(9) Functions of n Independent Variables
9.1) Definition 1: Functions of n Independent Variables
1
A function z = f (x1, x2, x3, …, xn) in n independent variables x1, x2, x3, …, xn
1
is a rule that assigns to each n-tuple (x1, x2, x3, …, xn) in a set D in n a 1
unique real number z in a subset of . Set D is the domain of f and each 1
n-tuple (x1, x2, x3, …, xn) is called an input of f. The range (image) of f is 1
the set of real numbers z (outputs) that result from f assuming all n-tuple
inputs (x1, x2, x3, …, xn).
9.2) Definition 2: Functions of Two Independent Variables
A function z = f (x, y) in two independent variables x, y is a rule that assigns
to each ordered pair (x, y) – or 2-tuple – in a set D in 2 a unique real1
number z in a subset of . Set D is the domain of f and each 2-tuple (x, y)
1
is called an input of f. The range (image) of f is the set of real numbers z
1
(outputs) that result from f assuming all 2-tuple inputs (x, y).
9.3) Evaluating Functions of n Independent Variables
1
Example 1: In each part, find and sketch the domain of the given function
a) f (x, y) = arccos (x 2 + y 2 – 5) b) f (x, y, z) = ln (16 – 4x 2 – 4y 2 – z 2)
( )
1
Evaluate f (–1, 3 ) Evaluate f 5 , 2, −1
2
Answer: D = {(x, y) : 4 x 2 + y2 6} Answer: D =
f (–1, 3 ) = – 2 f ( 5
2 , 2, −1 ) = ln 2
Example 2: In each part, find the domain of the given function
a) f (x, y, z, w) = 25 − 2 x − 3 y − 4 z − w . Evaluate f (4, –2, 3, –1)
b) f (x, y) = x 2e − 2 y . Evaluate f (–3, 4)
x y
Answer: a) D = {( x, y, z, w): 2 x + 3y + 4z + w 25}. f (4, –2, 3, –1) = 2 3
b) D = {( x, y): x 0, y > 0, y x2 }. f (–3, 4) = e – 6
2
9.4) Graphs of Functions of Two Independent Variables
Just like graphs in 2D and 3D space curves
Figure 3: 4-petal rose in polar coordinates, r = 4sin(2 )
Figure 4: Archimedes Spiral in polar coordinates, r = 1
Figure 5: Conical Helix
Figure 6: Singapore Helix Bridge Figure 7
Cactus Helix
Figure 8: Roller Coaster r (t) = –3cos t , –0.4 t, –2sin t
Many graphs of 3D functions may also simulate natural events.
Figure 9: Hyperbolic Paraboloid f (x, y) = x 2 – y 2 (My Saddle)
Figure 10: f (x, y) = − xye − 2 ( x
1 2 + y2 )
Los Andes
Figure 11: f (x, y) = − xye − 2 ( x
1 2 + y2 )
Lizard Range (British Columbia, Canada)
Figure 12: On Top of Swiss Alps Figure 13: On Top of Japanese Alps
Figure 13: f (x, y) = cos x cos y
Figure 14: Tian Shan (Kyrgyzstan, Western China)
9.5) Level Curves of Functions of Two Independent Variables
The level curves of a function Figure 15: Some level curves of
z = f (x, y) of two variables are Circular Paraboloid
curves defined by equations of f (x, y) = x 2 + y 2 + 1
the form f (x, y) = k, where k is
a constant in the range of f.
Example 3: Sketch some level
curves of the circular paraboloid
f (x, y) = x 2 + y 2 + 1
Answer: Figure 15 at right shows
a nice sketch of the circular
some of its level curves.
