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.
