MIT18 02SC Notes Graphs
MIT18 02SC Notes Graphs
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
Graphing technique:
... . . . . . . . . ... . ..
.. . ... .
• •
• •
√ 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.
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