1. ## directional derivative

Im stuck on this problem.

At an altitude of h feet above sea level, the air pressure, P, in inches of mercury (in Hg), is given by P=30e^(-.0000323h)
An unpressurized seaplane takes off at an angle of 30 degrees to the horizontal and a speed of 200 mph.

What is the rate of change of pressure in the plane with respect to time at take-off, in inches of mercury per second?

Converted 200 miles/hours to 3520 inches/second

Converted the vertical rate of change to 3520sin(30)=1760

Derived P to equal 30e^(-.0000323h)(-.0000323)

What should I do next?

2. ## Re: directional derivative

vertical speed = 100 mph = (440/3) ft/sec = dh/dt

evaluate dP/dt at h = 0 and dh/dt = (440/3)

3. ## Re: directional derivative

Got it. The function of pressure is dependent on feet above sea level, and not inches. You pointed out my mistake of converting the height to inches. The inches relate only to the content of mercury in the air. So multiplying dP/dh with dh/dt gives the answer, which is -.1421154096.