Scribd
Upload
135 views

Functions in Several Variables PDF

1. Functions of several variables are functions that have more than one input value. They model physical phenomena with more accuracy than single-variable functions. 2. The domain of a function is the set of allowable input values, while the range is the set of possible output values. To find the domain and range, one considers properties like non-negativity and non-zero denominators. 3. Level curves of a two-variable function give its contour map, which provides geometric insight into the function's graph. Approaching a point along different paths is important to check for continuity.

Uploaded by

kylle jeri bangalan
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
135 views

Functions in Several Variables PDF

1. Functions of several variables are functions that have more than one input value. They model physical phenomena with more accuracy than single-variable functions. 2. The domain of a function is the set of allowable input values, while the range is the set of possible output values. To find the domain and range, one considers properties like non-negativity and non-zero denominators. 3. Level curves of a two-variable function give its contour map, which provides geometric insight into the function's graph. Approaching a point along different paths is important to check for continuity.

Uploaded by

kylle jeri bangalan
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 40

FUNCTIONS OF SEVERAL

VARIABLES
RECALL:
In Math 27 we were familiar with functions
y = f(x) of a single variable. These functions
only have one input (and of course, one
output).

Consider the following equations:

m1m2
• F = G (Universal Law of Gravitation)
r 2

• PV − nRT = 0 (Ideal Gas Law)


• A = P(1 + rt) (Simple Interest Formula)

REMARK:
To model physical phenomena more
accurately, we need to consider more than
one variable.

INFORMAL DEFINITION:
A function in several variables is a function
that has more than two or more input values.

Examples of Functions of Several Variables


2 2
• f(x, y) = 4 − x − y
2 2
• g(x, y) = 4−x −y
1
• h(x, y, z) =
9−x −y −z
2 2 2

sin z
• u(x, y, z) = ln x +
y −1
2

In general, we denote functions in several


variables by z = f(x1, x2, …, xn) where the
numbers x1, x2, …, xn are the input values of
the function.
QUESTION:
Given a function f, is it always true that all
numbers can be allowed as inputs for f?

NOPE
A “GEEKIER” NOTION OF THE INPUTS:
The input values x1, x2, …, xn form a point
(x1, x2, …, xn) in the n-dimensional space
n
ℝ.

INFORMAL DEFINITION:
The set of all points that can be allowed as
inputs for the function f is called the domain
of f . The set of all possible outputs is called
the range of f.

To ind the domain of a function consider:

1. The expression inside the radical must be


greater than or equal to 0.
2. The denominator cannot be zero.
3. Special properties of well-known functions.
For example, the logarithmic functions only
have positive numbers as inputs.
f

To ind the domain of a function consider:

4. The domain of a function f is usually


denoted by Df and is described using the
rule method. For functions of two variables,
Df = {(x, y) | property describing x and y}
.
f

Find the domain of the following:


2 2
• f(x, y) = 4 − x − y
2 2
• g(x, y) = 4−x −y
1
• h(x, y, z) =
9−x −y −z
2 2 2

sin z
• u(x, y, z) = ln x +
y −1
2

In inding the range of a function remember:


1. The range can be as large as ℝ or an
interval(s) or a single number.
2. The property describing the input variables
can give a hint on what values can be
allowed as outputs of a function.
3. Principal square roots always guarantee an
output that is, at least, greater than or equal
to 0.
f

Find the range of the following:


2 2
• f(x, y) = 4 − x − y
2 2
• g(x, y) = 4−x −y
1
• h(x, y, z) =
9−x −y −z
2 2 2

sin z
• u(x, y, z) = ln x +
y −1
2

GRAPHS OF FUNCTIONS OF
TWO VARIABLES
To ind the graph of functions of two
variables, we need the concept of level
curves.
f
HOW TO FIND A LEVEL CURVE:
If we let z
= f(x, y), we can get a level curve
for f by setting a speci ic value for z . That
means we let k = f(x, y) for some constant k.
f

A collection of level curves is called a contour


map.
Example:
2 2
Sketch the contour map of f(x, y) =4−x −y
at the values k = − 4, − 3, − 2, − 1,0,1,2,3,4.
Example:
The contour map of a function provides
an information about its graph.
Geometrically, a level curve of a function is
the intersection of its graph and the plane
z = k.
Example:
2
Sketch the contour map of f(x, y) = (x + y) at
the values k = 0,1,4.
Applications of Contour Maps
Applications of Contour Maps
LIMITS AND CONTINUITY
In Math 27, we ind the limit of a function f(x)
by letting x approach a certain number from
the left and from the right.
f
The same can be done in inding the limit of
functions of several variables. However,
instead of approaching a number on the real
line, we are now approaching a point in the 2
-dimensional space.
f
Math 27 vs Math 28
REMEMBER:
A point in a space can be approached from
many directions.

How the ind the limit?


f
To ind the limit:
1. Try a direct substitution. If you get a value,
it’s possible that you have found the limit.
2. Watch out for division by zero, square roots
of negative numbers, logarithms of zero or
negative numbers, etc.
f

When does the limit fail to exist?


The Two-Path Test
Approach the point (a, b) along two paths for
which lim f(x, y) has two different
(x,y)→(a,b)
values.

REMARK:
When we approach (a, b) along a path, we do
this by ixing x or y to be some number or by
relating x and y using another function.
f

CONTINUITY
A function f in two variables is said to be continuous
at (a, b) if the following conditions are satis ied:
1. f(a, b) is de ined,
2. lim f(x, y) exists, and
(x,y)→(a,b)
3. lim f(x, y) = f(a, b).
(x,y)→(a,b)
f

Remember:
• Polynomials functions are continuous
everywhere. Ex:
3 2 5 2
f(x, y) = 2x + 4x y + xy + y − 7
2 2 3
g(x, y, z) = x + 4y − 3z

Remember:
• Rational functions are continuous over their
respective domains.
Ex:
xy
The function h(x, y) = is continuous
x+y
except when x + y = 0 or x = − y.

You might also like