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Functions of several variables

The document introduces functions of several variables, explaining that while a function of one variable has a dependent variable that relies on a single independent variable, functions can also involve multiple independent variables. It discusses the geometrical interpretation of such functions as surfaces in three-dimensional space and defines the concept of limits and partial derivatives for functions of two or more variables. Additionally, it provides examples to illustrate these concepts.

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Aindrila Dutta
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12 views

Functions of several variables

The document introduces functions of several variables, explaining that while a function of one variable has a dependent variable that relies on a single independent variable, functions can also involve multiple independent variables. It discusses the geometrical interpretation of such functions as surfaces in three-dimensional space and defines the concept of limits and partial derivatives for functions of two or more variables. Additionally, it provides examples to illustrate these concepts.

Uploaded by

Aindrila Dutta
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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FUNCTIONS OF

SEVERAL
VARIABLES
INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION

 Previously we have seen function of one variable ,y(f(x),where x is the independent variable and y
is the dependent variable ,that is y depends on x. There are also exist function of more than one
variable such as x f(x,y), ff(x,y,z),v f(x,y,z,t).For convenience, we allow to express z z(x,y), f
f(x,y,z), v v(x,y,z,t),etc
 For the function z f(x,y),x and y are independent variables and z is the dependent variable (z
depends on x and y)
 However,notice that x and y are independent of each other,that is,y is NOT the function of x or
vice versa
Function of two or
more variables
Let x, y be two independent variables if a variable z takes a value corresponding to
a pair of values(x,y) then we say z is a function of the two variables x and y.
We write z=f( x, y) .e. g .z= x^2+xy.
Here x^2+xy is a function of x and y
i.e f( x, y)= x^2+xy.
The above definition can be extended for function of three four or more variables.
e.g. z=x1^2+ 2x1x3+x4x2 is a function of the four variables
x1,x2,x3 and x4, i.e. f(x1,x2,x3,x4)= x1^2+ 2x1x3+ x4x2
Geometrical Interpretation of a
function of two variables

 The graph of a function f : D ⊂ R 2 → R, is the set


{(x, y, z) ∈ R 3 : z = f(x, y)}.
 This is a surface in R 3 . The height z = f(x, y) over each
point gives the value of f. The equation ax + by + cz = d
represents a plane in R3 . This equation can be written
less elegantly, expressing z as a function of x and y, as

 When looking at functions of one variable y = f(x) it is


possible to plot (x, y) points to determine the shape of
the graph. In the same way, when looking at a function
of two variables z = f(x, y), it is possible to plot the points
(x, y, z) to build up the shape of a surface
Limit of a function f(x,y)
Meaning of variable point(x,y) tending to a fixed point(a,b)
Let (x,y) be a variable point and (a,b) be a fixed point on XOY plane as shown in the figure .If
x and y vary in such a way that the variable point (x,y) lies within any arbitrary
region(whatever small may be ) surrounding the point (a,b) then we say (x,y) tends to (a,b).
We write(x,y) →(a,b) or x→ a
y →b
PARTIAL DERIVATIVE

If f(x,y) is a function, where f partially depends on x and y and if we differentiate f with respect to x and y
then the derivatives are called the partial derivative of f. The formula for partial derivative of f with respect to
x taking y as a constant is given by;
EXAMPLE:
Thank You

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