Course Handout

VECTOR CALCULUS, DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS

AND

TRANSFORMS
(COURSE CODE: 100908/MA200A)

Module 1
Calculus of vector valued functions

Prerequisite:
1. Calculus of single variable functions
2. Basics of vectors

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 Module 1

Contents
 Calculus of vector valued functions

 Definition of vector valued functions

 Domain of vector valued functions

 Limits & continuity

 Derivative of vector valued functions

 Motion along a curve-velocity, speed & acceleration

 Vector field-Conservative, Potential function, Curl

Divergence, Laplacian operator

 Line integral of vector field

 Work done

 Independence of path

Text Books
H. Anton, I. Biven S.Davis, “Calculus”, Wiley, 10th edition, 2015.

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 Module 1

Vector-valued functions

If r(t) is a vector-valued function in 3-space, then for each allowable value of t the vector
r = r(t) can be represented in terms of components as

𝐫 = 𝐫(t) =< x(t ), y(t ), z(t) >= x(t)𝐢 + y(t)𝐣 + z(t)𝐤

The functions x(t), y(t), and z(t) are called the component functions or the components of
r(t). Thus, when r(t) is positioned with its initial point at the origin, its terminal point will
trace out the curve C as the parameter t varies in which case we call r(t) the radius vector or
the position vector for C.

Example 1

The component functions of 𝒓(𝑡) =< 𝑡, 𝑡 2 , 𝑡 3 > = t 𝐢 + 𝑡 2 𝐣 + 𝑡 3 𝐤 are

x(t) = t, y(t) = t2, z(t) = t3

The domain of a vector-valued function r(t) is the set of allowable values for t. If r(t) is defined
in terms of component functions and the domain is not specified explicitly, then it will be
understood that the domain is the intersection of the natural domains of the component
functions; this is called the natural domain of r(t).

Example 2

Find the natural domain of 𝒓(𝑡) =< ln|𝑡 − 1| , 𝑒 𝑡 , √𝑡 > = ln|𝑡 − 1| 𝐢 + 𝑒 𝑡 𝐣 + √𝑡 𝐤

Solution

The natural domains of the component functions 𝑥 (𝑡) = ln|𝑡 − 1| , 𝑦(𝑡) = 𝑒 𝑡 , 𝑧(𝑡) = √𝑡

are (−∞, 1) ∪ (1, ∞), (−∞, ∞), [0, ∞) respectively.

The intersection of these sets is [0,1) ∪ (1, ∞) .

Therefore the natural domain of 𝒓(𝑡) is [0,1) ∪ (1, ∞).

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Example 3

Sketch the graph and a radius vector of

a) 𝒓(𝑡) = 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑡 𝐢 + 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑡 𝐣 (0 ≤ t ≤ 2π )

b) 𝒓(𝑡) = 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑡 𝐢 + 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑡 𝐣 + 2𝐤 (0 ≤ t ≤ 2π )

Solution (a)

The corresponding parametric equations arex = cos t, y = sint (0 ≤ t ≤ 2π)

so the graph is a circle of radius 1, centered at the origin, and oriented
counter clockwise.

Solution (b)

The corresponding parametric equations are x = cos t, y = sin t, z = 2 (0 ≤ t ≤ 2π)

From the third equation, the tip of the radius vector traces a curve in the plane
z = 2, and from the first two equations, the curve is a circle of radius 1 centered at
the point (0, 0, 2) and traced counter clockwise looking down the z-axis.

Limits & Continuity

Definition

Let r(t) be a vector-valued function that is defined for all t in some open interval containing
the number a, except that r(t) need not be defined at a.

We will write lim 𝐫(t) = L if and only if lim ||𝐫(t) − L|| = 0

t→a t→a

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 Theorem

Definition
Motivated by the definition of continuity for real-valued functions, we define a vector
valued function r(t) to be continuous at t = a if lim 𝐫(t) = 𝐫(a)
t→a

That is, r(a) is defined, the limit of r(t) as t→a exists, and the two are equal.

Example 4

Find the limit of lim 𝐫(t) if 𝒓(𝑡) = 𝑡 2 𝐢 + 𝑒 𝑡 𝐣 − (2 cosπt) 𝐤

t→a

Solution

Alternatively,

Example 5
Determine whether r(t) is continuous at t=0.Explain your reasoning.
a) 𝒓(𝑡) = 𝑡 2 𝐢 + 3 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑡 𝐣 − 𝑒 𝑡 𝐤
sin 𝑡
b) 𝐫(𝑡) = 𝑒 𝑡 𝐢 + 𝑡 𝐣 + t 𝐤

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 Solution (a)

lim 𝐫(t) = lim(𝑡 2 𝐢 + 3 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑡 𝐣 − 𝑒 𝑡 𝐤) = lim(𝑡 2 )𝐢 + lim(3 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑡) 𝐣 − lim(𝑒 𝑡 )𝐤

t→0 t→0 t→0 t→0 t→0

=0 𝐢 + 0 𝐣 − 𝐤 = −𝒌
𝐫(o) = −𝒌
lim 𝐫(t) = 𝐫(o)
t→0

Therefore 𝐫(t) is continuous at t=0

Solution (b)

sin 𝑡 sin 𝑡
lim 𝐫(t) = lim(𝑒 𝑡 𝐢 + 𝐣 + t 𝐤) = lim(𝑒 𝑡 )𝐢 + lim( ) 𝐣 − lim(t)𝐤
t→0 t→0 𝑡 t→0 𝑡 t→0
t→0

= 𝑒 0 𝐢 + (1)𝐣 − (0)𝐤

= 𝐢+𝐣
sin 𝑡
Since is not defined at t = 0 , 𝐫(t) is not continuous at t = 0
𝑡

Derivatives

Definition
If r(t) is a vector-valued function, we define the derivative of r with respect to t to be the
vector-valued function 𝐫 ′ given by

𝐫(t + h) − 𝐫(t)
𝐫 ′ (t) = lim
h→0 h

The domain of 𝐫 ′ consists of all values of t in the domain of r(t) for which the limit exists.

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Note:-
𝑑[𝒓(𝑡)] 𝑑𝒓
1) Derivative of r(t) can be expressed as , 𝑑𝑡 , 𝐫 ′ (t) , 𝐫 ′
𝑑𝑡

2) Geometric interpretation of the derivative

Suppose that C is the graph of a vector-valued function r(t) in 2-
space or 3-space and that 𝐫 ′ (t)exists and is nonzero for a given
value of t . If the vector 𝐫 ′ (t) is positioned with its initial point
at the terminal point of the radius vector r(t), then 𝐫 ′ (t) is
tangent to C and points in the direction of increasing parameter.

3) If r(t) is a vector-valued function, then r is differentiable at t if and only if each of its

component functions is differentiable at t , in which case the component functions of 𝐫 ′ (t)
are the derivatives of the corresponding component functions of r(t).

4) Rules of Differentiation:- Let r(t ), r1(t ), and r2(t) be differentiable vector-valued

functions that are all in 2-space or all in 3-space, and let f(t) be a differentiable real-valued
function, k a scalar, and c a constant vector (that is, a vector whose value does not depend
on t). Then the following rules of differentiation hold:

5) Derivatives of dot and cross product

𝑑 𝑑𝒓𝟐 𝑑𝒓𝟏
1. 𝑑𝑡
[𝒓𝟏 (𝑡). 𝒓𝟐 (𝑡)] = 𝒓𝟏 (𝑡). 𝑑𝑡
+ 𝑑𝑡
. 𝒓𝟐 (𝑡)

𝑑 𝑑𝒓𝟐 𝑑𝒓𝟏
2. 𝑑𝑡
[𝒓𝟏 (𝑡) × 𝒓𝟐 (𝑡)] = 𝒓𝟏 (𝑡) × 𝑑𝑡
+ 𝑑𝑡
× 𝒓𝟐 (𝑡)

6) r(t) and 𝒓′ (𝑡) are orthogonal vectors .that is r(t) . 𝒓′ (𝑡) = 0

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Example 6
Find 𝐫 ′ (t) if
a) 𝒓(𝑡) = 𝑡 2 𝐢 + 𝑒 𝑡 𝐣 − (2 cosπt) 𝐤
b) 𝒓(𝑡) = 𝑡𝑎𝑛−1 t 𝐢 + t cost 𝐣 − √t 𝐤

Solution (a)
𝑑 (𝑡 2 ) 𝑑 (𝑒 𝑡 ) 𝑑(2 cosπt)
𝐫 ′ ( t) = 𝒊 + 𝐣− 𝐤 = 2t 𝒊 + 𝑒 𝑡 𝐣 + (2π sinπt) 𝐤
𝑑𝑡 𝑑𝑡 𝑑𝑡

Solution (b)

𝑑 (𝑡𝑎𝑛−1 𝑡) 𝑑 (𝑡 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑡) 𝑑(√t)

𝐫 ′ ( t) = 𝒊 + 𝐣− 𝐤
𝑑𝑡 𝑑𝑡 𝑑𝑡
1 1
= ( 1+𝑡 2 ) 𝒊 + (𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑡 − 𝑡 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑡)𝐣 − (2 𝑡 ) 𝐤
√

Problem 9

Calculate

if 𝒓𝟏 (𝑡) = 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑡 𝒊 + 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑡 𝒋 + 𝑡𝒌 and 𝒓𝟐 (t) = 𝒊 + 𝑡 𝒌

Solution

𝒓𝟏 (𝑡). 𝒓𝟐 (𝒕) = (𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑡 𝒊 + 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑡 𝒋 + 𝑡𝒌). (𝒊 + 𝑡 𝒌) = cost + 𝑡 2

𝑑
(𝒓 (𝑡). 𝒓𝟐 (𝒕)) = −sint + 2t
𝑑𝑡 𝟏

𝒓𝟏 (𝑡) × 𝒓𝟐 (𝒕) = (𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑡 𝒊 + 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑡 𝒋 + 𝑡𝒌) × (𝒊 + 𝑡 𝒌)

𝒊 𝒋 𝒌
= |𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑡 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑡 𝑡 | = 𝑡 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑡 𝒊 − (𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑡 − 1)𝑡 𝒋 − 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑡 𝒌
1 0 𝑡

𝑑
(𝒓𝟏 (𝑡) × 𝒓𝟐 (𝒕)) = (𝑡 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑡 + 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑡)𝒊 + (𝑡𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑡 − 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑡 + 1)𝒋 − 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑡 𝒌
𝑑𝑡

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Motion along a curve

If r(t) is the position function/trajectory of a particle moving along a curve in 2-space or 3-

space, then the instantaneous velocity, instantaneous acceleration, and instantaneous
speed of the particle at time t are defined by
d𝐫
Velocity = 𝐯(t) =
dt
d𝐯 d2 𝐫
acceleration = = 2
dt dt
ds
speed = ||𝐯(t)|| =
dt

Formulas for position, velocity, acceleration and speed

2-space 3-space

Position

Velocity

Acceleration

Speed

Example 9

A particle moves along a circular path in such a way that its x- and y-coordinates at time t are
x = 2 cos t, y = 2 sin t
(a) Find the instantaneous velocity and speed of the particle at time t .
(b) Sketch the path of the particle, and show the position and velocity vectors at time t = π/4
with the velocity vector drawn so that its initial point is at the tip of the position vector.
(c) Show that at each instant the acceleration vector is perpendicular to the velocity vector.

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Solution (a)

Position vector is r(t) = 2 cos t i + 2 sin t j

The instantaneous velocity and speed of the particle at time t is given by

𝑑𝒓(t)
𝒗( 𝑡 ) = = −2 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑡 𝒊 + 2cost 𝐣
𝑑𝑡

||𝒗(𝑡)|| = √(−2 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑡)2 + (2 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑡)2 = 2

Solution (b)
𝜋
Position and velocity vectors of the particle at 𝑡 = is given by
4

𝜋 𝜋 𝜋
𝒓 ( 4 ) = 2 cos ( 4 ) 𝒊 + 2 sin ( 4 ) 𝒋 = √2𝒊 + √2𝒋

𝜋 𝜋 𝜋
𝒗 ( 4 ) = −2 sin ( 4 ) 𝒊 + 2 cos ( 4 ) 𝒋 = −√2𝒊 + √2𝒋

Path of the particle is shown below

Solution ©

The instantaneous acceleration is given by

𝑑 𝒗(𝑡)
𝒂(𝑡) = = −2 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑡 𝒊 − 2 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑡 𝒋
𝑑𝑡

Now 𝒗(𝑡) . 𝒂(𝑡) = 4 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑡 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑡 − 4𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑡 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑡 = 0

Therefore 𝒗(𝑡) 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝒂(𝑡) are perpendicular

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Example 10

A particle moves through 3-space in such a way that its velocity is v(t) = i + t j + t2 k Find the
coordinates of the particle at time t = 1 given that the particle is at the point (−1, 2, 4) at time
t = 0.

Solution

𝑡2 𝑡3
𝒓(𝑡) = ∫ 𝒗(𝑡) 𝑑𝑡 = ∫(𝐢 + t 𝐣 + 𝑡 2 𝐤)dt = t 𝐢 + 𝒋+ 𝒌 + 𝐶 ---------(1)
2 3

At t=0, (1) implies 𝒓( 0 ) = 𝐶

𝐺𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑛 𝒓(0) = (−1, 2, 4) = −𝒊 + 2 𝒋 + 4𝒌

Therefore 𝐶 = −𝒊 + 2 𝒋 + 4𝒌

Substitute value of C in (1), we get

𝑡2 𝑡3 𝑡2 𝑡3
𝒓(𝑡 ) = t 𝐢 + 𝒋+ 𝒌 + (−𝒊 + 2 𝒋 + 4𝒌 ) = (𝑡 − 1)𝒊 + ( + 2) 𝒋 + ( + 4) 𝒌
2 3 2 3

Therefore position vector 𝒓(𝑡) at t=1 is given by

5 13
𝒓(1) = 0𝒊 + 2 𝒋 + 𝒌
3

5 13
Coordinate is (0, 2 , )
3

Directional derivatives and Gradients

1. f f(x,y) is differentiable at (x0, y0) and if u = u1i + u2 j is a unit vector, then the
directional derivative 𝐷𝑢 𝑓(𝑥0 , 𝑦0 ) exists and is given by

𝐷𝒖 𝑓(𝑥0 , 𝑦0 ) = 𝑓𝑥 (𝑥0 , 𝑦0 )𝑢1 + 𝑓𝑦 (𝑥0 , 𝑦0 )𝑢2

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 2. f f(x,y,z) is differentiable at (𝑥0 , 𝑦0 , 𝑧0 ) and if u = u1i + u2 j +u3k is a unit vector,
then the directional derivative 𝐷𝒖 𝑓(𝑥0 , 𝑦0, 𝑧0 ) exists and is given by

𝐷𝒖 𝑓(𝑥0 , 𝑦0 , 𝑧0 ) = 𝑓𝑥 (𝑥0 , 𝑦0 , 𝑧0 ) 𝑢1 + 𝑓𝑦 (𝑥0 , 𝑦0 , 𝑧0 ) 𝑢2 + 𝑓𝑧 (𝑥0 , 𝑦0 , 𝑧0 ) 𝑢3

3. Since unit vector u in the xy-plane can be expressed as u = cos φ i + sin φ j where φ is
the angle from the positive x-axis to u , the directional derivative of the function f(x,y)
in the direction of the unit vector u can also be expressed as

𝐷𝒖 𝑓 (𝑥0 , 𝑦0 ) = 𝑓𝑥 (𝑥0 , 𝑦0 ) 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜑 + 𝑓𝑦 (𝑥0 , 𝑦0 ) 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜑

4. If f is a function of x and y, then the gradient of f is defined by

𝛁f(x, y) = fx (x, y)𝐢 + fy (x, y)𝐣

Therefore 𝐷𝒖 𝑓 (𝑥, 𝑦) = 𝛁f(x, y). 𝒖

5. If f is a function of x,y and z, then the gradient of f is defined by

𝛁f(x, y, z) = fx (x, y, z)𝐢 + fy (x, y, z)𝐣 + fz (x, y, z)𝐤

Therefore 𝐷𝒖 𝑓(𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧) = 𝛁f(x, y, z). 𝒖

6. At (x,y), the surface z=f(x,y) has its maximum slope in the direction of gradient and the
maximum slope (largest directional derivative) is ||𝛁f(x, y)||

7. At (x,y), the surface z=f(x,y) has its minimum slope in the direction of gradient and the
minimum slope (smallest directional derivative) is −||𝛁f(x, y)||

Example 11

√3 1
Let f (x, y) = xy. Find and interpret Duf (1, 2) for the unit vector 𝐮 = 𝐢 +2𝐣
2

Solution

𝑓𝑥 (𝑥, 𝑦) = 𝑦 ⟹ 𝑓𝑥 (1,2) = 2

𝑓𝑦 (𝑥, 𝑦) = 𝑥 ⟹ 𝑓𝑦 (1,2) = 1

√3 1 √3 1
𝐮= 𝐢 + 𝐣 ⟹ 𝑢1 = , 𝑢2 =
2 2 2 2

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 𝐷𝒖 𝑓(1,2) = 𝑓𝑥 (1,2)𝑢1 + 𝑓𝑦 (1,2)𝑢2

√3 1
= 2( ) + 1( )
2 2

1
= √3 +
2

Since 1/2 + √3 ≈ 2.23, we conclude that if we move a small distance from the point (1, 2) in
the direction of u, the function f (x, y) = xy will increase by about 2.23 times the distance
moved.

Example 12

Find the directional derivative of f (x, y) = exy at (−2, 0) in the direction of the unit vector that
makes an angle of π/3 with the positive x-axis.

Solution

Example 13

Find the directional derivative of f (x, y, z) = x2 y − yz3 + z at the point (1, −2, 0) in the direction
of the vector a = 2i + j − 2k.

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Solution

Example 14

Let f (x, y) = x2ey . Find the maximum value of a directional derivative at (−2, 0), and find the
unit vector in the direction in which the maximum value occurs.

Solution

Therefore, maximum value of directional derivative in the direction of gradient at (−2, 0) is

given by

Unit vector in the direction in which the maximum value occurs is given by

Vector Field
A vector field in a plane is a function that associates with each point P(x,y) in the plane a unique
vector F(P ) parallel to the plane. Similarly, a vector field in 3-space is a function that associates
with each point P in 3-space a unique vector F(P ) in 3-space.Gravitational field and fluid flow
are examples of vector field.

A vector field F(P ) can be expressed as F(x, y) = f (x, y)i + g(x, y)j .Similarly, in 3-space with
an xyz-coordinate system, a vector field F(P ) can be expressed as F(x, y, z) = f (x, y, z)i + g(x,
y, z)j + h(x, y, z)k. W e can also denote vector field with F(r) , where r = x i+y j +zk is a radius
vector in 3 space.

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Note:-

1. A vector field F in 2-space or 3-space is said to be conservative in a region if it is the

gradient field for some function φ in that region, that is, if F = ∇φ The function φ is
called a potential function for F in the region.
𝜕 𝜕 𝜕
2. Del operator is denoted by ∇ and is given by ∇= 𝜕𝑥 𝒊 + 𝜕𝑦 𝒋 + 𝜕𝑧 𝒌

𝜕2 𝜕2 𝜕2
3. Laplace operator is denoted by ∇2 and is given by ∇2 = ∇. ∇ = + +
𝜕𝑥 2 𝜕𝑦 2 𝜕𝑧 2

4. If F(x, y, z) = f (x, y, z)i + g(x, y, z)j + h(x, y, z)k, then we define the divergence of F,
𝜕𝑓 𝜕𝑔 𝜕ℎ
written div F, to be the function given by 𝑑𝑖𝑣 𝑭 = 𝜕𝑥 + 𝜕𝑦 + 𝜕𝑧 = 𝛁 . 𝑭

5. If F(x, y, z) = f (x, y, z)i + g(x, y, z)j + h(x, y, z)k, then we define the curl of F, written
𝒊 𝒋 𝒌
𝜕 𝜕 𝜕
curl F, to be the function given by 𝑐𝑢𝑟𝑙 𝑭 = |𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑧
| = 𝛁 × 𝑭. Curl F itself
𝑓 𝑔 ℎ
is a vector field.

6. F is said to be irrotational if 𝛁 × 𝑭 = 𝟎

7. F is said to be solenoidal if 𝛁. 𝑭 = 0

𝜕2𝜑 𝜕 2𝜑 𝜕2𝜑
8. 𝜑 is said to be Laplacian if 𝛁 2 𝜑 = 0 or + + 𝜕𝑧 2 = 0
𝜕𝑥 2 𝜕𝑦 2

Example 15
−𝑐
Show that 𝜑(𝑥, 𝑦) = 1 is a potential function
(𝑥 2+𝑦 2) 2

Solution

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Therefore 𝜑 is a potential function

Example 16

Find the gradient field of 𝜑(𝑥, 𝑦) = 𝑥 + 𝑦

Solution

Gradient field is given by

Example 17

Find the divergence and curl of the vector field

𝑭(𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧) = 𝑥 2 𝑦 𝒊 + 2𝑦 3 𝑧 𝒋 + 3𝑧 𝒌

Solution

Example 18
𝑐
Show that divergence of inverse square field 𝑭(𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧) = 3 (𝑥 𝒊 + 𝑦 𝒋 + 𝑧 𝒌)
(𝑥 2+𝑦 2 +𝑧 2)2

is zero.

Solution

16 | P a g e
 1
Take 𝑟 = (𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 𝑧 2 )2

𝑐𝑥 𝒊+𝑐𝑦 𝒋+𝑐𝑧 𝒌 𝑐𝑥 𝒊 𝑐𝑦 𝒋 𝑐𝑧 𝒌
Therefore 𝑭(𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧) = = + +
𝑟3 𝑟3 𝑟3 𝑟3

Example 19

Show that 𝑭(𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧) = 𝑧 2 𝒊 + 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑦 𝒋 + 2𝑥𝑧 𝒌 is irrotational

Solution

𝒊 𝒋 𝒌
𝜕 𝜕 𝜕
𝛁 × 𝐅 = || |
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑧 |
𝑧2 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑦 2𝑥𝑧

= 𝒊(0 − 0) − 𝒋(2𝑧 − 2𝑧) + 𝒌(0 − 0)

=0

Therefore F is irrotational

Example 20

Determine a so that 𝑭(𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧) = (𝑥 + 3𝑦)𝒊 + (𝑦 − 2𝑧)𝒋 + (𝑥 + 𝑎𝑧) 𝒌 is solenoidal

17 | P a g e
Solution

f = x+3y ,g = y-2z ,h = x+az

F is solenoidal ⟹ div F =0

𝜕𝑓 𝜕𝑔 𝜕ℎ
⟹ + + 𝜕𝑧 = 0
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦

𝜕 𝜕 𝜕
⟹ (𝑥 + 3𝑦) + (𝑦 − 2𝑧) + (𝑥 + 𝑎𝑧) = 0
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑧

⟹ 1+1+𝑎 = 0 ⟹ 𝑎 = −2

Line Integrals
An integral which is to be evaluated along a curve is called line integral.

1. Line integral of the function f(x,y) with respect to arc length s along smoothly
parameterized curve C: r = r(t) = x(t) i + y(t) j , where 𝑎 ≤ 𝑡 ≤ 𝑏, is given by
𝑏

∫ 𝑓 (𝑥, 𝑦)𝑑𝑠 = ∫ 𝑓(𝑥(𝑡), 𝑦(𝑡))||𝒓′ (𝑡)||𝑑𝑡

𝐶
𝑎

𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑦
where ||𝒓′ (𝑡)|| = √( 𝑑𝑡 )2 + ( 𝑑𝑡 )2

2. Line integral of the function f(x,y,z) with respect to arc length s along smoothly
parameterized curve C: r = r(t) = x(t) i + y(t) j + z(t)k , where 𝑎 ≤ 𝑡 ≤ 𝑏, is given by
𝑏

∫ 𝑓(𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧)𝑑𝑠 = ∫ 𝑓(𝑥(𝑡), 𝑦(𝑡), 𝑧(𝑡))||𝒓′ (𝑡)||𝑑𝑡

𝐶
𝑎

𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑦 𝑑𝑧
where ||𝒓′ (𝑡)|| = √( 𝑑𝑡 )2 + ( 𝑑𝑡 )2 + (𝑑𝑡 )2

3. If C is a curve in 3-space that models a thin wire, and if f (x, y, z) is the linear density
function of the wire, then the mass M of the wire is given by M = ∫C f(x, y, z)ds

4. If C is a smooth curve of arc length L, and f is identically 1, then L = ∫C ds

18 | P a g e
 5. If F is a continuous vector field and C is a smooth oriented curve, then the line integral
of F along C is ∫𝐶 𝑭. 𝑑𝒓 = ∫𝐶 𝑓(𝑥, 𝑦)𝑑𝑥 + 𝑔(𝑥, 𝑦)𝑑𝑦

6. Work done by the force field 𝑊 = ∫𝐶 𝑭. 𝑑𝒓

7. Suppose C is the oriented curve in a plane given by

𝒓 = 𝒓(𝑡) = 𝑥(𝑡)𝒊 + 𝑦(𝑡)𝒋 , (𝑎 ≤ 𝑡 ≤ 𝑏)
𝑏
If we write F(r(t))=f(x(t),y(t))i+ g(x(t),y(t))j ,then ∫𝐶 𝑭. 𝑑𝒓 = ∫𝑎 𝑭(𝒓(𝑡)). 𝒓′ (𝑡) 𝑑𝑡

8. ∫−𝐶 𝑓(𝑥, 𝑦)𝑑𝑥 = − ∫𝐶 𝑓 (𝑥, 𝑦)𝑑𝑥

9. ∫𝐶 𝑓 (𝑥, 𝑦)𝑑𝑥 + 𝑔(𝑥, 𝑦)𝑑𝑦 = ∫𝐶 𝑓(𝑥, 𝑦)𝑑𝑥 + ∫𝐶 𝑔(𝑥, 𝑦)𝑑𝑦

𝑏
10. ∫𝐶 𝑓 (𝑥, 𝑦)𝑑𝑥 + 𝑔(𝑥, 𝑦)𝑑𝑦 = ∫𝑎 [𝑓(𝑥(𝑡), 𝑦(𝑡))𝑥 ′ (𝑡) + 𝑔(𝑥 (𝑡), 𝑦(𝑡))𝑦 ′ (𝑡)]𝑑𝑡

Example 21

Solution (a)

Solution (b)

19 | P a g e
Example 22

Evaluate the ∫C (xy + z 3 )ds from (1, 0, 0) to (−1, 0, π) along the helix C that is represented
by the parametric equations x = cost, y = sin t, z = t (0 ≤ t ≤ π)

Solution

Example 23

Suppose that a semi-circular wire has the equation 𝑦 = √25 − 𝑥 2 and that its mass density is
δ(x, y) = 15 − y . Physically, this means the wire has a maximum density of 15 units at the base
(y = 0) and that the density of the wire decreases linearly with respect to y to a value of 10 units
at the top (y = 5). Find the mass of the wire.

Solution

20 | P a g e
Example 24
Find the area of the surface upward from the circle 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 = 1 in the xy-plane to parabolic
cylinder 𝑧 = 1 − 𝑥 2.
Solution
Parametric form of 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 = 1 is x=cost and y=sint
Arc length is s=at =t
Therefore circle C : 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 = 1 can be parameterized in terms of arc length as x=cos s and
y =sin s
𝑓 (𝑥, 𝑦) = 𝑧 = 1 − 𝑥 2 = 1 − 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝑠 , 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 0 ≤ 𝑠 ≤ 2𝜋
2𝜋 2𝜋
Therefore 𝐴 = ∫𝐶 𝑓(𝑥, 𝑦)𝑑𝑠 = ∫0 (1 − 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝑠)𝑑𝑠 = ∫0 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝑠 𝑑𝑠

1 2𝜋
= 2
∫0 (1 − 𝑐𝑜𝑠2𝑠)𝑑𝑠 = 𝜋

Example 25

Evaluate ∫C 3xy dy where C is the line segment joining (0, 0) and (1, 2) with the given
orientation.
(a) Oriented from (0, 0) to (1, 2) as in Figure(a).
(b) Oriented from (1, 2) to (0, 0) as in Figure(b).

21 | P a g e
Solution (a)
Using the parameterisation

Solution (b)

Using the parameterisation

Example 26

Evaluate ∫𝐶 (2𝑥𝑦 𝑑𝑥 + (𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 )𝑑𝑦

𝜋
along the circular arc given by 𝑥 = 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑡 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑦 = 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑡 ,0 ≤ 𝑡 ≤ 2

Solution

22 | P a g e
Therefore

Example 27

Evaluate ∫𝐶 (3𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 )𝑑𝑥 + 2𝑥𝑦 𝑑𝑦

𝜋
along the circular arc given by 𝑥 = 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑡 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑦 = 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑡 ,0 ≤ 𝑡 ≤ 2

Solution

Example 28

Evaluate ∫C 𝐅. d𝐫 where F(x, y) = cos x i + sin x j and where C is the given oriented curve.
−π
(a) C: 𝐫(t) = 𝐢 + t 𝐣(1 ≤ t ≤ 2)
2

(b)C: 𝐫(t) = t 𝐢 + t 2 j(−1 ≤ t ≤ 2)

Solution (a)

23 | P a g e
 −π −π
𝐫 ( t) = 𝐢 + t 𝐣 = x(t)𝒊 + 𝑦(𝑡)𝒋 ⟹ 𝑥(𝑡) = 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑦(𝑡) = 𝑡
2 2
−π −π
𝐹((𝒓(𝑡)) = 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝑥(𝑡)𝒊 + sin 𝑦(𝑡)𝒋 = cos ( ) 𝒊 + 𝑠𝑖𝑛 ( ) 𝒋 = −𝒋
2 2
𝒓′ (𝑡 ) = 𝒋

Solution (b)

Example 29

Evaluate ∫𝐶 𝑥 2 𝑦 𝑑𝑥 + 𝑥 𝑑𝑦 , where C is a triangular path given below

Solution
C1 is a line joining points O(0,0) and A(1,0) whose equation is y=0
C2 is a line joining points A(1,0) and B(1,2) whose equation is x=1
C3 is a line joining points B(1,2) and O(0,0) whose equation is y=2x
Therefore C1 : x=t and y=0
C2 : x=1 and y=t
C3 : x=t and y=2t

24 | P a g e
 1
2
∫ 𝑥 𝑦 𝑑𝑥 + 𝑥 𝑑𝑦 = ∫ 0𝑑𝑥 = 0
𝐶1 0

∫ 𝑥 2 𝑦 𝑑𝑥 + 𝑥 𝑑𝑦 = ∫ 𝑑𝑡 = 2
𝐶2 0

0
3
∫ 𝑥 2 𝑦 𝑑𝑥 + 𝑥 𝑑𝑦 = 2 ∫(𝑡 3 + 𝑡 )𝑑𝑡 = −
2
𝐶3 1

∫ 𝑥 2 𝑦 𝑑𝑥 + 𝑥 𝑑𝑦 = [ ∫ 𝑥 2 𝑦 𝑑𝑥 + 𝑥 𝑑𝑦 ] + [ ∫ 𝑥 2 𝑦 𝑑𝑥 + 𝑥 𝑑𝑦] + [ ∫ 𝑥 2 𝑦 𝑑𝑥 + 𝑥 𝑑𝑦]
𝐶 𝐶1 𝐶2 𝐶3

3 1
= 0 + 2 + (− 2) = 2

Example 30
Find the work done by the force field F on a particle that moves along the curve
(a) 𝑭(𝑥, 𝑦) = 𝑥𝑦 𝒊 + 𝑥 3 𝒋

𝐶: 𝑥 = 𝑦 2 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 (0,0)𝑡𝑜 (1,1)

(b) 𝑭(𝑥, 𝑦) = 𝑥𝑦 𝒊 + 𝑦𝑧 𝒋 + 𝑥𝑧 𝒌

𝐶: 𝒓(𝑡) = 𝑡 𝒊 + 𝑡 2 𝒋 + 𝑡 3 𝒌 , 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 0 ≤ 𝑡 ≤ 1

Solution (a)

𝑥 = 𝑦 2 ⟹ 𝑥 = 𝑡 2 , 𝑦 = 𝑡 , 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 0 ≤ 𝑡 ≤ 1

𝑭(𝑟(𝑡)) = 𝐹 (𝑥, 𝑦) = 𝑡 3 𝒊 + 𝑡 6 𝒋
𝒓(𝑡) = 𝑥𝒊 + 𝑦𝒋 = 𝑡 2 𝒊 + 𝑡𝒋
𝒓′ (𝑡) = 2𝑡𝒊 + 𝒋
Work done is given by
1 1
21
𝑊 = ∫ 𝑭. 𝑑𝒓 = ∫ 𝐹(𝒓(𝑡)). 𝒓′ (𝑡) 𝑑𝑡 = ∫(2𝑡 4 + 𝑡 7 )𝑑𝑡 =
40
𝐶 0 0

25 | P a g e
Solution (b)

𝒓(𝑡) = 𝑡 𝒊 + 𝑡 2 𝒋 + 𝑡 3 𝒌 ⟹ 𝑥(𝑡) = 𝑡, 𝑦(𝑡) = 𝑡 2 , 𝑧(𝑡) = 𝑡 3

𝑭(𝒓(𝑡)) = 𝑡 3 𝒊 + 𝑡 5 𝒋 + 𝑡 4 𝒌

𝒓′ (𝑡) = 𝒊 + 2𝑡 𝒋 + 3𝑡 2 𝒌

Work done is given by

1 1 27
𝑊 = ∫𝐶 𝑭. 𝑑𝒓 = ∫0 𝑭(𝒓(𝑡)). 𝒓′ (𝑡) 𝑑𝑡 = ∫0 (𝑡 3 + 5𝑡 6 )𝑑𝑡 = 28

Independence of path
1. The value of a line integral of a conservative vector field (that is (𝑥, 𝑦) = ∇𝜑(𝑥, 𝑦) )
along a piecewise smooth path or curve start at 𝑃(𝑥0 , 𝑦0 ) and ends at 𝑄(𝑥1 , 𝑦1 ) is
independent of path.
(𝑥1 ,𝑦1 ) (𝑥1 ,𝑦1 )

∫ 𝑭. 𝑑𝒓 = ∫ ∇𝜑. 𝑑𝒓 = 𝜑(𝑥1 , 𝑦1 ) − 𝜑(𝑥0 , 𝑦0 )

(𝑥0,𝑦0 ) (𝑥0,𝑦0 )

(Fundamental theorem of line integral)

2. If f(x,y) and g(x,y) are continuous on an open connected region D ,then the following
are equivalent.
a) F(x,y) = f(x,y) i+ g(x,y) j is a conservative vector field on D .
b) ∫𝐶 𝑭. 𝑑𝒓 = 0 for every piecewise smooth closed curve C in D.
c) ∫𝐶 𝑭. 𝑑𝒓 is independent of the path from the point P in D to any point Q in D
for every piecewise smooth curve C in D.
3. Test for conservative vector fields:-
𝜕𝑓 𝜕𝑔
a) F(x,y) = f(x,y) i+ g(x,y) j is conservative on D ⟺ 𝜕𝑦 = 𝜕𝑥
b) F(x,y,z) = f(x,y,z) i+ g(x,y,z) j + h(x,y,z) k is conservative on D ⟺ curl F =0

26 | P a g e
Example 31
(a) Confirm that the force field F(x, y) = yi + x j is conservative by showing that F(x, y) is
the gradient of φ(x, y) = xy.
(1,1)
(b) Use the Fundamental Theorem of Line Integrals to evaluate ∫(0,0) 𝑭. 𝑑𝒓

Solution (a)
φ(x, y) = xy
𝜕𝜑 𝜕𝜑
𝛁𝜑 = 𝒊+ 𝒋 = 𝑦𝒊 + 𝑥𝒋 = 𝐅(x, y)
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦
Therefore F is conservative.

Solution (b)
(1,1)
∫(0,0) 𝑭. 𝑑𝒓 = 𝜑(1,1) − 𝜑(0,0) = 1 − 0 = 1

Example 32

Determine whether the vector field F(x, y) = (y + x)i + (y − x)j is conservative on some open
set.
Solution
f(x,y)=y+x and g(x,y)= y-x
𝜕𝑓 𝜕𝑔
= 1 𝑎𝑛𝑑 = −1
𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑥
Therefore, F is not conservative in some open set.

Example 33
Let F(x, y) = 2xy3i + (1 + 3x2y2)j.
(a) Show that F is a conservative vector field on the entire xy-plane.
(b) Find φ by first integrating ∂φ/∂x.
(c) Find φ by first integrating ∂φ/∂y.
(3,1)
(d) Using the above potential function 𝜑, evaluate ∫(1,4) 2𝑥𝑦 3 𝑑𝑥 + (1 + 3𝑥 2 𝑦 2 )𝑑𝑦

(f) Find the work done by the field on a particle moves from (1,4) to (3,1).

27 | P a g e
Solution (a)
f(x,y)= 2xy3 and g(x,y)= 1 + 3x2y2
𝜕𝑓 𝜕𝑔
= 6𝑥𝑦 2 =
𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑥
Therefore F is conservative
Solution (b)
Since F is conservative, 𝑭 = ∇𝜑
𝜕𝜑 𝜕𝜑
That is f(x, y)𝐢 + g(x, y)𝐣 = 𝒊+ 𝒋
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦

𝜕𝜑 𝜕𝜑
2x𝑦 3 𝐢 + (1 + 3𝑥 2 𝑦 2 )𝐣 = 𝒊+ 𝒋
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦
𝜕𝜑
= 2x𝑦 3 ----------(1)
𝜕𝑥

𝜕𝜑
= 1 + 3𝑥 2 𝑦 2 ----------(2)
𝜕𝑦

Integrating (1) we get 𝜑 = ∫ 2x𝑦 3 𝑑𝑥 = 𝑥 2 𝑦 3 + 𝑘(𝑦) -----------(3)

𝜕𝜑
Differentiating (3) with respect to y ,we get = 3𝑥 2 𝑦 2 + 𝑘 ′ (𝑦) ----------(4)
𝜕𝑦

Comparing (2) and (4) we get 𝑘 ′ (𝑦) = 1 ⟹ 𝑘(𝑦) = ∫ 1 𝑑𝑦 = 𝑦 + 𝑐

Substitute k(y)=y+c in (3) we get 𝜑 = 𝑥 2 𝑦 3 + 𝑦 + 𝑐 which is the required potential function.
Solution ©
Since F is conservative, 𝑭 = ∇𝜑
𝜕𝜑 𝜕𝜑
That is f(x, y)𝐢 + g(x, y)𝐣 = 𝒊+ 𝒋
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦

𝜕𝜑 𝜕𝜑
2x𝑦 3 𝐢 + (1 + 3𝑥 2 𝑦 2 )𝐣 = 𝒊+ 𝒋
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦
𝜕𝜑
= 2x𝑦 3 ----------(1)
𝜕𝑥

𝜕𝜑
= 1 + 3𝑥 2 𝑦 2 ----------(2)
𝜕𝑦

Integrating (2) we get 𝜑 = ∫(1 + 3𝑥 2 𝑦 2 ) 𝑑𝑦 = 𝑦 + 𝑥 2 𝑦 3 + 𝑔(𝑥) -----------(3)

𝜕𝜑
Differentiating (3) with respect to x ,we get = 2𝑥𝑦 3 + 𝑔′ (𝑥) ----------(4)
𝜕𝑥

28 | P a g e
Comparing (1) and (4) we get 𝑔′ (𝑥 ) = 0 ⟹ 𝑔(𝑥 ) = 𝑐
Substitute g(x)=c in (3) we get 𝜑 = 𝑦 + 𝑥 2 𝑦 3 + 𝑐 which is the required potential function.
Solution (d)
Here 𝜑 = 𝑦 + 𝑥 2 𝑦 3 + 𝑐
(3,1) (3,1)

∫ 2𝑥𝑦 3 𝑑𝑥 + (1 + 3𝑥 2 𝑦 2 )𝑑𝑦 = ∫ 𝑭. 𝑑𝒓 = 𝜑(3,1) − 𝜑(1,4)

(1,4) (1,4)

= 10 + 𝑐 − 68 − 𝑐 = −58
Solution (f)
By solution(d), we get
(3,1)
Work done =∫(1,4) 𝑭. 𝑑𝒓 = −58

Example 34
Let F(x, y) = ey i + xey j denote a force field in the xy-plane.
(a) Verify that the force field F is conservative on the entire xy-plane.
(b) Find the work done by the field on a particle that moves from (1, 0) to (−1, 0) along the
Semi-circular path C .

Solution (a)
f(x,y)= ey and g(x,y)= x ey
𝜕𝑓 𝜕𝑔
= 𝑒𝑦 =
𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑥
Therefore F is conservative

Solution (b)
Since F is conservative, 𝑭 = ∇𝜑
𝜕𝜑 𝜕𝜑
That is f(x, y)𝐢 + g(x, y)𝐣 = 𝒊+ 𝒋
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦

𝜕𝜑 𝜕𝜑
𝑒 𝑦 𝐢 + x𝑒 𝑦 𝐣 = 𝒊+ 𝒋
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦

29 | P a g e
𝜕𝜑
= 𝑒 𝑦 ----------(1)
𝜕𝑥

𝜕𝜑
= x𝑒 𝑦 ----------(2)
𝜕𝑦

Integrating (2) we get 𝜑 = ∫ x𝑒 𝑦 𝑑𝑦 = x𝑒 𝑦 + 𝑔(𝑥) -----------(3)

𝜕𝜑
Differentiating (3) with respect to x ,we get = 𝑒 𝑦 + 𝑔′ (𝑥) ----------(4)
𝜕𝑥

Comparing (1) and (4) we get 𝑔′ (𝑥 ) = 0 ⟹ 𝑔(𝑥 ) = 𝑐

Substitute g(x)=c in (3) we get 𝜑 = x𝑒 𝑦 + 𝑐 which is the required potential function.
Therefore work done is given by
(−1,0) (−1,0)
𝑊 = ∫(1,0) 𝑭. 𝑑𝒓 = ∫(1,0) 𝑒 𝑦 𝑑𝑥 + 𝑥𝑒 𝑦 𝑑𝑦 = 𝜑(−1,0) − 𝜑(1,0)

= −1 + 𝑐 − (1 + 𝑐 ) = −2
MODULE 1 : CALCULUS OF VECTOR FUNCTIONS

TUTORIAL

⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ = (𝑡 + 1)𝑖̂ + (𝑡 2 − 1)𝑗̂ + 2𝑡𝑘̂ is the position of a particle in space at

1. a) If 𝑟(𝑡)
time , find the particle’s velocity and acceleration vectors at .
𝑡 2
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ = 2𝑙𝑜𝑔(𝑡 + 1)𝑖̂ + 𝑡 2 𝑗̂ + 𝑘̂ is the position of a particle in space at
b) If 𝑟(𝑡) 2
time t, find the particle’s velocity and acceleration vectors at t=1.
2. a) Find ∇𝑓 of the function 𝑓 (𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧) = 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 − 2𝑧 2 + 𝑧𝑙𝑜𝑔 𝑥 at (1,1,1, ).
b) Find the gradient of the function 𝑓 (𝑥, 𝑦) = 𝑥 − 𝑦 at (2,1).
c) Find 𝐺𝑟𝑎𝑑 ∅ at the point (1, 2, 1) when ∅ = 3𝑥 2 𝑦 − 𝑦 3 𝑧 2 .
3. a) In what direction from (3,1, −2) is the directional derivative of ∅ = 𝑥 2 𝑦 2 𝑧 4
maximum?
b) Find the directions in which the function 𝑓(𝑥, 𝑦) increase and decrease most
rapidly at 𝑃0 . Also find the derivative of the function in these directions.
i) 𝑓 (𝑥, 𝑦) = 𝑥 3 + 𝑥𝑦 + 𝑦 2 ; 𝑃0 (−1,1) ii) ) 𝑓(𝑥, 𝑦) = 20 − 𝑥 2 − 𝑦 2 𝑃0 (−1,3)
𝜋 𝜋 𝑥+𝑧
iii) 𝑓(𝑥, 𝑦) = cos(3𝑥 − 𝑦) ; 𝑃0 ( 6 , 4 ) iv) ) 𝑓 (𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧) = 𝑧−𝑦 ; 𝑃0 (5,7,6)
4. Find the work done in moving particle in a force field given by
𝐹 = 3𝑥𝑦 𝑖̂ − 5𝑧 𝑗̂ + 10 𝑥𝑘̂ along the curve 𝑥 = 𝑡 2 + 1, 𝑦 = 2𝑡 2 , 𝑧 = 𝑡 3 from t=0
to t=1.
5. a) Show that 𝐹 = (𝑦 2 + 2𝑥𝑧 2 )𝑖 + (2𝑥𝑦 − 𝑧)𝑗 + (2𝑥 2 𝑧 − 𝑦 + 2𝑧)𝑘⃗ is irrotational and hence
find its scalar potential.
b) If 𝛻𝜙 = (𝑦 2 − 2𝑥𝑦𝑧 3 )𝑖 + (3 + 2𝑥𝑦 − 𝑥 2 𝑧 3 )𝑗 + (6𝑧 3 − 3𝑥 2 𝑦𝑧 2 )𝑘⃗, find  .
c) If 𝛻𝜙 = 𝑦𝑧𝑖 + 𝑥𝑧𝑗 + 𝑥𝑧𝑘⃗ , then find  .
d) Find the values of a, b, c so that
𝐴 = (𝑥 + 𝑦 + 𝑎𝑧)𝑖 + (𝑏𝑥 + 2𝑦 − 𝑧)𝑗 + (−𝑥 + 𝑐𝑦 + 2𝑧)𝑘⃗ is irrotational
.

30 | P a g e
 ⃗ = (𝑥 + 3𝑦)𝑖 + (𝑦 − 2𝑧)𝑗 + (𝑥 + 𝜆𝑧)𝑘⃗is solenoidal, find  .
e) If 𝑉

g) Find the divergence and curl of 𝐹 (𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧) = 𝑦𝑧𝑖̂ + 𝑥𝑦 2 𝑗̂ + 𝑦𝑧 2 𝑘̂

ASSIGNEMNT
1. a) Find the domain of and the value of 𝑟 (𝑡0 )𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝑟(𝑡) = sin 2𝑡𝑖̂ − 4𝑡𝑗̂; 𝑡0 = 𝜋
2 3
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ = (𝑡 + 1)𝑖̂ + 𝑡 𝑗̂ + 𝑡 𝑘̂ is the position of a particle in space at time𝑡,
b) If 𝑟(𝑡)
√2 3
find the particle’s velocity and acceleration vectors at 𝑡 = 1.
c) If ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝑟(𝑡) = 2𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑡 𝑖̂ + 3 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑡 𝑗̂ + 4𝑡𝑘̂ is the position of a particle in space at
time , find the particle’s
𝜋
velocity and acceleration vectors at 𝑡 = 2 .
𝑑
d) Calculate [𝑟⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ 2 3 ̂ ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ 4̂
1 (𝑡 ) . 𝑟2 (𝑡 )] 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝑟1 (𝑡 ) = 2𝑡𝑖̂ + 3𝑡 𝑗̂ + 𝑡 𝑘 , 𝑟2 (𝑡 ) = 𝑡 𝑘
𝑑𝑡
2. a) Find the derivative of 𝑓 (𝑥, 𝑦) = 𝑥𝑒 𝑦 + cos(𝑥𝑦) at the point (2,0) in the
direction of 𝑣 = 3𝑖̂ − 4𝑗̂
b) Find the directional derivative of 𝜙 = 2𝑥𝑦 + 𝑧 2 at the point (1,-1,3) in the direction
of 𝑖 + 2𝑗 + 2𝑘⃗.
3 4
c) Find 𝐷𝑢 𝑓 at 𝑃 where i) 𝑓 (𝑥, 𝑦) = 𝑒 2𝑥𝑦 ; 𝑃(5,0); 𝑢̂ = − 5 𝑖̂ + 5 𝑗̂
2 3 6
ii) 𝑓 (𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧) = 𝑦𝑒 𝑥𝑧 + 𝑧 3 ; 𝑃(0,2,3); 𝑢̂ = 𝑖̂ − 𝑗̂ + 𝑘̂
7 7 7
3. a) If 𝛻𝜙 is solenoidal , then find 𝜵𝟐 𝝓.
b) Find a unit normal vector to the surface 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 − 2𝑧 + 3 = 0at (1, 2, 1)
4. What is the greatest rate of increase of 𝜙 = 𝑥𝑦𝑧 2 at (1, 0, 3)?
5. a) Find the angle between the surfaces 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 𝑧 2 = 9&𝑧 = 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 − 3 at (2, 1, 2)
b) 𝑑𝑖𝑣 𝐹 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐶𝑢𝑟𝑙 𝐹 of i) 𝐹 (𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧) = 𝑥 2 𝑖̂ − 3𝑗̂ + 𝑦𝑧 2 𝑘̂
ii) 𝐹 (𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧) = 7𝑦 3 𝑧 2 𝑖̂ − 8𝑥 2 𝑧 2 𝑗̂ − 4𝑥𝑦 4 𝑘̂
 
6. If 𝐹 = 5𝑥𝑦𝑖 + 2𝑦𝑗, evaluate  F  dr ,where C is the curve 𝑦 = 𝑥 3 between 𝑥 = 1 and
C
𝑥 = 2.
7. Find the work done in moving a particle in the force field
𝐹 = 3𝑥 2 𝑖̂ + (2𝑥𝑧 − 𝑦)𝑗̂ + 𝑧𝑘̂ along the straight line from (0,0,0) to (1,1,1)
8. Find the angle between the normals to the surface xy 3 z 2  4 at the points (-1,-1,2)
and (4,1,-1).
 
9. Evaluate  F  dr where 𝐹 = 2𝑦𝑖 + 3𝑥𝑗and C is the circle𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 = 4.
C

10. Find the work done when a force 𝐹 = (𝑥 2 − 𝑦 2 + 𝑥)𝑖 − (2𝑥𝑦 + 𝑦)𝑗 moves a particle in
the xy-plane from (0, 0) to (1,1) along the curve y 2  x .

UNITWISE QUESTION BANK

⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ = sec 𝑡 𝑖̂ + 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑡 𝑗̂ + 4 𝑡𝑘̂ is the position of a particle in space at time 𝑡,
1. a) If 𝑟(𝑡) 3
𝜋
find the particle’s velocity and acceleration vectors at 𝑡 = 6 .
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ = (𝑡 − 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑡 )𝑖̂ + (1 − cos 𝑡)𝑗̂ ; 0 ≤ 𝑡 ≤ 2𝜋 is the position vector of a
b) If 𝑟(𝑡)
particle in space at time .
Find the time or times in the given time interval when the velocity and acceleration
vectors are orthogonal.

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 ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ = 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑡 𝑖̂ + cos 𝑡 𝑗̂ + √3𝑘̂ has constant length and is orthogonal
2. Show that 𝑟(𝑡)
to its derivative.
3. If is a differentiable vector function of of constant length, then prove that
.
4. Find the angle between the velocity and acceleration vectors at time , if the
2
√ 2
√
position of the particle in space at time t, ⃗⃗𝑟(𝑡) = 2 𝑡𝑖̂ + ( 2 𝑡 − 16𝑡 2 ) 𝑗̂ .
5. Find the directional derivative of 𝑥𝑦 2 + 𝑦𝑧 3 at (2,-1, 1) in the direction of the normal
to the surface 𝑥 𝑙𝑜𝑔 𝑧 − 𝑦 2 + 4 = 0 at (1, 2,1) .
6. If 𝐹 = 3𝑥 2 𝑖 + 5𝑥𝑦 2 𝑗 + 𝑥𝑦𝑧 3 𝑘⃗, find 𝛻 ⋅ 𝐹 , 𝛻(𝛻 ⋅ 𝐹 ), 𝛻 × 𝐹 , 𝛻 ⋅ (𝛻 × 𝐹 ), 𝛻 × (𝛻 × 𝐹 ) at
(1, 2,3) .
7. f 𝑟 = 𝑥𝑖 + 𝑦𝑗 + 𝑧𝑘⃗, then prove that 𝑟 𝑛 𝑟 is solenoidal only when 𝑛 = −3 but irrotational
for all values of n.
8. Determine whether the line integral of 𝐹 = (4𝑥𝑦 − 3𝑥 2 𝑧 2 )𝑖 + 2𝑥 2 𝑗 − 2𝑥 3 𝑧𝑘⃗ is
independent of the path C.
9. Find the work done in moving a particle in the force field by
𝐹 = 3𝑥 2 𝑖̂ + (2𝑥𝑧 − 𝑦) 𝑗̂ + 𝑧𝑘̂ along the path 𝑥 = 𝑡, 𝑦 = 𝑡 2 , 𝑧 = 𝑡 3 .
.
10. If 𝐹 = (𝑥 2 − 𝑦 2 )𝑖̂ + 2𝑥𝑦 𝑗̂ , evaluate ∫𝐶 𝐹 . 𝑑𝑟 where C is bounded by the
coordinate axes and the lines 𝑥 = 𝑎, 𝑦 = 𝑏.
11. If r is the position vector of the point P(x ,y, z) and 𝑟 = |𝑟|, prove that
1
(i)𝛻𝑟 𝑛 = 𝑛𝑟 𝑛−2 𝑟 and hence deduce that 𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑑( ⃗
𝑟
𝑟)=− 3
𝑟
1
(ii)𝑑𝑖𝑣(𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑑(𝑟 𝑛 )) = 𝑛(𝑛 + 1)𝑟 𝑛−2 and hence deduce that 𝑑𝑖𝑣(𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑑(𝑟))=0
(iii)𝑑𝑖𝑣(𝑟 𝑛 𝑟) = (𝑛 + 3)𝑟 𝑛 and 𝑐𝑢𝑟𝑙(𝑟 𝑛 𝑟) = 0
12. Show that 𝐹 = (2𝑥𝑦 + 𝑧 3 )𝑖 + 𝑥 2 𝑗 + 3𝑥𝑧 2 𝑘⃗ is a conservative vector field. Find its scalar
potential.
13. Prove that 𝐹 = (2𝑥𝑦 + 𝑧 3 )𝑖 + 𝑥 2 𝑗 + 3𝑥𝑧 2 𝑘⃗ is a conservative force field.
14. Find a & b such that the surfaces 𝑎𝑥² − 𝑏𝑦𝑧 = (𝑎 + 2)𝑥 and 4𝑥²𝑦 + 𝑧³ = 4 cut
orthogonally at (1,-1, 2).
15. Find ∫𝐶 𝐹 ⋅ 𝑑𝑟 where 𝐹 = (2𝑦 + 3)𝑖 + 𝑥𝑧𝑗 + (𝑦𝑧 − 𝑥)𝑘⃗ along the line joining
(0,0,0)&(2,1,1)

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