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BEKG 2433
ENGINEERING MATHEMATICS 2

FUNCTIONS OF SEVERAL VARIABLES

Rahifa Ranom
[email protected]
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Lesson Outcomes

Upon completion of this lesson, students should be able to:

• know the concept of a function of more than one variable
• use coordinate system to analyze the graphs of such functions
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• In Calculus, YOU have dealt with the calculus of functions of a single variable.
• However, in the real world, physical quantities often depend on two or more
variables.
• Examples:
o The temperature T at a point on the surface of the earth at any given time
depends on the longitude x and latitude y of the point, 𝑇(𝑥, 𝑦).
o The volume V of a circular cylinder depends on its radius r and its height h, 𝑉
= 𝜋𝑟 2 ℎ.
o The potential difference between two points which include a resistance R, 𝑉
= 𝐼𝑅.
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Functions with Two Variables

Definition:

Suppose 𝐷 is a set of order pairs of real numbers, (𝑥, 𝑦). A function with 2 independent
variables 𝑥 and 𝑦 denotes as 𝑧 = 𝑓(𝑥, 𝑦). The set 𝐷 is the domain of the function. The
set of 𝑧 −values that associates with the numbers in 𝐷 is the range of the function.

Domain: The set of all pairs (x, y) for which the given expression is a well-defined real
number.
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One way of visualizing such a function is by means of an arrow diagram, where

the domain 𝐷 is represented as a subset of the 𝑥𝑦 −plane.

(𝑐, 𝑑) (𝑥, 𝑦)
𝑧 = 𝑓(𝑥, 𝑦) 𝑓(𝑥, 𝑦) 𝑓(𝑎, 𝑏)
𝑥 𝑓(𝑐, 𝑑)
𝑧
𝐷
(𝑎, 𝑏)

BMFG 1113 [email protected] 5

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Functions with Two Variables

Example 1.1:
1
For 𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦 = 2𝑥 3 + 𝑦. Find 𝑓 −1,9 , 𝑓 ,0 , domain and range of 𝑓.
2

Solution:
By substituting the values of 𝑥 and 𝑦 into 𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦 , we obtain
𝑓 −1,9 = 2 −1 3 + 9 = −2 + 3 = 1
3
1 1 1 1
𝑓 ,0 = 2 + 0=2 =
2 2 8 4
Domain: 𝑥 can be any values but 𝑦 is defined only for 𝑦 ≥ 0 . Hence the domain of
𝑓(𝑥, 𝑦) is the set 𝐷𝑓 = { 𝑥, 𝑦 : 𝑥, 𝑦 ∈ ℜ, 𝑦 ≥ 0} .
Range: The values of 2𝑥 3 and 𝑦 are real numbers and nonnegative values,
respectively. Hence the range of 𝑓(𝑥, 𝑦) is the set 𝑅𝑓 = {𝑓(𝑥, 𝑦) ∈ ℜ} .
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Functions with Two Variables

Example 1.2:
For 𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦 = (𝑥 − 2) ln 𝑦 + 𝑒 𝑥 . Find 𝑓 0, 𝑒 2 , domain and range of 𝑓.

Solution:
By substituting the values of 𝑥 and 𝑦 into 𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦 , we obtain
𝑓 0, 𝑒 2 = 0 − 2 ln 𝑒 2 + 𝑒 0 = −2 2 + 1 = −3

Domain: 𝑥 can be any values but 𝑦 is defined only for 𝑦 > 0 . Hence the domain of
𝑓(𝑥, 𝑦) is the set 𝐷𝑓 = { 𝑥, 𝑦 : 𝑥, 𝑦 ∈ ℜ, 𝑦 > 0} .
Range: The values of 𝑥 − 2 ln 𝑦 + 𝑒 𝑥 are real numbers, respectively. Hence the range
of 𝑓(𝑥, 𝑦) is the set 𝑅𝑓 = {𝑓(𝑥, 𝑦) ∈ ℜ} .
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Functions with Two Variables

Example 1.3:
For 𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦 = 2𝑦 2 + sin 2𝑥. Find 𝑓 0, 𝑒 2 , domain and range of 𝑓.

Solution:

Domain: 𝑥 and 𝑦 can be any values. Hence the domain of 𝑓(𝑥, 𝑦) is the set
𝐷𝑓 = { 𝑥, 𝑦 : 𝑥, 𝑦 ∈ ℜ} .
Range: The values of 2𝑦 2 are greater than 0 2𝑦 2 ≥ 0 while the range of sin 2𝑥 is from
− 1 to 1 (−1 ≤ sin 2𝑥 ≤ 1). Hence the addition of these two terms determine the
range of 𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦 , 𝑅𝑓 = {𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦 : 𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦 ∈ ℜ, 𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦 ≥ −1} .
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Exercise 1.1:
Find the values at the given point and determine the domain and range of the following
functions;

1. 𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦 = 1 − cos 𝑥𝑦 2 , 𝜋, −1
1
2. 𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦 = 𝑥 3 −𝑦 , (−2,1)

[Ans: 1. 𝐷𝑓 = 𝑥, 𝑦 : 𝑥, 𝑦 ∈ ℜ , 𝑅𝑓 = 𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦 : 0 ≤ 𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦 ≤ 2 , 2
2. 𝐷𝑓 = 𝑥, 𝑦 : 𝑥, 𝑦 ∈ ℜ, 𝑦 ≠ 𝑥 3 , 𝑅𝑓 = 𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦 : 𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦 ∈ ℜ, ≠ 0 , −1/9]
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Graphing Functions of Two Variables

Definition:
The set of points in the plane 𝑧 = 𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦 = 𝑘 where 𝑘 are constants is called level
curve. The set of level curves is called contour curve. The surface 𝑧 = 𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦 is the set
of all points (𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑓(𝑥, 𝑦)).

The steps to graph two variables functions:

1. Draw the level curves in the domain (𝑥, 𝑦) where 𝑓 has a constant value where k
values must associate with the range of the 𝑧.
2. Sketch the surface 𝑧 = 𝑓(𝑥, 𝑦) in space (set of level curves).
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Graphing Functions of Two Variables

Contour curve (set

Surface of level curves)
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Example 1.4:
A function 𝑧 = 𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦 is defined as 𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦 = 4 − 𝑥 2 − 𝑦 2 . Find the domain and range.
Show the level curves at 𝑘 = 0, 𝑘 = 1, 𝑘 = 2, 𝑘 = 3. Then, sketch the graph of 𝑧
= 𝑓(𝑥, 𝑦).

Solution:
The range of 𝑧 is 𝑧 ≤ 4, thus the values of 𝑘 must be 𝑘 ≤ 4.
From the definition, 𝑧 = 𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦 = 𝑘.
Hence 𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦 = 4 − 𝑥 2 − 𝑦 2 = 𝑘 which 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 = 4 − 𝑘.

When 𝑘 = 0, we obtain 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 =4 (a circle with radius 𝑟 = 2 )

𝑘 = 1, we obtain 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 =3 (a circle with radius 𝑟 = 3 )
𝑘 = 2, we obtain 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 =2 (a circle with radius 𝑟 = 2 )
𝑘 = 3, we obtain 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 =1 (a circle with radius 𝑟 = 1 )
Note: Equation of a circle radius, r is 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 = 𝑟 2 .
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Solution:

When 𝑦 = 0, we obtain 𝑧 = 4 − 𝑥 2 which is a parabola on the 𝑥𝑧 −plane.

When 𝑥 = 0, we obtain 𝑧 = 4 − 𝑦 2 which is a parabola on the 𝑦𝑧 −plane.

The contour curve 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 = 4 − 𝑘

The surface of 𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦 = 4 − 𝑥 2 − 𝑦 2
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Example 1.5:
A function 𝑧 = 𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦 is defined as 𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦 = 1 + 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 . Find the domain and
range. Show the level curves at 𝑘 = 2, 𝑘 = 3. Then, sketch the graph of 𝑧 = 𝑓(𝑥, 𝑦).

Solution:
From the definition, 𝑧 = 𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦 = 𝑘.
Hence 𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦 = 1 + 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 = 𝑘 which 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 = (𝑘 − 1)2 .

When 𝑘 = 2, we obtain 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 = 1 (a circle with radius 𝑟 = 1 )

𝑘 = 3, we obtain 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 = 22 (a circle with radius 𝑟 = 2 )

Note: Equation of a circle radius, r is 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 = 𝑟 2 .

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Solution:

When 𝑦 = 0, we obtain 𝑧 = 1 + 𝑥 which is a linear equation, 𝑧 −intercept at 1.

When 𝑥 = 0, we obtain 𝑧 = 1 + 𝑦 which is a linear equation, 𝑧 −intercept at 1.
Hence, the surface is a cone vertex at 0,0,1 .

𝑘=3

𝑘=2

The contour curve 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 = 𝑘 − 1 2

The surface of 𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦 = 1 + 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2
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Exercise 1.2:

Sketch the contour curve and the surface for the function
𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦 = −1 + 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2
for 𝑘 = 0, 3.

[Ans: A paraboloid with vertex at (0,0, −1)]

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Exercise 1.3:

Sketch the contour curve and the surface for the function
𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦 = 2 − 𝑥 − 2𝑦
for 𝑘 = 0,1, 2.

[Ans: A tetrahedron plane which 𝑥 – intercept at (2,0,0), 𝑦 – intercept at (0,1,0) and 𝑧 – intercept at
(0,0,2)]
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Functions with Three Variables

Definition:

Suppose 𝐺 is a set of order pairs of real numbers, (𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧). A function with 3
independent variables 𝑥, 𝑦 and 𝑧 denotes as 𝑤 = 𝑓(𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧). The set 𝐺 is the domain of
the function. The set of 𝑤 −values that associates with the numbers in 𝐺 is the range of
the function.

Domain: The set of all pairs (𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧) for which the given expression is a well-defined real
number.
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Example 1.6:
𝑥𝑧
For 𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧 = . Find 𝑓 1,2, −2 , domain and range of 𝑓.
𝑦−1

Solution:

Domain: 𝑥, 𝑦 and 𝑧 can be any values except 𝑦 ≠ 1 (𝑦 − 1 ≠ 0). Hence the domain of
𝑓(𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧) is the set
𝐷𝑓 = { 𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧 : 𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧 ∈ ℜ, 𝑦 ≠ 1} .
Range: The function 𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧 can be any values 𝑅𝑓 = {𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧 : 𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧 ∈ ℜ} .
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Example 1.7:
1
For 𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧 = 𝑦2 − 2sin 𝑥𝑧. Find 𝑓 𝜋, 3, , domain and range of 𝑓.
2

Solution:

Domain: 𝑥, 𝑦 and 𝑧 can be any values. Hence the domain of 𝑓(𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧) is the set
𝐷𝑓 = { 𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧 : 𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧 ∈ ℜ} .
Range: The term 𝑦 2 has the range of 𝑦 ≥ 0, meanwhile the term −2 sin 𝑥𝑧 has the
range −2 ≤ −2 sin 𝑥𝑧 ≤ 2. Thus, the range of the function 𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧 is 𝑅𝑓
= {𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧 : 𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧 ≥ −2} .
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Exercise 1.4:
Find the values at the given point and determine the domain and range of the following
functions;

1. 𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧 = 𝑥𝑦 − ln 𝑧 , 3, −1, 𝑒 2
𝑧
2. 𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧 = 𝑥−𝑦 , (2,0, −3)

[Ans: 1. 𝐷𝑓 = 𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧 : 𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧 ∈ ℜ, 𝑧 > 0 , 𝑅𝑓 = 𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧 : 𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦 , 𝑧 ∈ ℜ , −5
2. 𝐷𝑓 = 𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧 : 𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧 ∈ ℜ, 𝑥 ≠ 𝑦 , 𝑅𝑓 = 𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧 : 𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧 ∈ ℜ , −3/2]
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Graphing Functions of Three Variables

Definition:
The set of points in the space 𝑤 = 𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧 = 𝑘 where 𝑘 are constants is called level
surface.

If we set values of 𝑘 are 𝑘1 , 𝑘2 , and 𝑘3 , thus we will get 3 level surfaces presented by
𝑆1 , 𝑆2 , and 𝑆3 . Each surface is the same shape of each other.
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Example 1.8:
Describe the level surfaces of 𝑤 = 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 𝑧 2 for 𝑘 = 1, 4,9.

Solution:
The level surfaces are the graphs of
𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 𝑧 2 = 𝑘.

When 𝑘 = 1, we obtain 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 𝑧 2 = 1. (A sphere with radius 1)

When 𝑘 = 2, we obtain 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 𝑧 2 = 4. (A sphere with radius 2)
When 𝑘 = 9, we obtain 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 𝑧 2 = 9. (A sphere with radius 3)
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Solution:

When 𝑘 = 1, we obtain 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 𝑧 2 = 1.
(A sphere with radius 1)
When 𝑘 = 2, we obtain 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 𝑧 2 = 4.
(A sphere with radius 2)
When 𝑘 = 9, we obtain 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 𝑧 2 = 9.
(A sphere with radius 3)

The surfaces of 𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧 = 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 𝑧 2
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Example 1.9:
Describe the level surfaces of 𝑤 = 𝑧 − 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 for 𝑘 = −1, 0,1.

Solution:
The level surfaces are the graphs of 𝑧 − 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 = 𝑘, or 𝑧 = 𝑘 + 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2

When 𝑘 = −1 , we obtain 𝑧 = −1 + 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 ; (a cone with vertex (0,0, −1) )

When 𝑘 = 0, we obtain 𝑧 = 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 ; (a cone with vertex (0,0,0) )
When 𝑘 = 1, we obtain 𝑧 = 1 + 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 ; (a cone with vertex (0,0,1) ).

Note: Equation of a circle radius, r is 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 = 𝑟 2 .

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Solution:

When 𝑘 = −1 , we obtain 𝑧 = −1 + 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 ; (a cone with vertex (0,0, −1) )

When 𝑘 = 0, we obtain 𝑧 = 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 ; (a cone with vertex (0,0,0) )
When 𝑘 = 1, we obtain 𝑧 = 1 + 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 ; (a cone with vertex (0,0,1) ).
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Exercise 1.5:

Sketch the level surfaces for the function 𝑤 = 2 + 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 for 𝑘 = 1, 6.

[Ans: 2 paraboloids vertex at (0,0,1) and (0,0,2)]

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Exercise 1.6:

Sketch the level surfaces for the function 𝑤 = 𝑥 2 + 𝑧 2 for 𝑘 = 1, 4.

[Ans: A cylinder of radius 1 along y-axis when k=1

A cylinder of radius 2 along y-axis when k=4]
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Reference

1) R. Ranom, I.W. Jamaludin, N. A. Razak, N.I.A Apandi, Engineering Mathematics, UTeM

Press, 2021.

2) Abd Wahid Md. Raji, Ismail Kamis, Mohd Nor Mohamad & Ong Chee TiongAdvanced
Calculus for Science and Engineering Students, UTM Press, 2021.
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