Scribd
Upload
104 views2 pages

Multivariable Functions

A multivariable function depends on more than one variable and is needed to model complex phenomena; for example, the volume of a rectangular solid V depends on its width W, length L, and height H. Partial derivatives in calculus allow us to differentiate a function with respect to one variable while holding other variables constant, represented by the partial derivative symbols ∂f/∂x for a function f(x,y) differentiated with respect to x or ∂f/∂y for differentiation with respect to y.

Uploaded by

Prochetto Da
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
104 views2 pages

Multivariable Functions

A multivariable function depends on more than one variable and is needed to model complex phenomena; for example, the volume of a rectangular solid V depends on its width W, length L, and height H. Partial derivatives in calculus allow us to differentiate a function with respect to one variable while holding other variables constant, represented by the partial derivative symbols ∂f/∂x for a function f(x,y) differentiated with respect to x or ∂f/∂y for differentiation with respect to y.

Uploaded by

Prochetto Da
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 2

Multivariable Functions

A multivariable function is a function with several variables. Functions with more than one variable are needed in order to mathematically model complicated physical phenomena. Examples of multivariable functions. A rectangular solid has width W, length L and height H. The volume V of the rectangular solid is given by V = W L H. If W, L and H vary, volume V depends on 3 variables: width W, length L and height H.

Partial Derivatives in Calculus

Let f(x,y) be a function with two variables. If we keep y constant and differentiate f (assuming f is differentiable) with respect to the variable x, we obtain what is called the partial derivative of f with respect to x which is denoted by f x or fx

Similarly If we keep x constant and differentiate f (assuming f is differentiable) with respect to the variable y, we obtain what is called the partial derivative of f with respect to y which is denoted by f y or fy

You might also like