MTH224Section11_1_FunctionsofSeveralVariables.ppt.pptVIP

Chapter Eleven Partial Derivatives Section 11.1Functions of Several Variables Goals Study functions of two or more variables from four points of view Discuss visual representations Describe functions of three or more variables Four Points of View We can study functions of two or more variables from four viewpoints: Verbally Numerically Algebraically Visually Example The wind-chill index is often used to describe the apparent severity of the cold. The index W depends on the actual temperature T and the wind speed v. A table of values of W(T, v). f(–5, 50) = –15. Domain and Range Recall that for a function f(x, y) given by an algebraic formula, the domain consists of all pairs (x, y) for which the expression for f(x, y) is a well-defined real number. As an example we find the domain and range of Solution The domain of g is This is the disk with center (0, 0) and radius 3. The range of g is Since z is a positive square root, z ≥ 0. Also So the range is Visual Representations One way to visualize a function of two variables is through its graph. For example, we sketch the graph of Solution Squaring both sides of this equation gives x2 + y2 + z2 = 9, which is an equation of the sphere with center the origin and radius 3. Since z ≥ 0, the graph of g is just the top half of this sphere. Level Curves Another way to see functions is a contour map on which points of constant elevation are joined to form level curves: The level curves f(x, y) = k are traces of the graph of f in the plane z = k projected down to the xy-plane: A common example of level curves occurs in topographical maps of mountainous regions, as shown on the next slide. The level curves are curves of constant elevation above sea level. If we walk along one of these contour lines we neither ascend nor descend. Example The figure shows a contour map for a function. Use it to estimate f(1, 3) and f(4, 5). The point (1, 3) lies part way between the level curves wi