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Calculus / English

Gradient

Khan Academy · YouTube · 5:30

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The explanation, unpacked.

Reviewed learning material · Video analysis · English
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This 180-second whiteboard segment introduces the gradient from a purely computational viewpoint. After stating that the geometric interpretation will come later, the presenter works with the example function f(x,y)=x2sin⁡(y)f(x,y)=x^2\sin(y), computes the two partial derivatives ∂f∂x=2xsin⁡(y)\frac{\partial f}{\partial x}=2x\sin(y) and ∂f∂y=x2cos⁡(y)\frac{\partial f}{\partial y}=x^2\cos(y), and then assembles them into the gradient vector ∇f(x,y)=[2xsin⁡(y)x2cos⁡(y)]\nabla f(x,y)=\begin{bmatrix}2x\sin(y)\\ x^2\cos(y)\end{bmatrix}. The clip also explains the notation ∇\nabla, stresses that the gradient is a vector-valued function of the input point, mentions the three-variable analogue, and begins a general formula for the gradient before ending mid-writing. This introductory multivariable calculus lesson defines the gradient vector ∇f as a collection of partial derivatives. Using the example f(x,y)=xf(x,y) = x²sin⁡(y)\sin (y), it demonstrates calculating ∂f/∂x and ∂f/∂y to construct the gradient. The instructor then introduces the nabla symbol (∇) as a mnemonic device representing a vector of partial derivative operators, explaining that applying ∇ to a function yields its gradient. The lesson clarifies that the dimension of the nabla vector depends on the number of independent variables in the function, noting its future relevance to divergence and curl.

Use the learning inspector for key ideas and moments, or open the reading tabs for the complete notes.

Chapters

0:00Topic announcement: computing the gradient0:30Example function f(x,y)=x2sin⁡(y)f(x,y)=x^2\sin(y)0:49Partial derivative with respect to x1:14Partial derivative with respect to y1:45Gradient notation and vector assembly2:20Gradient as a vector-valued function2:39Three-variable remark and start of general formula3:00Defining the Gradient with an Example3:15The Nabla Symbol as an Operator Vector

Learning script

Generated from the video's visuals and explanation; not verbatim speech.

The clip opens by announcing a narrow goal: explain how to compute the gradient first, while postponing the geometric interpretation to later videos. The speaker explicitly warns that the computational recipe and the eventual geometric meaning do not look obviously connected at first.

To make the computation concrete, the board introduces a two-variable scalar function, f(x,y)=x2sin⁡(y)f(x,y)=x^2\sin(y). This choice gives one polynomial factor in xx and one trigonometric factor in yy, so each partial derivative isolates a different part of the formula.

The gradient is then described operationally as the object that packs together all the partial derivative information of the function. The next step is therefore not a new theorem but a procedure: compute the relevant partial derivatives first.

For the partial with respect to xx, the speaker treats yy as constant. Since sin⁡(y)\sin(y) is then a constant multiplier and the derivative of x2x^2 is 2x2x, the board records ∂f∂x=2xsin⁡(y)\frac{\partial f}{\partial x}=2x\sin(y).

For the partial with respect to yy, the roles reverse: xx is held constant, so x2x^2 is a constant multiplier. Using that the derivative of sin⁡(y)\sin(y) is cos⁡(y)\cos(y), the board records ∂f∂y=x2cos⁡(y)\frac{\partial f}{\partial y}=x^2\cos(y).

With both ingredients ready, the gradient is assembled as a column vector. The notation ∇f\nabla f is introduced, with ∇\nabla named nabla and often pronounced del, and the example becomes ∇f=[2xsin⁡(y)x2cos⁡(y)]\nabla f=\begin{bmatrix}2x\sin(y)\\ x^2\cos(y)\end{bmatrix}.

The speaker then stresses a conceptual refinement: this is not just a static vector expression but a vector-valued function of the input point. Writing ∇f(x,y)\nabla f(x,y) makes clear that each point (x,y)(x,y) in two-dimensional space is mapped to a two-dimensional output vector.

Finally, the idea is generalized verbally: for three variables, the same pattern would produce three partial derivatives and a three-dimensional output. A new lower line begins the general formula ∇f=[∂f∂x;…]\nabla f=[\frac{\partial f}{\partial x};\ldots], but the clip ends before the full general vector is completed.

The video begins by defining the gradient vector ∇f(x,y)\nabla f(x,y) as a column vector composed of the partial derivatives ∂f∂x\frac{\partial f}{\partial x} and ∂f∂y\frac{\partial f}{\partial y}. Using the specific example f(x,y)=x2sin⁡(y)f(x,y) = x^2 \sin(y), the instructor calculates the partial derivative with respect to xx as 2xsin⁡(y)2x \sin(y) and with respect to yy as x2cos⁡(y)x^2 \cos(y), assembling them into the final gradient vector.

Next, the concept shifts to the nabla symbol (∇\nabla). The instructor describes it as a helpful mnemonic device, visualizing it not just as a label, but as a vector filled with partial derivative operators, such as [∂∂x∂∂y]\left[ \begin{smallmatrix} \frac{\partial}{\partial x} \\ \frac{\partial}{\partial y} \end{smallmatrix} \right]. Applying this operator vector to a function ff generates the gradient.

The instructor emphasizes that while treating ∇\nabla as a vector of operators might seem unusual since standard vectors contain numbers, it serves as a powerful conceptual tool. Multiplying this operator vector by a function ff effectively means taking the partial derivative of ff with respect to each variable, yielding the gradient components.

This notation is introduced because the nabla symbol is foundational for other key vector calculus operators, specifically the divergence and the curl, which will be covered in future lessons. Understanding ∇\nabla as an operator vector simplifies the transition to these more complex concepts.

Finally, the dimensionality of the nabla operator is addressed. The instructor clarifies that the number of components in the ∇\nabla vector depends entirely on the dimension of the input space of the function. For a two-variable function, it has two components; for a three-variable function, it would have three, and so on.

The segment concludes by summarizing that computing the gradient is straightforward—essentially gathering partial derivatives into a vector. The true depth and utility of the gradient lie in its geometric interpretation and its application to directional derivatives, which are teased for upcoming videos.

Knowledge cards

01

Computational focus of this gradient lesson

This segment deliberately teaches the gradient first as a computation. The speaker says the geometric interpretation will come in later videos and warns that the computational rule initially seems unrelated to the geometric intuition.

02

Example function used for the gradient

The worked example is the two-variable scalar function f(x,y)=x2sin⁡(y)f(x,y)=x^2\sin(y). It is chosen because differentiating with respect to one variable leaves the other factor untouched as a constant.

f(x,y)=x2sin⁡(y)f(x,y)=x^2\sin(y)
03

Gradient as packed partial-derivative information

Before deriving any formula, the clip defines the gradient operationally: it is the vector that collects all the partial derivative information of a function into one object.

04

Partial derivative with respect to x

When computing ∂f∂x\frac{\partial f}{\partial x}, yy is held constant, so sin⁡(y)\sin(y) behaves like a constant multiplier. Differentiating x2x^2 gives 2x2x, hence the displayed result.

∂f∂x=2xsin⁡(y)\frac{\partial f}{\partial x}=2x\sin(y)
05

Partial derivative with respect to y

When computing ∂f∂y\frac{\partial f}{\partial y}, xx is held constant, so x2x^2 behaves like a constant multiplier. The derivative of sin⁡(y)\sin(y) is cos⁡(y)\cos(y), giving the displayed result.

∂f∂y=x2cos⁡(y)\frac{\partial f}{\partial y}=x^2\cos(y)
06

Gradient vector for the example

The two partial derivatives are stacked into a column vector, with the xx-partial on top and the yy-partial on the bottom. This is the concrete gradient of the example function.

∇f=[2xsin⁡(y)x2cos⁡(y)]\nabla f=\begin{bmatrix}2x\sin(y)\\ x^2\cos(y)\end{bmatrix}
07

Meaning of the symbol ∇\nabla

The upside-down triangle ∇\nabla is called nabla, though the speaker notes it is often pronounced del. Thus ∇f\nabla f may be read as “del f” or “gradient of f.”

∇f\nabla f
08

The gradient is vector-valued in the input point

The speaker emphasizes that ∇f(x,y)\nabla f(x,y) should be understood as a function of the point (x,y)(x,y), not merely as one fixed vector. For a two-variable function, it maps points in two-dimensional space to two-dimensional vectors.

∇f(x,y)=[2xsin⁡(y)x2cos⁡(y)]\nabla f(x,y)=\begin{bmatrix}2x\sin(y)\\ x^2\cos(y)\end{bmatrix}
09

Three-variable extension mentioned verbally

The same construction extends to functions of three variables: there would be three partial derivatives and the gradient output would be three-dimensional. No full three-variable formula is written in this clip.

10

Beginning of the general gradient formula

At the end, the board starts writing a general rule that the gradient of any function is a vector made from its partial derivatives. Only the top component ∂f∂x\frac{\partial f}{\partial x} is established before the clip ends.

∇f=[∂f∂x⋮]\nabla f=\begin{bmatrix}\frac{\partial f}{\partial x}\\ \vdots\end{bmatrix}
11

Gradient Vector Definition

The gradient of a scalar function f(x,y)f(x,y), denoted ∇f\nabla f, is a vector field pointing in the direction of the greatest rate of increase of the function. Its components are the partial derivatives of the function.

∇f(x,y)=[∂f∂x∂f∂y]\nabla f(x,y) = \begin{bmatrix} \frac{\partial f}{\partial x} \\ \frac{\partial f}{\partial y} \end{bmatrix}
12

Computing Partial Derivatives

To find the gradient, first compute the partial derivative with respect to each variable independently. When differentiating with respect to one variable, treat all others as constants.

For f(x,y)=x2sin⁡(y):∂f∂x=2xsin⁡(y),∂f∂y=x2cos⁡(y)\text{For } f(x,y)=x^2\sin(y): \quad \frac{\partial f}{\partial x} = 2x\sin(y), \quad \frac{\partial f}{\partial y} = x^2\cos(y)
13

Nabla as an Operator Vector

The nabla symbol ∇\nabla can be understood as a formal vector consisting of partial derivative operators. Applying it to a function ff distributes the operators to generate the gradient vector.

∇=[∂∂x∂∂y]  ⟹  ∇f=[∂f∂x∂f∂y]\nabla = \begin{bmatrix} \frac{\partial}{\partial x} \\ \frac{\partial}{\partial y} \end{bmatrix} \implies \nabla f = \begin{bmatrix} \frac{\partial f}{\partial x} \\ \frac{\partial f}{\partial y} \end{bmatrix}
14

Dimensionality of Nabla

The number of components in the nabla operator vector matches the number of independent variables in the function space. A 2D function uses a 2-component nabla, while a 3D function requires a 3-component version.

∇3D=[∂∂x∂∂y∂∂z]\nabla_{3D} = \begin{bmatrix} \frac{\partial}{\partial x} \\ \frac{\partial}{\partial y} \\ \frac{\partial}{\partial z} \end{bmatrix}

Detailed learning notes

Explore conditions, steps and evidence. Supplementary explanations are labeled separately from content shown in the video.

Symbols · 19

f(x,y)f(x,y)

Clear evidence
Shown in the video
Evidence
  1. Formula
    Observation

    The board shows f(x,y)=x2sin⁡(y)f(x,y)=x^2\sin(y).

  2. Audio
    Observation

    The speaker says, "let's say it's f of x y equals x squared sine of y."

Symbol

f(x,y)f(x,y)

Meaning

A two-variable scalar function used as the example for computing a gradient.

Domain

Two-variable real function; the video does not state an explicit domain.

x

Clear evidence
Shown in the video
Evidence
  1. Formula
    Observation

    x appears in f(x,y)=x2sin⁡(y)f(x,y)=x^2\sin(y), ∂f∂x=2xsin⁡(y)\frac{\partial f}{\partial x}=2x\sin(y), and ∇f(x,y)\nabla f(x,y).

  2. Audio
    Observation

    The speaker treats x as the variable when differentiating with respect to x and as a constant when differentiating with respect to y.

Symbol

x

Meaning

First input coordinate/variable of the two-variable function.

Domain

Real variable in the displayed multivariable example; no explicit domain is stated.

y

Clear evidence
Shown in the video
Evidence
  1. Formula
    Observation

    y appears in f(x,y)=x2sin⁡(y)f(x,y)=x^2\sin(y), ∂f∂y=x2cos⁡(y)\frac{\partial f}{\partial y}=x^2\cos(y), and ∇f(x,y)\nabla f(x,y).

  2. Audio
    Observation

    The speaker treats y as the variable when differentiating with respect to y and as a constant when differentiating with respect to x.

Symbol

y

Meaning

Second input coordinate/variable of the two-variable function.

Domain

Real variable in the displayed multivariable example; no explicit domain is stated.

∂f∂x\frac{\partial f}{\partial x}

Clear evidence
Shown in the video
Evidence
  1. Formula
    Observation

    The board writes ∂f∂x=2xsin⁡(y)\frac{\partial f}{\partial x}=2x\sin(y).

  2. Audio
    Observation

    The speaker says, "partial of f with respect to x" and explains that x is the variable and y is the constant.

Symbol

∂f∂x\frac{\partial f}{\partial x}

Meaning

Partial derivative of f with respect to x, holding y fixed.

Domain

Defined for the displayed function f(x,y)=x2sin⁡(y)f(x,y)=x^2\sin(y); result shown as 2xsin⁡(y)2x\sin(y).

∂f∂y\frac{\partial f}{\partial y}

Clear evidence
Shown in the video
Evidence
  1. Formula
    Observation

    The board writes ∂f∂y=x2cos⁡(y)\frac{\partial f}{\partial y}=x^2\cos(y).

  2. Audio
    Observation

    The speaker says, "the partial derivative with respect to y" and explains that x is considered a constant.

Symbol

∂f∂y\frac{\partial f}{\partial y}

Meaning

Partial derivative of f with respect to y, holding x fixed.

Domain

Defined for the displayed function f(x,y)=x2sin⁡(y)f(x,y)=x^2\sin(y); result shown as x2cos⁡(y)x^2\cos(y).

∇\nabla

Clear evidence
Shown in the video
Evidence
  1. Formula
    Observation

    The board writes ∇f\nabla f and later ∇f(x,y)\nabla f(x,y).

  2. Audio
    Observation

    The speaker says, "You denote it with a little upside down triangle. The name of that symbol is nabla, but you often just pronounce it del."

Symbol

∇\nabla

Meaning

Nabla/del operator symbol used to denote the gradient.

Domain

Used here as gradient notation for scalar functions.

∇f\nabla f

Clear evidence
Shown in the video
Evidence
  1. Formula
    Observation

    The board writes ∇f\nabla f = [2xsin⁡(y)2x\sin(y); x2cos⁡(y)x^2\cos(y)].

  2. Audio
    Observation

    The speaker says, "what the gradient does is it just puts both of these together in a vector."

Symbol

∇f\nabla f

Meaning

Gradient of f, written as a vector whose components are the partial derivatives of f.

Domain

For the displayed two-variable example, it outputs a two-dimensional vector.

∇f(x,y)\nabla f(x,y)

Clear evidence
Shown in the video
Evidence
  1. Formula
    Observation

    The speaker adds (x,y) after ∇f\nabla f, yielding ∇f(x,y)\nabla f(x,y).

  2. Audio
    Observation

    The speaker says, "This is actually a vector valued function... This is a function that takes in a point in two dimensional space and outputs a two dimensional vector."

Symbol

∇f(x,y)\nabla f(x,y)

Meaning

The gradient viewed explicitly as a function of the input point (x,y).

Domain

Takes a point in two-dimensional space and outputs a two-dimensional vector in this example.

[a;b]

Clear evidence
Shown in the video
Evidence
  1. Formula
    Observation

    The gradient is written inside large square brackets with one entry above another.

  2. Audio
    Observation

    The speaker says the gradient "puts both of these together in a vector" and refers to "the first one" and "the bottom one."

Symbol

[a;b]

Meaning

Column-vector notation used on the board to stack the partial derivatives vertically.

Domain

Used for two-component vectors in this clip; the speaker also mentions a three-dimensional output for three variables.

∇f\nabla f = [∂f∂x\frac{\partial f}{\partial x}; …\ldots]

Clear evidence
Shown in the video
Evidence
  1. Formula
    Observation

    The lower part of the board begins ∇f\nabla f = [∂f∂x\frac{\partial f}{\partial x}; ...].

  2. Audio
    Observation

    The speaker says, "the gradient of any function is equal to a vector with its partial derivatives, partial of f with respect to x."

Uncertainties
  1. The final general formula is not completed before the clip ends; only the top component ∂f∂x\frac{\partial f}{\partial x} is visible by the end.

Symbol

∇f\nabla f = [∂f∂x\frac{\partial f}{\partial x}; …\ldots]

Meaning

General gradient notation introduced at the end as a vector containing the function’s partial derivatives.

Domain

Intended for a general function; the full number of components is not completed within this clip.

f(x,y)f(x,y)

Clear evidence
Shown in the video
Evidence
  1. Formula
    Observation

    Displayed at the top center as f(x,y)=x2sin⁡(y)f(x,y) = x^2 \sin (y).

Symbol

f(x,y)f(x,y)

Meaning

A scalar-valued function of two variables.

Domain

Two-dimensional input space (x,y).

x

Clear evidence
Shown in the video
Evidence
  1. Formula
    Observation

    Used in f(x,y)f(x,y) and partial derivative with respect to x.

Symbol

x

Meaning

First independent variable of the function.

Domain

Real numbers.

Knowledge points · 13

Scope of this clip: computational introduction to the gradient

Clear evidence
Shown in the video
Evidence
  1. Audio
    Observation

    The speaker says, "So here I'm going to talk about the gradient. And in this video, I'm only going to describe how you compute the gradient, and in the next couple ones, I'm going to give the geometric interpretation."

  2. Diagram
    Observation

    The title "Gradient" is written at the upper left.

Definition
Explanation

This segment announces that the current lesson will focus on computing the gradient rather than explaining its geometric meaning. The speaker explicitly separates computation from the later geometric interpretation.

Formula
Conditions
  1. Applies to the present video segment only.

  2. Geometric interpretation is deferred to later videos.

Example scalar function f(x,y)=x2sin⁡(y)f(x,y)=x^2\sin(y)

Clear evidence
Shown in the video
Evidence
  1. Formula
    Observation

    The board writes f(x,y)=x2sin⁡(y)f(x,y)=x^2\sin(y).

  2. Audio
    Observation

    The speaker says, "let's say you have some sort of function, and I'm just going to make it a two variable function, and let's say it's f of x y equals x squared sine of y."

Definition
Explanation

The clip introduces a concrete two-variable function as the worked example for gradient computation. The function depends on variables x and y and combines a polynomial factor x2x^2 with the trigonometric factor sin⁡(y)\sin(y).

Formula
f(x,y)=x2sin⁡(y)f(x,y)=x^2\sin(y)
Conditions
  1. The function has two input variables, x and y.

  2. No explicit domain is stated in the video.

Prerequisites
  1. Scope of this clip: computational introduction to the gradient

Gradient as a collection of partial derivative information

Clear evidence
Shown in the video
Evidence
  1. Audio
    Observation

    The speaker says, "The gradient is a way of packing together all the partial derivative information of a function."

  2. Formula
    Observation

    Immediately afterward the board begins listing partial derivatives of the example function.

Definition
Explanation

The gradient is defined operationally as the object that gathers all partial derivative information of a function into one vector. In this clip, that means collecting the partial derivatives with respect to each input variable.

Formula
Conditions
  1. Presented for a multivariable function.

  2. In the example, the function has two variables.

Prerequisites
  1. Example scalar function f(x,y)=x2sin⁡(y)f(x,y)=x^2\sin(y)

Partial derivative of f with respect to x

Clear evidence
Shown in the video
Evidence
  1. Formula
    Observation

    The board writes ∂f∂x=2xsin⁡(y)\frac{\partial f}{\partial x}=2x\sin(y).

  2. Audio
    Observation

    The speaker says, "we consider x the variable and y the constant... the derivative of x is 2x, so we see that this will be 2x times that constant sine of y."

Formula
Explanation

When differentiating f(x,y)=x2sin⁡(y)f(x,y)=x^2\sin(y) with respect to x, y is treated as constant, so sin⁡(y)\sin(y) is also constant. The derivative of x2x^2 is 2x, giving the displayed result.

Formula
∂f∂x=2xsin⁡(y)\frac{\partial f}{\partial x}=2x\sin(y)
Conditions
  1. Differentiate with respect to x.

  2. Hold y constant.

  3. Applied to f(x,y)=x2sin⁡(y)f(x,y)=x^2\sin(y).

Prerequisites
  1. Example scalar function f(x,y)=x2sin⁡(y)f(x,y)=x^2\sin(y)
  2. Gradient as a collection of partial derivative information

Partial derivative of f with respect to y

Clear evidence
Shown in the video
Evidence
  1. Formula
    Observation

    The board writes ∂f∂y=x2cos⁡(y)\frac{\partial f}{\partial y}=x^2\cos(y).

  2. Audio
    Observation

    The speaker says, "x is considered a constant, so x squared is also considered a constant... that same constant times the cosine of y, which is the derivative of sine."

Formula
Explanation

When differentiating f(x,y)=x2sin⁡(y)f(x,y)=x^2\sin(y) with respect to y, x is treated as constant, so x2x^2 is constant. The derivative of sin⁡(y)\sin(y) is cos⁡(y)\cos(y), giving the displayed result.

Formula
∂f∂y=x2cos⁡(y)\frac{\partial f}{\partial y}=x^2\cos(y)
Conditions
  1. Differentiate with respect to y.

  2. Hold x constant.

  3. Applied to f(x,y)=x2sin⁡(y)f(x,y)=x^2\sin(y).

Prerequisites
  1. Example scalar function f(x,y)=x2sin⁡(y)f(x,y)=x^2\sin(y)
  2. Gradient as a collection of partial derivative information

Gradient of the example function as a column vector

Clear evidence
Shown in the video
Evidence
  1. Formula
    Observation

    The board writes ∇f\nabla f = [2xsin⁡(y)2x\sin(y); x2cos⁡(y)x^2\cos(y)].

  2. Audio
    Observation

    The speaker says, "what the gradient does is it just puts both of these together in a vector... the first one is the partial derivative with respect to x... and the bottom one, partial derivative with respect to y."

Formula
Explanation

The gradient is formed by stacking the computed partial derivatives into a vector. For this two-variable example, the top component is ∂f∂x\frac{\partial f}{\partial x} and the bottom component is ∂f∂y\frac{\partial f}{\partial y}.

Formula
∇f=[2xsin⁡(y)x2cos⁡(y)]\nabla f = \begin{bmatrix} 2x\sin(y) \\ x^2\cos(y) \end{bmatrix}
Conditions
  1. The function has two variables in this example.

  2. Components are ordered as x-partial then y-partial.

Prerequisites
  1. Partial derivative of f with respect to x
  2. Partial derivative of f with respect to y
  3. Gradient as a collection of partial derivative information

Notation ∇f\nabla f for the gradient

Clear evidence
Shown in the video
Evidence
  1. Formula
    Observation

    The symbol ∇\nabla is written before f.

  2. Audio
    Observation

    The speaker says, "You denote it with a little upside down triangle. The name of that symbol is nabla, but you often just pronounce it del. You'd say del f or gradient of f."

Definition
Explanation

The gradient is denoted by ∇f\nabla f. The symbol ∇\nabla is called nabla, though the speaker notes it is often pronounced "del," so ∇f\nabla f may be read as "del f" or "gradient of f."

Formula
∇f\nabla f
Conditions
  1. Used to denote the gradient of a function.

Prerequisites
  1. Gradient of the example function as a column vector

Gradient as a vector-valued function of the input point

Clear evidence
Shown in the video
Evidence
  1. Formula
    Observation

    The speaker rewrites the left side as ∇f(x,y)\nabla f(x,y).

  2. Audio
    Observation

    The speaker says, "this is actually a vector valued function... This is a function that takes in a point in two dimensional space and outputs a two dimensional vector."

Definition
Explanation

The clip emphasizes that ∇f\nabla f is not merely a static vector expression but a function of the input point. In the two-variable example, it maps a point (x,y) in two-dimensional space to a two-dimensional vector.

Formula
∇f(x,y)=[2xsin⁡(y)x2cos⁡(y)]\nabla f(x,y)=\begin{bmatrix} 2x\sin(y) \\ x^2\cos(y) \end{bmatrix}
Conditions
  1. The input is a point (x,y) in two-dimensional space.

  2. The output is a two-dimensional vector in this example.

Prerequisites
  1. Gradient of the example function as a column vector
  2. Notation ∇f\nabla f for the gradient

Extension of the gradient idea to three variables

Clear evidence
Shown in the video
Evidence
  1. Audio
    Observation

    The speaker says, "you could also imagine doing this with three different variables, then you would have three partial derivatives and a three dimensional output."

Method
Explanation

The speaker states that the same construction extends beyond two variables: with three input variables, the gradient would contain three partial derivatives and produce a three-dimensional vector.

Formula
Conditions
  1. Applies when the function has three variables.

  2. Only stated verbally; no three-variable formula is written in this clip.

Prerequisites
  1. Gradient as a vector-valued function of the input point

Beginning of the general gradient formula

Approximate timing
Shown in the video
Evidence
  1. Formula
    Observation

    The lower board begins writing ∇f\nabla f = [∂f∂x\frac{\partial f}{\partial x}; ...].

  2. Audio
    Observation

    The speaker says, "the gradient of any function is equal to a vector with its partial derivatives, partial of f with respect to x."

Uncertainties
  1. The general formula is incomplete by the end of the clip; only the first component is clearly established before cutoff.

Formula
Explanation

At the end of the clip, the speaker starts writing a more general expression for the gradient of any function as a vector made from its partial derivatives. The visible and audible portion establishes the top component ∂f∂x\frac{\partial f}{\partial x}, but the full formula is not completed within this segment.

Formula
∇f=[∂f∂x⋮]\nabla f = \begin{bmatrix} \frac{\partial f}{\partial x} \\ \vdots \end{bmatrix}
Conditions
  1. Intended as a general statement for a function with multiple variables.

  2. Full component list is not completed in this clip.

Prerequisites
  1. Gradient as a collection of partial derivative information
  2. Notation ∇f\nabla f for the gradient

Definition of the Gradient Vector

Clear evidence
Shown in the video
Evidence
  1. Formula
    Observation

    Shows ∇f(x,y)f(x,y) constructed from ∂f/xf/x and ∂f/yf/y.

  2. Audio
    Observation

    Speaker says 'we call these partial derivatives... I like to think of the gradient as the full derivative because it kind of captures all of the information that you need.'

Definition
Explanation

The gradient of a scalar function f(x,y)f(x,y) is a vector whose components are the partial derivatives of f with respect to each independent variable. It is denoted by ∇f.

Formula
∇f(x,y)=[∂f∂x∂f∂y]\nabla f(x,y) = \begin{bmatrix} \frac{\partial f}{\partial x} \\ \frac{\partial f}{\partial y} \end{bmatrix}
Conditions
  1. f must be a differentiable scalar function of multiple variables.

Prerequisites
  1. Computing Partial Derivatives

Computing Partial Derivatives

Clear evidence
Shown in the video
Evidence
  1. Formula
    Observation

    Displays ∂f/∂x=2xsin⁡(y)x = 2x \sin (y) and ∂f/∂y=x2cos⁡(y)y = x^2 \cos (y).

Method
Explanation

To find the partial derivative with respect to one variable, treat all other variables as constants and differentiate normally.

Formula
∂∂x(x2sin⁡(y))=2xsin⁡(y),∂∂y(x2sin⁡(y))=x2cos⁡(y)\frac{\partial}{\partial x}(x^2 \sin(y)) = 2x \sin(y), \quad \frac{\partial}{\partial y}(x^2 \sin(y)) = x^2 \cos(y)
Conditions
  1. The function must be differentiable with respect to the variable being differentiated.

Claims and conditions · 3

Gradient collects all partial derivative information

Clear evidence
Shown in the video
Evidence
  1. Audio
    Observation

    The speaker says, "The gradient is a way of packing together all the partial derivative information of a function."

Proposition
Statement

For a multivariable function, the gradient is the vector obtained by collecting the function’s partial derivative information.

Hypotheses
  1. The function has partial derivatives with respect to its input variables.

  2. The clip presents this in the context of a two-variable example.

Quantifiers

Stated generally for a function, but demonstrated only on f(x,y)=x2sin⁡(y)f(x,y)=x^2\sin(y) in this clip.

For this two-variable example, the gradient maps points to 2D vectors

Clear evidence
Shown in the video
Evidence
  1. Audio
    Observation

    The speaker says, "This is a function that takes in a point in two dimensional space and outputs a two dimensional vector."

  2. Formula
    Observation

    The board shows ∇f(x,y)=[2xsin⁡(y)x2cos⁡(y)]\nabla f(x,y)=\begin{bmatrix}2x\sin(y)\\ x^2\cos(y)\end{bmatrix}.

Proposition
Statement

For the displayed two-variable function, ∇f(x,y)\nabla f(x,y) is a vector-valued function whose input is a point in two-dimensional space and whose output is a two-dimensional vector.

Hypotheses
  1. The function has two input variables x and y.

  2. The gradient is formed from the two partial derivatives shown on the board.

Quantifiers

Explicitly stated for the two-variable example; the speaker separately mentions a three-variable analogue.

Three-variable analogue of the gradient

Clear evidence
Shown in the video
Evidence
  1. Audio
    Observation

    The speaker says, "you could also imagine doing this with three different variables, then you would have three partial derivatives and a three dimensional output."

Uncertainties
  1. No three-variable formula is written on screen in this clip.

Proposition
Statement

If the same construction is applied to a function of three variables, the gradient has three partial derivatives and a three-dimensional output.

Hypotheses
  1. The function has three input variables.

  2. The gradient is built by collecting one partial derivative per variable.

Quantifiers

Stated verbally as a general extension, without a written example in this clip.

Derivations and proofs · 4

Derivation of ∂f∂x\frac{\partial f}{\partial x} for f(x,y)=x2sin⁡(y)f(x,y)=x^2\sin(y)

Clear evidence
Shown in the video
Evidence
  1. Formula
    Observation

    The board writes ∂f∂x=2xsin⁡(y)\frac{\partial f}{\partial x}=2x\sin(y).

  2. Audio
    Observation

    The speaker explains that x is the variable and y is the constant, and that the derivative of x2x^2 is 2x.

Proof
Steps
  1. Expression
    f(x,y)=x2sin⁡(y)f(x,y)=x^2\sin(y)
    Explanation

    Start from the given two-variable function.

    Justification

    Given example function written on the board.

    Shown in the video
  2. Expression
    Treat y as constant, so sin⁡(y) is constant with respect to x.\text{Treat } y \text{ as constant, so } \sin(y) \text{ is constant with respect to } x.
    Explanation

    For the partial derivative with respect to x, only x varies.

    Justification

    Definition of partial differentiation with respect to x, as stated by the speaker.

    Shown in the video
  3. Expression
    ddx(x2)=2x\frac{d}{dx}(x^2)=2x
    Explanation

    Differentiate the x-dependent factor.

    Justification

    Power rule for ordinary single-variable differentiation, invoked verbally by the speaker.

    Shown in the video
  4. Expression
    ∂f∂x=2xsin⁡(y)\frac{\partial f}{\partial x}=2x\sin(y)
    Explanation

    Multiply the derivative of x2x^2 by the constant factor sin⁡(y)\sin(y).

    Justification

    Constant-multiple rule under partial differentiation with respect to x.

    Shown in the video
Conclusion

The partial derivative of the example function with respect to x is ∂f∂x=2xsin⁡(y)\frac{\partial f}{\partial x}=2x\sin(y).

Derivation of ∂f∂y\frac{\partial f}{\partial y} for f(x,y)=x2sin⁡(y)f(x,y)=x^2\sin(y)

Clear evidence
Shown in the video
Evidence
  1. Formula
    Observation

    The board writes ∂f∂y=x2cos⁡(y)\frac{\partial f}{\partial y}=x^2\cos(y).

  2. Audio
    Observation

    The speaker explains that x is considered a constant and that the derivative of sine is cosine.

Proof
Steps
  1. Expression
    f(x,y)=x2sin⁡(y)f(x,y)=x^2\sin(y)
    Explanation

    Start again from the same function.

    Justification

    Given example function written on the board.

    Shown in the video
  2. Expression
    Treat x as constant, so x2 is constant with respect to y.\text{Treat } x \text{ as constant, so } x^2 \text{ is constant with respect to } y.
    Explanation

    For the partial derivative with respect to y, only y varies.

    Justification

    Definition of partial differentiation with respect to y, as stated by the speaker.

    Shown in the video
  3. Expression
    ddy(sin⁡(y))=cos⁡(y)\frac{d}{dy}(\sin(y))=\cos(y)
    Explanation

    Differentiate the y-dependent factor.

    Justification

    Standard derivative of sine, explicitly mentioned by the speaker.

    Shown in the video
  4. Expression
    ∂f∂y=x2cos⁡(y)\frac{\partial f}{\partial y}=x^2\cos(y)
    Explanation

    Multiply the constant factor x2x^2 by the derivative cos⁡(y)\cos(y).

    Justification

    Constant-multiple rule under partial differentiation with respect to y.

    Shown in the video
Conclusion

The partial derivative of the example function with respect to y is ∂f∂y=x2cos⁡(y)\frac{\partial f}{\partial y}=x^2\cos(y).

Assembling the gradient vector from the two partial derivatives

Clear evidence
Shown in the video
Evidence
  1. Formula
    Observation

    The board writes ∇f=[2xsin⁡(y)x2cos⁡(y)]\nabla f = \begin{bmatrix}2x\sin(y)\\ x^2\cos(y)\end{bmatrix}.

  2. Audio
    Observation

    The speaker says the gradient "puts both of these together in a vector," with the x-partial on top and the y-partial on the bottom.

Proof
Steps
  1. Expression
    ∂f∂x=2xsin⁡(y)\frac{\partial f}{\partial x}=2x\sin(y)
    Explanation

    Use the previously computed x-partial as the first component.

    Justification

    Already derived on the board from the example function.

    Shown in the video
  2. Expression
    ∂f∂y=x2cos⁡(y)\frac{\partial f}{\partial y}=x^2\cos(y)
    Explanation

    Use the previously computed y-partial as the second component.

    Justification

    Already derived on the board from the example function.

    Shown in the video
  3. Expression
    ∇f=[∂f∂x∂f∂y]\nabla f = \begin{bmatrix} \frac{\partial f}{\partial x} \\ \frac{\partial f}{\partial y} \end{bmatrix}
    Explanation

    Place the partial derivatives into a column vector in the order x then y.

    Justification

    Definition of the gradient as the vector collecting partial derivative information, stated by the speaker.

    Shown in the video
  4. Expression
    ∇f=[2xsin⁡(y)x2cos⁡(y)]\nabla f = \begin{bmatrix} 2x\sin(y) \\ x^2\cos(y) \end{bmatrix}
    Explanation

    Substitute the computed component formulas into the vector.

    Justification

    Direct substitution of the two derived partial derivatives.

    Shown in the video
Conclusion

For f(x,y)=x2sin⁡(y)f(x,y)=x^2\sin(y), the gradient is ∇f=[2xsin⁡(y)x2cos⁡(y)]\nabla f = \begin{bmatrix} 2x\sin(y) \\ x^2\cos(y) \end{bmatrix}.

Calculating the Gradient of a Specific Function

Clear evidence
Shown in the video
Evidence
  1. Formula
    Observation

    Step-by-step calculation shown on screen for f(x,y)=x2sin⁡(y)f(x,y) = x^2 \sin (y).

Numerical verification
Steps
  1. Expression
    f(x,y)=x2sin⁡(y)f(x,y) = x^2 \sin(y)
    Explanation

    Start with the given scalar function.

    Justification

    Given in the problem statement.

    Shown in the video
  2. Expression
    ∂f∂x=2xsin⁡(y)\frac{\partial f}{\partial x} = 2x \sin(y)
    Explanation

    Differentiate f with respect to x, treating y as a constant.

    Justification

    Power rule and constant multiple rule for partial differentiation.

    Shown in the video
  3. Expression
    ∂f∂y=x2cos⁡(y)\frac{\partial f}{\partial y} = x^2 \cos(y)
    Explanation

    Differentiate f with respect to y, treating x as a constant.

    Justification

    Derivative of sine is cosine; x2x^2 is treated as a constant coefficient.

    Shown in the video
  4. Expression
    ∇f(x,y)=[2xsin⁡(y)x2cos⁡(y)]\nabla f(x,y) = \begin{bmatrix} 2x \sin(y) \\ x^2 \cos(y) \end{bmatrix}
    Explanation

    Assemble the partial derivatives into the gradient vector.

    Justification

    Definition of the gradient vector.

    Shown in the video
Conclusion

The gradient of f(x,y)=x2sin⁡(y)f(x,y) = x^2 \sin (y) is the vector [2xsin⁡(y)2x \sin (y), x2cos⁡(y)x^2 \cos (y)]^T.

Worked examples · 2

Worked example: compute the gradient of f(x,y)=x2sin⁡(y)f(x,y)=x^2\sin(y)

Clear evidence
Shown in the video
Evidence
  1. Formula
    Observation

    The board successively shows f(x,y)=x2sin⁡(y)f(x,y)=x^2\sin(y), ∂f∂x=2xsin⁡(y)\frac{\partial f}{\partial x}=2x\sin(y), ∂f∂y=x2cos⁡(y)\frac{\partial f}{\partial y}=x^2\cos(y), and ∇f(x,y)=[2xsin⁡(y)x2cos⁡(y)]\nabla f(x,y)=\begin{bmatrix}2x\sin(y)\\ x^2\cos(y)\end{bmatrix}.

  2. Audio
    Observation

    The speaker narrates each step of computing the partial derivatives and then assembling them into the gradient.

Problem

Given the two-variable function f(x,y)=x2sin⁡(y)f(x,y)=x^2\sin(y), compute its gradient.

Given
  1. f(x,y)=x2sin⁡(y)f(x,y)=x^2\sin(y)

  2. The function has two variables, x and y.

  3. The gradient is formed by collecting the partial derivatives into a vector.

Goal

Find ∇f(x,y)\nabla f(x,y) explicitly.

Steps
  1. Expression
    ∂f∂x\frac{\partial f}{\partial x}
    Explanation

    Begin by computing the partial derivative with respect to x.

    Justification

    The speaker says to start by computing the partial derivatives of the function.

    Shown in the video
  2. Expression
    ∂f∂x=2xsin⁡(y)\frac{\partial f}{\partial x}=2x\sin(y)
    Explanation

    Treat y as constant, differentiate x2x^2 to get 2x, and keep sin⁡(y)\sin(y) as the constant multiplier.

    Justification

    Partial differentiation rule plus the power rule, as explained in the audio.

    Shown in the video
  3. Expression
    ∂f∂y\frac{\partial f}{\partial y}
    Explanation

    Next compute the partial derivative with respect to y.

    Justification

    The speaker moves from the x-partial to the y-partial.

    Shown in the video
  4. Expression
    ∂f∂y=x2cos⁡(y)\frac{\partial f}{\partial y}=x^2\cos(y)
    Explanation

    Treat x as constant, so x2x^2 remains constant, and differentiate sin⁡(y)\sin(y) to get cos⁡(y)\cos(y).

    Justification

    Partial differentiation rule plus the standard derivative of sine, as explained in the audio.

    Shown in the video
  5. Expression
    ∇f=[∂f∂x∂f∂y]\nabla f = \begin{bmatrix} \frac{\partial f}{\partial x} \\ \frac{\partial f}{\partial y} \end{bmatrix}
    Explanation

    Combine the two partial derivatives into a column vector.

    Justification

    Definition of the gradient as packing together all partial derivative information.

    Shown in the video
  6. Expression
    ∇f(x,y)=[2xsin⁡(y)x2cos⁡(y)]\nabla f(x,y)=\begin{bmatrix}2x\sin(y)\\ x^2\cos(y)\end{bmatrix}
    Explanation

    Substitute the computed components and emphasize that the gradient depends on the input point (x,y).

    Justification

    Direct substitution from the previous steps; the speaker explicitly adds (x,y) to stress vector-valued dependence.

    Shown in the video
Answer

∇f(x,y)=[2xsin⁡(y)x2cos⁡(y)]\nabla f(x,y)=\begin{bmatrix}2x\sin(y)\\ x^2\cos(y)\end{bmatrix}

Verification

The answer matches the final board expression and follows directly from the two displayed partial derivatives.

Example: Gradient of f(x,y)=x2sin⁡(y)f(x,y) = x^2 \sin (y)

Clear evidence
Shown in the video
Evidence
  1. Formula
    Observation

    Complete worked example displayed on the whiteboard.

Problem

Compute the gradient vector ∇f for the function f(x,y)=x2sin⁡(y)f(x,y) = x^2 \sin (y).

Given
  1. f(x,y)=x2sin⁡(y)f(x,y) = x^2 \sin(y)

Goal

Find ∇f(x,y)\nabla f(x,y).

Steps
  1. Expression
    ∂f∂x=∂∂x(x2sin⁡(y))=2xsin⁡(y)\frac{\partial f}{\partial x} = \frac{\partial}{\partial x}(x^2 \sin(y)) = 2x \sin(y)
    Explanation

    Calculate the partial derivative with respect to x.

    Justification

    Standard rules of partial differentiation.

    Shown in the video
  2. Expression
    ∂f∂y=∂∂y(x2sin⁡(y))=x2cos⁡(y)\frac{\partial f}{\partial y} = \frac{\partial}{\partial y}(x^2 \sin(y)) = x^2 \cos(y)
    Explanation

    Calculate the partial derivative with respect to y.

    Justification

    Standard rules of partial differentiation.

    Shown in the video
  3. Expression
    ∇f(x,y)=[∂f∂x∂f∂y]=[2xsin⁡(y)x2cos⁡(y)]\nabla f(x,y) = \begin{bmatrix} \frac{\partial f}{\partial x} \\ \frac{\partial f}{\partial y} \end{bmatrix} = \begin{bmatrix} 2x \sin(y) \\ x^2 \cos(y) \end{bmatrix}
    Explanation

    Construct the gradient vector using the computed partial derivatives.

    Justification

    Definition of the gradient.

    Shown in the video
Answer

∇f(x,y)=[2xsin⁡(y)x2cos⁡(y)]\nabla f(x,y) = \begin{bmatrix} 2x \sin(y) \\ x^2 \cos(y) \end{bmatrix}

Verification

The result matches the final expression written on the board.

Visual events · 5

Opening board layout introduces the topic and example function

Clear evidence
Shown in the video
Evidence
  1. Diagram
    Observation

    The title "Gradient" appears at the upper left, then the formula f(x,y)=x2sin⁡(y)f(x,y)=x^2\sin(y) is written near the top center.

  2. Audio
    Observation

    The speaker introduces the topic as computing the gradient and chooses a two-variable example function.

Objects
  1. Title text "Gradient"

  2. Formula f(x,y)=x2sin⁡(y)f(x,y)=x^2\sin(y)

Changes
  1. The board begins mostly blank.

  2. The title is written first.

  3. The example function is added below/right of the title.

Invariants
  1. The topic remains the gradient throughout this interval.

  2. The example function stays fixed once written.

Interpretation

The visual setup establishes that the clip will work from one concrete scalar function of two variables toward a gradient computation.

Sequential writing of the two partial derivatives

Clear evidence
Shown in the video
Evidence
  1. Diagram
    Observation

    Two lines are written beneath the example function: ∂f∂x=2xsin⁡(y)\frac{\partial f}{\partial x}=2x\sin(y) and ∂f∂y=x2cos⁡(y)\frac{\partial f}{\partial y}=x^2\cos(y).

  2. Audio
    Observation

    The speaker explains one partial derivative at a time, first with respect to x and then with respect to y.

Objects
  1. Expression ∂f∂x=2xsin⁡(y)\frac{\partial f}{\partial x}=2x\sin(y)

  2. Expression ∂f∂y=x2cos⁡(y)\frac{\partial f}{\partial y}=x^2\cos(y)

Changes
  1. The x-partial is written first.

  2. The y-partial is written second below it.

Invariants
  1. Both expressions refer to the same original function f(x,y)=x2sin⁡(y)f(x,y)=x^2\sin(y).

  2. The order of variables remains x then y.

Interpretation

The board visually separates the two ingredient computations that will later be assembled into the gradient vector.

Assembly of the gradient as a column vector

Clear evidence
Shown in the video
Evidence
  1. Diagram
    Observation

    To the right, the board writes ∇f\nabla f and then a large column vector containing 2xsin⁡(y)2x\sin(y) above x2cos⁡(y)x^2\cos(y).

  2. Audio
    Observation

    The speaker says the gradient puts the two partial derivatives together in a vector and later adds (x,y) to emphasize vector-valued dependence.

Objects
  1. Symbol ∇f\nabla f

  2. Column vector \begin{bmatrix}2xsin⁡(y)2x\sin(y)\\ This formula needs review. Please report it using the page feedback control.{bmatrix)

  3. Added argument (x,y)

Changes
  1. The gradient symbol is introduced.

  2. The vector brackets are drawn.

  3. The top component 2xsin⁡(y)2x\sin(y) is inserted.

  4. The bottom component x2cos⁡(y)x^2\cos(y) is inserted.

  5. The notation is expanded to ∇f(x,y)\nabla f(x,y).

Invariants
  1. The top component corresponds to the x-partial.

  2. The bottom component corresponds to the y-partial.

  3. The original function and its partials remain visible on the left.

Interpretation

The animation of writing makes clear that the gradient is not a new unrelated quantity but a structured packaging of the previously computed partial derivatives.

Start of a more general gradient notation at the bottom of the board

Approximate timing
Shown in the video
Evidence
  1. Diagram
    Observation

    A new lower line begins with ∇f\nabla f = and a column vector whose top entry is ∂f∂x\frac{\partial f}{\partial x}.

  2. Audio
    Observation

    The speaker says, "the gradient of any function is equal to a vector with its partial derivatives, partial of f with respect to x."

Uncertainties
  1. The rest of the general vector is not completed before the clip ends.

Objects
  1. New line beginning ∇f\nabla f =

  2. Top component ∂f∂x\frac{\partial f}{\partial x}

Changes
  1. Attention shifts from the specific example to a general formula.

  2. Only the first component of the general vector is written before cutoff.

Invariants
  1. The notation still uses ∇f\nabla f.

  2. The structure remains a vector of partial derivatives.

Interpretation

The ending visually transitions from the worked example to the general rule that the gradient is a vector built from partial derivatives.

Whiteboard Layout and Progression

Clear evidence
Shown in the video
Evidence
  1. Diagram
    Observation

    Static layout showing function definition, partial derivatives, gradient formula, and nabla operator explanation.

Objects
  1. Function f(x,y)f(x,y)

  2. Partial derivatives ∂f/xf/x and ∂f/yf/y

  3. Gradient vector ∇f

  4. Nabla operator ∇

Changes
  1. Initial state shows pre-calculated partials and gradient.

  2. Speaker writes out the general definition of ∇f.

  3. Speaker introduces the nabla symbol as a vector of operators.

  4. Speaker expands the nabla concept to higher dimensions.

Invariants
  1. The specific example f(x,y)=x2sin⁡(y)f(x,y) = x^2 \sin (y) remains visible throughout.

  2. The calculated gradient for the example remains unchanged.

Interpretation

The visual progression moves from a concrete numerical example to the abstract operator definition of the gradient, reinforcing the connection between the two.

Misconceptions · 3

Assuming the computational rule should naturally reveal the geometric meaning immediately

Clear evidence
Shown in the video
Evidence
  1. Audio
    Observation

    The speaker says, "I hate showing the computation before the geometric intuition since usually it should go the other way around, but the gradient is one of those weird things where the way that you compute it actually seems kind of unrelated to the intuition."

Misconception

One might expect the formula for the gradient to make its geometric interpretation obvious right away.

Clarification

The speaker explicitly warns that in this case the computation and the geometric intuition seem unrelated at first, and that the connection will be explained in later videos.

Treating ∇f\nabla f as only a single fixed vector

Clear evidence
Shown in the video
Evidence
  1. Audio
    Observation

    The speaker says, "maybe I should emphasize this is actually a vector valued function... This is a function that takes in a point in two dimensional space and outputs a two dimensional vector."

  2. Formula
    Observation

    The notation is revised from ∇f\nabla f to ∇f(x,y)\nabla f(x,y).

Misconception

A learner may read ∇f\nabla f as just one vector expression rather than as a function of the input point.

Clarification

The clip emphasizes that ∇f(x,y)\nabla f(x,y) is vector-valued: each input point (x,y) produces a corresponding output vector.

Dimension of the Nabla Operator

Clear evidence
Shown in the video
Evidence
  1. Audio
    Observation

    Speaker addresses the question 'what's its dimension?' for the nabla symbol.

Misconception

Students might assume the nabla symbol has a fixed dimension regardless of the context.

Clarification

The dimension of the nabla vector corresponds to the number of independent variables in the function it acts upon. For a 2D function, it has 2 components; for a 3D function, it has 3 components.

Concept relations · 7

Partial derivative of f with respect to x → Gradient of the example function as a column vector

Clear evidence
Shown in the video
Evidence
  1. Audio
    Observation

    The speaker defines the gradient as packing together partial derivative information and then computes the partials before forming ∇f\nabla f.

  2. Formula
    Observation

    The board moves from ∂f∂x\frac{\partial f}{\partial x} and ∂f∂y\frac{\partial f}{\partial y} to ∇f=[2xsin⁡(y)x2cos⁡(y)]\nabla f = \begin{bmatrix}2x\sin(y)\\ x^2\cos(y)\end{bmatrix}.

Proof dependency
Explanation

The example gradient is built directly from the previously computed partial derivatives.

Partial derivative of f with respect to y → Gradient of the example function as a column vector

Clear evidence
Shown in the video
Evidence
  1. Formula
    Observation

    The bottom component of the gradient vector is exactly the previously written ∂f∂y\frac{\partial f}{\partial y}.

Proof dependency
Explanation

The y-partial supplies the second component of the gradient vector in the worked example.

Gradient as a vector-valued function of the input point → Extension of the gradient idea to three variables

Clear evidence
Shown in the video
Evidence
  1. Audio
    Observation

    After describing the two-variable gradient as a map to a two-dimensional vector, the speaker says that with three variables there would be three partial derivatives and a three-dimensional output.

Generalizes
Explanation

The three-variable statement extends the same gradient construction from two inputs and two output components to three inputs and three output components.

Gradient of the example function as a column vector → Beginning of the general gradient formula

Approximate timing
Shown in the video
Evidence
  1. Formula
    Observation

    The board first shows the specific gradient ∇f(x,y)=[2xsin⁡(y)x2cos⁡(y)]\nabla f(x,y)=\begin{bmatrix}2x\sin(y)\\ x^2\cos(y)\end{bmatrix}, then begins a lower general line ∇f\nabla f = [∂f∂x\frac{\partial f}{\partial x}; ...].

  2. Audio
    Observation

    The speaker transitions from the worked example to "the gradient of any function."

Uncertainties
  1. The general formula is incomplete by the end of the clip.

Generalizes
Explanation

The worked two-variable example motivates the more general rule that the gradient is a vector of partial derivatives.

Notation ∇f\nabla f for the gradient → Gradient as a vector-valued function of the input point

Clear evidence
Shown in the video
Evidence
  1. Formula
    Observation

    The notation changes from ∇f\nabla f to ∇f(x,y)\nabla f(x,y).

  2. Audio
    Observation

    The speaker explains that adding (x,y) emphasizes that the gradient is a vector-valued function.

Contains
Explanation

The notation ∇f\nabla f is refined into ∇f(x,y)\nabla f(x,y) to express that the gradient depends on the input point.

Computing Partial Derivatives → Definition of the Gradient Vector

Clear evidence
Shown in the video
Evidence
  1. Formula
    Observation

    Gradient is explicitly built from partial derivatives.

Prerequisite
Explanation

Understanding how to compute partial derivatives is necessary before constructing the gradient vector.

The Nabla Symbol as an Operator Vector → Definition of the Gradient Vector

Clear evidence
Shown in the video
Evidence
  1. Audio
    Observation

    Speaker links the nabla symbol directly to the operation of finding the gradient.

Application
Explanation

The nabla operator, when applied to a scalar function, produces its gradient.

Find an answer · 11

How does this video define the gradient before giving its geometric interpretation?

Clear evidence
Shown in the video
Evidence
  1. Audio
    Observation

    The speaker defines the gradient as packing together partial derivative information and then constructs it from the two partials.

Knowledge points
  1. Gradient as a collection of partial derivative information
  2. Gradient of the example function as a column vector

Why is ∂f∂x=2xsin⁡(y)\frac{\partial f}{\partial x}=2x\sin(y) for f(x,y)=x2sin⁡(y)f(x,y)=x^2\sin(y)?

Clear evidence
Shown in the video
Evidence
  1. Formula
    Observation

    The board shows ∂f∂x=2xsin⁡(y)\frac{\partial f}{\partial x}=2x\sin(y).

  2. Audio
    Observation

    The speaker explains treating y as constant.

Knowledge points
  1. Partial derivative of f with respect to x
  2. Derivation of ∂f∂x\frac{\partial f}{\partial x} for f(x,y)=x2sin⁡(y)f(x,y)=x^2\sin(y)

Why does differentiating with respect to y give x2cos⁡(y)x^2\cos(y)?

Clear evidence
Shown in the video
Evidence
  1. Formula
    Observation

    The board shows ∂f∂y=x2cos⁡(y)\frac{\partial f}{\partial y}=x^2\cos(y).

  2. Audio
    Observation

    The speaker explains treating x as constant and using the derivative of sine.

Knowledge points
  1. Partial derivative of f with respect to y
  2. Derivation of ∂f∂y\frac{\partial f}{\partial y} for f(x,y)=x2sin⁡(y)f(x,y)=x^2\sin(y)

How are the partial derivatives arranged into the gradient vector?

Clear evidence
Shown in the video
Evidence
  1. Formula
    Observation

    The gradient is written as [2xsin⁡(y)x2cos⁡(y)]\begin{bmatrix}2x\sin(y)\\ x^2\cos(y)\end{bmatrix}.

  2. Audio
    Observation

    The speaker says the gradient puts the partial derivatives together in a vector.

Knowledge points
  1. Gradient of the example function as a column vector
  2. Assembling the gradient vector from the two partial derivatives

What does the symbol ∇\nabla mean and how is it pronounced here?

Clear evidence
Shown in the video
Evidence
  1. Audio
    Observation

    The speaker names the upside-down triangle symbol as nabla and says it is often pronounced del.

Knowledge points
  1. Notation ∇f\nabla f for the gradient

Is ∇fa\nabla f a single vector or a function of (x,y)?

Clear evidence
Shown in the video
Evidence
  1. Audio
    Observation

    The speaker says the gradient is a vector-valued function taking in a point and outputting a vector.

Knowledge points
  1. Gradient as a vector-valued function of the input point
  2. Treating ∇f\nabla f as only a single fixed vector

What happens to the gradient if the function has three variables instead of two?

Clear evidence
Shown in the video
Evidence
  1. Audio
    Observation

    The speaker says that with three variables there would be three partial derivatives and a three-dimensional output.

Knowledge points
  1. Extension of the gradient idea to three variables
  2. Three-variable analogue of the gradient

Does this clip finish writing the general gradient formula?

Approximate timing
Shown in the video
Evidence
  1. Formula
    Observation

    Only the beginning of the general vector is written, with top entry ∂f∂x\frac{\partial f}{\partial x}.

Uncertainties
  1. The full general formula is not completed within the clip.

Knowledge points
  1. Beginning of the general gradient formula

How do I calculate the gradient of a multivariable function?

Clear evidence
Shown in the video
Evidence
  1. Formula
    Observation

    Worked example on screen.

Knowledge points
  1. Definition of the Gradient Vector
  2. Computing Partial Derivatives
  3. Example: Gradient of f(x,y)=x2sin⁡(y)f(x,y) = x^2 \sin (y)

What does the nabla symbol mean in calculus?

Clear evidence
Shown in the video
Evidence
  1. Audio
    Observation

    Explanation of the triangle symbol.

Knowledge points
  1. The Nabla Symbol as an Operator Vector

How many components does the nabla operator have?

Clear evidence
Shown in the video
Evidence
  1. Audio
    Observation

    Discussion about 2D vs 3D functions.

Knowledge points
  1. The Nabla Symbol as an Operator Vector
  2. Dimension of the Nabla Operator
Coverage and review notes

Covered · Audio introduces the topic as computing the gradient and defers geometric interpretation; title is visible.

Covered · The example function f(x,y)=x2sin⁡(y)f(x,y)=x^2\sin(y) is written and spoken.

Covered · The speaker defines the gradient as packing together partial derivative information.

Covered · The x-partial is computed and written on the board.

Covered · The y-partial is computed and written on the board.

Covered · The gradient symbol is introduced and the two partials are assembled into a column vector.

Covered · The speaker emphasizes that the gradient is a vector-valued function of the point (x,y).

Covered · Verbal extension to three variables and three-dimensional output.

Covered · The general gradient formula is begun but not completed before the clip ends; the available content is still fully represented.

Covered · Introduction of the gradient via a concrete example and calculation of partial derivatives.

Covered · Conceptual explanation of the nabla symbol as a vector of operators and discussion of its dimensionality.

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