Hunting the Hump: Partial Differentiation

Synopsis

Looks at where the peaks and troughs are to be found on a surface corresponding to a function of two variables. Explores the function f(x,y)=xy(1-x2-y2). The general shape of the surface can be observed, the but exact position of the maxima and minima is elusive. Partial differentiation provides the key and application of the stationary point criterion locates the nine stationary points, two of which are maxima, two minima, and the remainder neither. They are examples of saddle points, and some saddle-point behaviour is illustrated.

Series

Mathematical Models and Methods, Course Mst204

Language

English

Country

Great Britain

Medium

Video; Videocassette. Standard formats. col. 24 min.

Year of production

1982

Availability

OUT OF DISTRIBUTION

Subjects

Mathematics

Keywords

algebra; differential equations; surfaces

Production Company

Name

BBC Open University Productions

Distributor

Name

Open University Worldwide

Web

http://www.ouw.co.uk External site opens in new window

Phone

+44 (0) 1908 274066

Address

Walton Hall
Milton Keynes
MK7 6AA

Notes

NB. As of May 2016 Open University Worldwide are no longer distributing DVDs. They have posted this message on their website: ‘Unfortunately Open University Worldwide Limited has decided that product sales are no longer viable given the reduced funding to Higher Education institutions and diminishing demand for the products we have traditionally stocked. At present the Open University Students Association (OUSA) will continue to sell the "Good Study Guide", and we are in discussion with other possible distributors to continue to make The Open University’s products available for purchase. As soon as we have any information on other channels of distribution we will update this notice’. Some products are still available via second hand dealers on Amazon.co.uk