M408M Learning Module Pages

Main page

Chapter 10: Parametric Equations and Polar Coordinates

Chapter 12: Vectors and the Geometry of Space


Chapter 13: Vector Functions


Chapter 14: Partial Derivatives


Learning module LM 14.1: Functions of 2 or 3 variables:

Learning module LM 14.3: Partial derivatives:

Learning module LM 14.4: Tangent planes and linear approximations:

Learning module LM 14.5: Differentiability and the chain rule:

      Differentiability
      Chain rule
      General chain rule
      Worked problems

Learning module LM 14.6: Gradients and directional derivatives:

Learning module LM 14.7: Local maxima and minima:

Learning module LM 14.8: Absolute maxima and Lagrange multipliers:

Chapter 15: Multiple Integrals



Worked problems

Worked problems

In the following video we use the chain rule to work two problems:

  • A triangle is being squeezed so that its base b is shrinking with dbdt=1 and its height is increasing with dhdt=1. At what rate is the area of the triangle changing when b=3 and h=5?
  • Suppose that w=xy+yz+xz and that x=rcos(θ), y=rsin(θ) and z=rθ. Compute wr and wθ when r=2 and θ=π/2.