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Multivariable CalculusChallengePartial Derivatives & the Gradient

Partial Derivatives & the Gradient · Challenge problem

Two resistors with resistances R1=3R_1 = 3 ohms and R2=6R_2 = 6 ohms are connected in parallel, giving total resistance R=R1R2R1+R2R = \dfrac{R_1R_2}{R_1 + R_2}. R1R_1 is measured with a relative error of at most 2%2\% and R2R_2 with a relative error of at most 3%3\%. Use differentials to find the largest possible relative error in RR, as a percentage. Give the number of percent as an exact fraction (without the %\% sign).