This would be a good page to bookmark while taking multivariable calculus (MATH2060 at my school). Listed are some useful equations with short
descriptions.
Operation | Notation | Description |
---|---|---|
Del Operator | ∇ = a[∂/∂x] + b[∂/∂y] + c[∂/∂z] | Equivalent to gradient operation. Sum of partial derivatives with respect to each basis, multiplied by each basis, multiplied by function (respectively). a, b, and c are basis vectors which are equivalent to <1, 0, 0>, <0, 1, 0>, and <0, 0, 1> in real space. |
Gradient | grad(f) = ∇f | Measures change in a scalar field. Maps scalar field domain to vector field. |
Curl | curl(F) = ∇xF | Measures the tendency to rotate about a point in a vector field in space. Maps vector field domain to (pseudo)vector field. |
Divergence | div(F) = ∇⋅F | Measures scalar of a source or sink at a point in a vector field. Maps vector field domain to scalar field. |
Laplacian | ∆f = ∇2f = ∇⋅∇f | Measures the difference between the value of a scalar field with its average. Maps scalar field domain to scalar field. |
2D Wave Equation | ∂2u/∂t2 = c2∇2u
or □u = 0 |
□ = (1/c2)(∂2/∂t2) - ∇2 c is some non-negative real coefficient. u is a scalar field representing displacement from rest in the wave medium (fluid pressure, height of water, etc). Relates displacement from rest with time. |
Fourier Transform | ℱ{f(x)} = ∮f(x)⋅e-2πjωxdx | Contour integral means over infinite limits on x. The Fourier Transform is the Laplace Transform with the real part of the complex frequency restricted to 0. |