Gradient Calculator

Calculate the gradient vector (nabla f) of a scalar function in 3D space.

Scalar Function f(x, y, z)

Use: x, y, z, ^, sin, cos, tan, exp, log, sqrt, pi

Point of Evaluation

Numerical Settings

Gradient Formula

nabla f = (df/dx, df/dy, df/dz)

Gradient Vector nabla f

(2.0000, 4.0000, 6.0000)

at point (1, 2, 3)

ff(x,y,z)
14.000000
|nabla||nabla f|
7.483315
dxdf/dx
2.000000
dydf/dy
4.000000

Unit Direction (Steepest Ascent)

(0.2673, 0.5345, 0.8018)

Gradient Properties

  • Points in direction of steepest increase
  • Magnitude = maximum rate of change
  • Perpendicular to level surfaces
  • Used in optimization algorithms

About the Gradient

Definition

The gradient of a scalar function is a vector field that points in the direction of the greatest rate of increase of the function. Its magnitude represents the rate of increase in that direction.

Applications

  • Machine learning optimization
  • Finding extrema of functions
  • Heat flow and diffusion
  • Electric and gravitational fields