Functions of Several Variables

1. Functions of Several Variables Written by Richard Gill Associate Professor of Mathematics Tidewater Community College, Norfolk Campus, Norfolk, VA With Assistance from a VCCS LearningWare Grant Differentials

2. The slope of the tangent line is: It was at this point that we first saw dx defined as Since and since dx is being defined as “run” then dy becomes “rise” by definition. For small values of dx, the rise of the tangent line, was used as an approximation for , the change in the function. To begin this section on differentials in three variables, we will begin with a review of differentials in two variables. Consider the function y = f(x). Now consider a generic value of x with a tangent to the curve at (x, f(x)). Compare the initial value of x to a value of x that is slightly larger.

3. z x y We can use the function to calculate , the difference between the two z-coordinates. By subtracting the z-coordinates: Now consider the extension of the differential concept to functions of several variables. Consider an input (x,y) for this function. Its outputs z = f(x,y) create a set of points (x,y,z) that form the surface you see below. The differential dz will have two parts: one part generated by a change in x and the other part generated by a change in y. z = f(x,y) Consider a new point in the domain generated by a small change in x. Now consider the functional image of the new point.

4. z x Since the y-coordinate is constant, we can use that cross section to draw the tangent to y dz By subtracting the z-coordinates: Now consider the extension of the differential concept to functions of several variables. Consider an input (x,y) for this function and its output (x,y,z). The differential dz will have two parts: one part generated by a change in x and the other part generated by a change in y. z = f(x,y) Remember that, dz is the change in the height of the tangent line, and can be used to estimate the change in z.

5. z x y Since there has been no change in y we can express the differential so far in terms of the change in x: z = f(x,y) Now track the influence on z when a new point is generated by a change in the y direction. Now that the change in z is generated by changes in x and y, we can define the total differential:

6. z x y Try this on your own first. z = f(x,y)

7. Example 2. Hint: first calculate dx and dy. Solution: dx = 2.1 – 2 = 0.1 and dy = 1.08 – 1 = 0.08

8. Definition of Differentiability The following theorem is presented without proof though you can usually find the proof in the appendix of a standard Calculus textbook.

9. Theorem: If a function of x and y is differentiable at (a,b) then it is continuous at (a,b). Solution: the objective is to show that

10. Example 3. A right circular cylinder has a height of 5 ft. and a radius of 2 ft. These measurements have possible errors in accuracy as laid out in the table below. Complete the table below. Comment on the relationship between dV and for the indicated errors. Solution: 7.54 cu ft .754 cu ft .075 cu ft

11. Example 3. A right circular cylinder has a height of 5 ft. and a radius of 2 ft. These measurements have possible errors in accuracy as laid out in the table below. Complete the table below. Comment on the relationship between dV and for the indicated errors. Solution: 7.54 cu ft 7.826 cu ft .754 cu ft 0.757 cu ft .075 cu ft 0.075 cu ft

12. Example 4. A right circular cylinder is constructed with a height of 40 cm. and a radius of 25 cm. What is the relative error and the percent error in the surface area if the possible error in the measurement of each dimension is ½ cm. Solution: If the measurements are correct the surface area will be The total differential will generate an estimate for the possible error.

13. For comments on this presentation you may email the author Professor Richard Gill at rgill@tcc.edu or the publisher of the VML, Dr. Julia Arnold at jarnold@tcc.edu.