 
Solution: From the problem number 12 we already proved that ∇. (𝑟 𝑛 𝑟⃗) = (n + 3)𝑟 𝑛
     
 

 2  r n r    ∇. r n r    n  3 rn   n  3r. n i  (n  3) n r n 1

r

i
Now       x x

 2  r n r   nn  3 r n1 i   2  r n r   nn  3 rn 2  xi

 
x
  r  
  2  r n r   nn  3 rn 2 r
 

 
 
13. If f  xy 2 i  2 x 2 yzj  3 y 2 zk then find curl f .
i j k
  
 
 
Solution: curl f    f   i  6 yz  2 x 2 y  j 0  0  k 4 xyz  2 xy 
x y z
xy 2 2 x yz  3 y 2 z
2


14. Show that f  sin x  z i  cos y  z  j  x  y k is irrotational.
i j k
   
Solution: Consider curl f   i 1  1  j 1  1  k 0  0
x y z
sin x  z cos y  z x y
 
curl f  0  f is irrotational.


15. If f  x 2 i  2 xzj  2 yzk then find curl  curl f  .


 
i j k
   
Solution: curl f    f   i 2 z  2 x   j 0  0  k  2 z 
x y z
x2  2 xz 2 yz
i j k
 
   
curl  curl f    i 0  0  j 0  2  k 0  0  2 j
  x y z
2 x  2 z  0  2z

First Semester 18 Engineering Mathematics–I (18MA11)

 Department Of Mathematics


16. Prove that curl r  0

Let r  xi  yj  zk
i j k
   
curl r   i0  0  j 0  0  k 0  0  0
x y z
x y z

 r is irrotational.


17. For any differentiable vector function f prove that div curl f   0 .


 

Solution: Let f  f1i  f 2 j  f 3 k
  f f   f1 f 3   f 2 f1 
 curl f   3  2 i     j    k
 y z   z x   x y 

 
   f f    f f    f f 
div curl f    3  2    1  3    2  1 
  x  y z  y  z x  z  x y 
   f 3  f 2  f1  f 3  f 2  f1
 2 2 2 2 2 2
div curl f       
  xy x.z yz yx zx zy
But mixed partial derivatives are equal.

 

 div curl f   0  curl f is solenoidal.
 

 

18. For what value of 𝑎 the vector field f  axy  z 3 i  a  2x 2 j  1  a xz 2 k is
irrotational.
 
Solution: If f is irrotational, then curl f  0
i j k
  
Hence 0
x y z
axy  z 3 a  2x 2 1  a xz 2
  
 0  0i  1  a z 2  0  3z 2 j  2 xa  2  axk  0
 0i  4  a z j  a  4xk  0  a  4
2

19. Find the constants 𝑎, 𝑏, 𝑐 so that


f  x  2 y  azi  bx  3 y  z  j  4 x  cy  2 z k is irrotational.
 
Solution: If f is irrotational, then curl f  0

First Semester 19 Engineering Mathematics–I (18MA11)

 Department Of Mathematics

i j k
  
Hence 0
x y z
x  2 y  az bx  3 y  z 4 x  cy  2 z
 c  1i  4  a j  b  2k  0
 c  1  0,4  a  0, b  2  0  a  4, b  2, c  1

 

20. Show that f  2 xy  z 3 i  x 2 j  3xz 2 k is irrotational and find the function  such
that 𝑓⃗ = 𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑑 ∅.
 

.Solution: Given that f  2 xy  z 3 i  x 2 j  3xz 2 k
i j k
   
curl f =
x y z
2 xy  z 3 x2 3xz 2
 
 0  0i  3z 2  3z 2 j  2 x  2 xk  0
 
curl f  0  f is irrotational vector field.

We have to find the function  such that 𝑓⃗ = 𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑑 ∅

  
i.e. 2 xy  z 3 i  x 2 j  3xz 2 k  i j k
x y z
  
  2 xy  z 3 ,  x2 ,  3xz 2
x y z
  
We have d  dx  dy  dz
x y z
d  2 xy  z 3 dx  x 2 dy  3xz 2 dz
Regrouping the terms we get

d  2 xydx  x 2 dy  z 3 dx  3 z 2 xdz  d  d x 2 y  d x z 3 

 
 d  d x 2 y  xz 3    x 2 y  xz 3  c


21. Show that f  sin y  z i  x cos y  z  j  x  y k is irrotational. Find the function 
such that 𝑓⃗ = 𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑑 ∅.

Solution: Given that f  sin y  z i  x cos y  z  j  x  y k
i j k
  
Consider curl f 
x y z
sin y  z xcoy  z x y

First Semester 20 Engineering Mathematics–I (18MA11)

 Department Of Mathematics


curl f  i 1  1  j1  1  k cos y  cos y  i0  j 0  k 0  0

Therefore f is irrotational.

Find the function  such that f  grad
sin y  z i  x cos y  z  j  x  y k   i   j   k
x y z
  
  sin y  z,  x cos y  z,  x y
x y z
  
d  dx  dy  dz
x y z
d  sin y  z dx  x cos y  z dy  x  y dz
Regrouping the terms
dϕ = sin 𝑦 𝑑𝑥 + 𝑥 cos 𝑦 𝑑𝑦 + 𝑧 𝑑𝑥 + 𝑥 𝑑𝑧 − 𝑧 𝑑𝑦 − 𝑦 𝑑𝑧
dϕ = d(x sin 𝑦) + 𝑑 (𝑥 𝑧) − 𝑑(𝑦𝑧) ⇒ 𝑑∅ = d(x sin 𝑦 + 𝑥 𝑧 − 𝑦𝑧)
ϕ = x sin 𝑦 + 𝑥 𝑧 − 𝑦𝑧 + 𝑐.

     

22. Show that f  6 xy  z 3 i  3x 2  z j  3xz 2  y k is irrotational. Find the function 
such that 𝑓⃗ = 𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑑 ∅.
     

Solution: Given f  6 xy  z 3 i  3x 2  z j  3xz 2  y k
i j k
   
Consider curl f 
x y z
6 xy  z 3 3x  z 3 xz 2  y
2

 

curl f  i 1  1  j 3z 2  3z 2  k 6 x  6 x  i0  j 0  k 0  0

 f is irrotational.
Find the function  such that 𝑓⃗ = 𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑑 ∅

6 xy  z 3 i  3x 2  z  ̂j 3xz 2  y k   i   ̂j  k

x y z
  
  6 xy  z 3 ,  3x 2  z ,  3xz 2  y
x y z
  
d  dx  dy  dz
x y z
d  6 xy  z 3 dx  3x 2  z dy  3xz 2  y dz
Regrouping the terms
d  6 xydx  3x 2 dy  z 3 dx  3xz 2 dz  zdy  ydz
d  d 3x 2 y   d x.z 3   d  yz 
d  d 3x 2 y  xz 3  yz     3x 2 y  xz 3  yz  c

First Semester 21 Engineering Mathematics–I (18MA11)

 Department Of Mathematics

  
23. If r  xi  yj  zk and r | r | then show that r n r is irrotational for all values of 𝑛 and
solenoidal for 𝑛 = −3.

Solution: Given r | r | x 2  y 2  z 2 , r 2  x 2  y 2  z 2 =  x 2
r r x
2r  2x  
x x r r y r z
, Similarly  , 
y r z r

r n r  r n xi  yj  zk   r n xi  r n yj  r n zk
i j k

    n
   i

curl f    rnz  r y
x y z  y z 
rnx rn y rnz
 r r  z 
curl f   [nr n1 y ]   n r n 1 z  nr n1 y i
y
. z  nr n 1
y z  r r 

 

curl f   n r n 2 yz  n r n  2 yz i   0 i  0
⃗⃗

 r n r is irrotational for all values of 𝑛.
 r 
Consider divr n r    r n x    r n .1  x.nr n 1 .    r n  nr n 1 .x. 

  x
  x  x   r
 
div r n r    [r n  n.r n  2 .x 2 ]   r n  n.r n  2  x 2  3r n  n.r n  2 .r 2
 
 

div r n r   3r n  n.r n  3  n r n
 

 
r n r is solenoidal implies div r n r   0  n  3r n  0  n  3  0 , n  3 .
 
Exercise:
 
1. If f  3x 2 i  5xy 2 j  xyz 3 k then find div f at (1, 2, 3)

     
  
2. If f  y 2  z 2  x 2 i  z 2  x 2  y 2 j  x 2  y 2  z 2 k then find div f , curl f
  
3. If f  zx 3i  x. y 3 j  yz 3 k then find . f , and   f

4. Show that the vector field f  x  3 y i   y  3z k  x  2 z k is solenoidal.

5. Show that f  2 x 2 zi  10 xyzj  3xz 2 k is solenoidal.

6. Determine 𝑎 so that the vector field f  x  2i   y  2 z  j  x  azk is solenoidal.
7. Determine the constant 𝑎 such that the vector field

f  x  3 y i   y  2 z  j  x  azk is solenoidal.
 
8. If f  x y  z i  yz  x  j  zx  y k then find curl f

 

9. Show that f  2 xy  z 3 i  x 2 j  3xz 2 k is irrotational.

First Semester 22 Engineering Mathematics–I (18MA11)

 Department Of Mathematics

     

10. Show that f  6 xy  z 3 i  3x 2  z j  3xz 2  y k is irrotational.
 xi  yj  zk
11. Show that the vector field f  is irrotational.
 
1
x y z
2 2 2 2

 
12. If f  x 2 i  y 2 j  z 2 k and g  yzi  zxj  xyk then show that f  g is solenoidal.

13. If f  2 x  3 y  azi  bx  2 y  3z  j  2 x  cy  3z k is irrotational vector
Field, then find the constants a, b, c .
14. If   x 2 y  2 xy  z 2 then show that  is irrotational.
15. If   x 2  y 2 then show that  satisfies the Laplacian equation.
16. If   2 x 2 yz 3 then find  2 at (1, 1, 1).
17. If   x 2  y 2  4 z then find  2 .

 
   
r
18. If r  xi  yj  zk and r | r | then find grad div 
  r 
  
 
1
19. If r  xi  yj  zk and r | r | then prove that grad   is solenoid.
r
 
20. If r  xi  yj  zk and r | r | then show that  r 3 . r   6r 3


 

21. If r  xi  yj  zk and r | r | then find  2 r n  and hence show that

 

1
2    0
r
     1 
22. If v  w r where w is a constant vector. Then prove that w  curl v
2

23. Prove that grad is irrotational and curl f is solenoidal.

24. Show that f  2 xyzi  x 2 zj  x 2 yk is irrotational and find the function 

such that f  grad .

25. Show that f  sin y  z cos x i  x cos y  sin z  j   y cos z  sin x k is

irrotational and find the function  such that f  
   
26. Show that r | r | is irrotational and find the function  such that r | r | 
 2 
27. Show that div r  , where r  xi  yj  zk
r
28. Find the scalar function  such that   y 2 z 3i  2 xyz 3 j  3xy 2 z 2 k given
that  x, y, z   0 at the origin.

First Semester 23 Engineering Mathematics–I (18MA11)

 Department Of Mathematics

29. Show that  2 log r  

1
r2

r
30. Show that is both solenoidal and irrotational.
r3
Answers:
1. 80
 
2. div f  2x  y  z , curl f  2 y  z i  z  x  j  x  y k
3. divf  3x 2 z  y 2 x  z 2 y , curlf  z 3i  x 3 j  y 3 k
6. 𝑎 = 2
7. 𝑎 = 2
8. z  y i  z  x j   y  xk
13. a  2, b  3, c  3
16. 16
17. 0

2r
18.
r3
24.   2 x 2 yz  c
25.   x sin y  y sin z  z sin x +c

x  y 2  z 2 2  c
3
1 2
26.  
3
28.   xy 2 z 2

Vector identities:
In this present section we shall see some properties of gradient of a scalar function, divergence
of vector point function and curl of a vector field. These properties are called vector identities
of differential operator.

Let  and  be two scalar point functions which are continuously differentiable and
 
f  f1i  f 2 j  f 3 k , and g  g1i  g 2 j  g 3 k be two vector functions which are also
continuously differentiable then the following identities are holds good.

1. 𝑑𝑖𝑣(∅𝑓⃗) = ∅ 𝑑𝑖𝑣𝑓⃗ + 𝑓⃗. 𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑑∅ i.e. .  f     . f   f . 

  

   
Proof: We have ∅𝑓⃗ = ∅𝑓1 𝑖 + ∅ 𝑓2 𝑗 + ∅𝑓3 𝑘
  
div  f    f1 
  x
   f   f 
div  f     1  f1    . 1   f1
   x x  x x
𝜕∅ 𝜕∅ 𝜕∅
𝑑𝑖𝑣(∅𝑓⃗) = ∅ 𝑑𝑖𝑣𝑓⃗ + 𝑓1 + 𝑓2 + 𝑓3
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑧
First Semester 24 Engineering Mathematics–I (18MA11)
 Department Of Mathematics

       
div  f    div f   f1i  f 2 ̂j f 3 k . i  ̂j k
   x y z 

𝑑𝑖𝑣(∅𝑓⃗) = ∅ 𝑑𝑖𝑣𝑓⃗ + 𝑓⃗. 𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑑∅ i.e. .  f     . f   f . 

  

   

2. curl   f   curl f  grad   f i.e.     f       f      f

     

     

Proof: We have  f  f1 i  f 2  j  f 3 k
i j k
 
   
curl   f  
  x y z
f1 f 2 f 3
    
curl   f     f 3   f 2 i
   y z 
   f  f  
curl   f     . 3  f 3  2  f2
z 
i
   y y z
   f f     
curl   f      3  2 i    f3 
z 
f2 i
   y z   y
i j k i j k
 
      
curl   f    
  x y z x y z
f1 f2 f3 f1 f2 f3
   
     
curl   f       f    i  j k    f 1i  f 2 j  f 3 k 
     x y z 
   
 
   
 
curl   f       f   ( grad )  f i.e.     f       f      f
       

3. div(𝑓⃗ × 𝑔⃗) = 𝑔⃗. 𝑐𝑢𝑟𝑙 𝑓⃗ − 𝑓⃗. 𝑐𝑢𝑟𝑙 𝑔⃗ i,e ∇. (𝑓⃗ × 𝑔⃗) = 𝑔⃗. (∇ × 𝑓⃗) − 𝑓⃗. (∇ × 𝑔⃗)
i j k
   
Proof: curl f 
x y z
f1 f2 f3
  f f   f f   f f 
curl f   3  2 i   1  3  j   2  1  k
 y z   z x   x y 

First Semester 25 Engineering Mathematics–I (18MA11)

 Department Of Mathematics

   f f   f f   f f 
Now g .curl f  g1  3  2   g 2  1  3   g 3  2  1  ……..…….. (1)
 y z   z x   x y 
   g g   g g   g g 
Similarly f .curl g  f1  3  2   f 2  1  3   f 3  2  1  ………….…. (2)
 y z   z x   x y 
Consider Equation (1) – Equation (2) we get
    f g f g f g
g .curl f  f .curl g  [ g1 , 3  f 3 1  g 2 1  f1 1  g 3 2  f 2 3 ]
y y z z x x
 f g f g f g 
  g1 2  f 2 1  g 2 3  f 3 2  g 3 1  f1 3 
 z z x x y y 
          
g .curl f  f curl g    f 3 g1    f1 g 2    f 2 g 3    f 2 g1    f 3 g 2    f1 g 3 
 y z x z x y 
      
g .curl f  f .curl g   f 2 g 3  f 3 g 2    f 3 g1  f1 g 3    f1 g 2  f 2 g1  ………….. (3)
x y z
i j k
 
Consider f  g  f1 f2 f 3   f 2 g 3  f 3 g 2 i   f 3 g1  f1 g 3  j   f1 g 2  f 2 g1 k
g1 g2 g3
  
Now div f  g    f 2 g 3  f 3 g 2    f 3 g1  f1 g 3    f1 g 2  f 2 g1  ……….…..
 
(4)
  x y z
From (3) and (4) we have
      
     
  

div f  g   g .curl f  f .curl g i.e. . f  g   g .   f   f .   g 
       

4. curl  curl f   grad  div f    2 f i.e.      f    . f    2 f

     

       
i j k
     f f   f f   f f 
Proof: Now curl f    3  2 i   1  3  j   2  1  k
x y z  y z   z x   x y 
f1 f2 f3

i j k
 
   
curl  curl f  
  x y z
 f 3 f 2   f1 f 3   f 2 f1 
 y  z   z  x   x  y 
     
 
    f f    f f 
curl  curl f      2  1    1  3 .i
   y  x y  z  z x 

First Semester 26 Engineering Mathematics–I (18MA11)

 Department Of Mathematics

 
   2 f 2  2 f1  2 f1  2 f 3 
curl  curl f      2  2  .i
   y.x y z z.x 
 2 f1
Add and subtract
x 2
 
 2 f  2 f 2  2 f 3   2 f 1  2 f 1  2 f 1 
curl  curl f     21      2 .i
   x y, x z.x  x 2 y 2 z 
 
   f f f   2 2  
curl  curl f     1  2  3 .i    2  2  2  f1i
  x  x y z   x y z 
 
   

curl  curl f     div f .i    2 f1i
  x  
 
  
 
 
   
curl  curl f   grad  div f    2 f i.e.      f    . f    2 f
       

Note: From the above property it follows that

 
  
 
   
 
grad  div f   curl  curl f    2 f i.e.  . f        f    2 f
       

5. curl grad   0 i.e.      0

  
Proof: We have grad  i j k
x y z

i j k
           
Now curl  grad          .i
x y z  y  z  z  y 
  
x y z
  2  2 
curl grad      .i   0.i  0
 y.z z.y 
i.e.      0 .

6. div curl f   0 i.e. .   f   0

 

   
i j k
     f f   f f   f f 
Proof: curl f    3  2 i   1  3  j   2  1  k
x y z  y z   z x   x y 
f1 f2 f3
 
   f 3 f 2    f1 f 3    f 2 f1 
div curl f          
  x  y z  y  z x  z  x y 

First Semester 27 Engineering Mathematics–I (18MA11)

 Department Of Mathematics

   f 3  f 2  f1  f 3  f 2  f1
 2 2 2 2 2 2
div curl f       
  xy x.z yz yx zx zy
But mixed partial derivatives are equal.
 

 div curl f   0 .
 

Video Links:

1. Vector differentiation
https://www.khanacademy.org/math/multivariable-calculus/multivariable-
derivatives/position-vector-functions/v/differential-of-a-vector-valued-function

2. Gradient
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fZ231k3zsAA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GkB4vW16QHI

3. Directional derivative
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dcnj1bYEZlY

4. Applications of Gradient, Divergence and curl

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qOcFJKQPZfo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vvzTEbp9lrc

Disclaimer: The content provided is prepared by department of Mathematics for the specified
syllabus by using reference books mentioned in the syllabus. This material is specifically for the
use of RVCE students and for education purpose only.

First Semester 28 Engineering Mathematics–I (18MA11)