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MIT18 02SC Notes Graphs

This document discusses functions of two or more variables. It provides examples of functions of two variables, such as f(x,y)=x^2+y^2, and defines dependent and independent variables. For a function z=f(x,y), x and y are independent variables and z is dependent. The document also discusses graphing functions of two variables, noting that a 3D graph is needed with axes for x, y, and z. An example graphs the function z=f(x,y)=x^2+y^2 by plotting points and traces where x and z are held constant.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
42 views2 pages

MIT18 02SC Notes Graphs

This document discusses functions of two or more variables. It provides examples of functions of two variables, such as f(x,y)=x^2+y^2, and defines dependent and independent variables. For a function z=f(x,y), x and y are independent variables and z is dependent. The document also discusses graphing functions of two variables, noting that a 3D graph is needed with axes for x, y, and z. An example graphs the function z=f(x,y)=x^2+y^2 by plotting points and traces where x and z are held constant.

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marudhu14
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Functions of two variables

Examples: Functions of several variables

f (x, y) = x2 + y 2 ⇒
f (1, 2) = 5 etc.

f (x, y) = xy 2 ex+y
f (x, y, z) = xy log z

Ideal gas law: P = kT /V .

Dependent and independent variables


In z = f (x, y) we say x, y are independent variables and z is a dependent variable. This
indicates that x and y are free to take any values and then z depends on these values. For
now it will be clear which are which, later we’ll have to take more care.
Graphs
For the function y = f (x): there is one independent variable and one dependent variable,

which means we need 2 dimensions for its graph.

Graphing technique:

go to x then compute y = f (x) then go up to height y.


For z = f (x, y) we have two independent and one dependent variable, so we need 3 dimen­
sions to graph the function. The technique is the same as before.
Example: Consider z = f (x, y) = x2 + y 2 .
To make the graph:
go to (x, y) then compute z = f (x, y) then go up to height z.

We show the plot of three points: f (0, 0) = 0, f (1, 1) = 2 and f (0, 2) = 2.
z�

... . . . . . . . . ... . ..
.. . ... .
• •

• •
√ y�
• 2
x� (1,1)

The figure above shows more than just the graph of three points. Here are the steps we
used to draw the graph. Remember, this is just a sketch, it should suggest the shape of the
graph and some of its features.
1. First we draw the axes. The z-axis points up, the y-axis is to the right and the x-axis
comes out of the page, so it is drawn at the angle shown. This gives a perspective with the
eye somewhere in the first octant.
2. The yz-traces are those curves found by setting x = a constant. We start with the trace
when x = 0. This is an upward pointing parabola in the yz-plane.

3. Next we sketch the trace with z = 3. This is a circle of radius 3 at height z = 3. Note,
the traces where z = constant are generally called level curves.
This is enough for this graph. Other graphs take other traces. You should expect to do a
certain amount of trial and error before your figure looks right.
MIT OpenCourseWare
http://ocw.mit.edu

18.02SC Multivariable Calculus


Fall 2010 ��

For information about citing these materials or our Terms of Use, visit: http://ocw.mit.edu/terms.

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