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tewaris
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Trying to prove that the gradient of a scalar field is symmetric(?) Struggling with the formatting here. Please see the linked image. Thanks.
http://i.imgur.com/9ZelT.png
http://i.imgur.com/9ZelT.png
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When a function is the gradient vector of another function, it means that the first function is the rate of change of the second function in a particular direction. In other words, the gradient vector represents the direction of steepest ascent of the second function.
To prove that a function is a gradient vector of another function, you must show that the partial derivatives of the first function with respect to each variable are equal to the components of the gradient vector of the second function in the same order. This can be done using the gradient operator.
Yes, a function can be the gradient vector of more than one function. This is because the gradient vector represents the direction of steepest ascent, and different functions may have the same direction of steepest ascent.
Yes, there are several properties of gradient vectors that can be useful in proving that a function is a gradient vector. These include the fact that the gradient vector is perpendicular to level curves of the function, and that the magnitude of the gradient vector represents the rate of change of the function in the direction of steepest ascent.
No, it is not possible for a function to have a gradient vector that is not continuous. The gradient vector is a vector field, and as such, its components must be continuous in order for the vector field to be well-defined. If the components of the gradient vector are not continuous, then the function cannot be the gradient vector of another function.