How to find the derivative of the absolute value of a vector?

In summary, derivatives of vector problems involve finding the rate of change of a vector quantity with respect to another variable, such as time or distance. To find the derivative of a vector function, you can use the same rules and techniques as finding the derivative of a scalar function. The derivative of a vector function represents the instantaneous rate of change of the vector at a specific point in time or space, which is useful in understanding the motion and behavior of objects in the real world. However, you cannot differentiate a vector with respect to another vector because vectors do not have independent variables. These concepts have many applications in physics and engineering, such as analyzing motion, calculating velocities and accelerations, and predicting the behavior of complex systems.
  • #1
A330NEO
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Why is [tex]\frac{d}{dt}\left | r(t) \right | =\frac{1}{\left | r(t) \right |} r(t)\cdot r'(t)[/tex] ?
A hint is given to me, saying [tex] \left | r(t)^2 \right | = r(t)\cdot r(t)[/tex] . I think it's something to do with differentiating both side of the equation given as 'hint', but I have no idea how to execute it.
Just a little bit of hint would be appreciated. Thank you
 
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  • #2
V150 said:
Why is [tex]\frac{d}{dt}\left | r(t) \right | =\frac{1}{\left | r(t) \right |} r(t)\cdot r'(t)[/tex] ?
A hint is given to me, saying [tex] \left | r(t)^2 \right | = r(t)\cdot r(t)[/tex] . I think it's something to do with differentiating both side of the equation given as 'hint', but I have no idea how to execute it.
Just a little bit of hint would be appreciated. Thank you

$$\frac{d}{dt} \left (r(t) \cdot r(t)\right ) = \frac{d}{dt} |r(t)|^2 = 2|r(t)| \frac{d}{dt} |r(t)|
\\ \Rightarrow \frac{d}{dt} |r(t)| = \frac{1}{2|r(t)|} \frac{d}{dt} \left ( r(t) \cdot r(t) \right )= \frac{1}{2|r(t)|} \left ( r'(t) \cdot r(t) + r(t) \cdot r'(t) \right )= \frac{1}{2|r(t)|} 2r(t) \cdot r'(t) \\ \Rightarrow \frac{d}{dt} |r(t)|= \frac{1}{|r(t)|} r(t) \cdot r'(t)$$
 
  • #3
V150 said:
Why is [tex]\frac{d}{dt}\left | r(t) \right | =\frac{1}{\left | r(t) \right |} r(t)\cdot r'(t)[/tex] ?
A hint is given to me, saying [tex] \left | r(t)^2 \right | = r(t)\cdot r(t)[/tex] . I think it's something to do with differentiating both side of the equation given as 'hint', but I have no idea how to execute it.
Just a little bit of hint would be appreciated. Thank you

Let $u = |r(t)|^2$. Then $|r(t)| = \sqrt{u}$; by the chain rule,

\(\displaystyle \frac{d}{dt}|r(t)| = \frac{1}{2\sqrt{u}} \frac{du}{dt}\).

Again by the chain rule,

\(\displaystyle \frac{du}{dt} = 2r(t) \cdot r'(t)\).

In case you don't see this, let $x(t)$, $y(t)$, and $z(t)$ be the $x$-, $y$-, and $z$-components of $r(t)$, respectively (assuming $r(t)$ is a space vector for all $t$). Then $u = x^2 + y^2 + z^2$, and thus

\(\displaystyle \frac{du}{dt} = 2xx' + 2yy' + 2zz' = 2\langle x,y,z \rangle \cdot \langle x', y', z' \rangle = 2r \cdot r'.\)

Therefore

\(\displaystyle \frac{d}{dt}|r(t)| = \frac{1}{\cancel{2}|r(t)|} (\cancel{2}r(t)\cdot r'(t)) = \frac{1}{|r(t)|} r(t)\cdot r'(t).\)
 

FAQ: How to find the derivative of the absolute value of a vector?

What are derivatives of vector problems?

Derivatives of vector problems involve finding the rate of change of a vector quantity with respect to another variable, such as time or distance. It is a mathematical concept used in physics and engineering to analyze the motion of objects in space.

How do you find the derivative of a vector function?

To find the derivative of a vector function, you can use the same rules and techniques as finding the derivative of a scalar function. This includes using the product rule, quotient rule, and chain rule. However, instead of working with a single variable, you will be working with vectors and their components.

What is the physical significance of the derivative of a vector function?

The derivative of a vector function represents the instantaneous rate of change of the vector at a specific point in time or space. In other words, it tells us how fast the vector is changing at that particular moment or location. This can be useful in understanding the motion and behavior of objects in the real world.

Can you differentiate a vector with respect to a vector?

No, you cannot differentiate a vector with respect to another vector. This is because a vector is a mathematical object that has both magnitude and direction. Differentiation involves finding the rate of change of a quantity with respect to its independent variable, and vectors do not have independent variables.

Are there any applications of derivatives of vector problems in real life?

Yes, derivatives of vector problems have many applications in real life, particularly in physics and engineering. For example, they are used to analyze the motion of objects in space, calculate velocities and accelerations of moving objects, and predict the behavior of complex systems such as fluid flow or electrical circuits.

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