Questions tagged [multivariable-calculus]

Use this tag for questions about differential and integral calculus with more than one independent variable. Some related tags are (differential-geometry), (real-analysis), and (differential-equations).

Multivariable functions are functions like $f(x,y)=xy^2$, functions that have two or more inputs but still only one output.

There exist multivariable limits, where $x$ and $y$ approach a value instead of just $x$.

In multivariable calculus, when writing $\frac{\mathrm{d}}{\mathrm{d}x} \ f(x,y)$, one does not assume $y$ to be a constant, instead it is assumed that $y$ is a function of $x$.

To indicate that $y$ is a constant, one should use $\frac{\partial}{\partial x} f(x,y)$. These are called partial derivatives.

One also has integrals of multivariable functions. We say that we integrate over a surface in case of a two-variable function. We write this as $$\iint_S f(x,y)$$

If the surface is a rectangle $S: [a,b] \times [c,d]$, and the function is continuous on this rectangle, then Fubini's theorem says that $$\iint_S f(x,y) = \int^b_a\int^d_c f(x,y) \mathrm{d}y \mathrm{d}x$$

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Volume between sphere and cylinder with different centers

I am working on a tumor model and need to calculate the volume enclosed between the sphere given by $$(x-d)^2+y^2+z^2=r^2$$ and the cylinder given by $$x^2+y^2=R^2.$$ I have worked it out by using surfaces of revolution but this is tedious and…
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Proving openness of a set in $\Bbb R^4$

Given a set: $U = \{(x, y, z, w) : |x| < 1, |y| < 2, |z| < 3, |w| < 4\}$ We must formally (non-graphically, not that I'd ever be able to successfully graph such a set) prove that $U$ is open. We did a similar, albeit simpler, problem in class which…
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What is the meaning of $\vec A \cdot \nabla$?

Looking at the application of divergence in Cartesian coordinates in Wikipedia I was wondering about the meaning of $\vec A \cdot \nabla$? This dot product is found at the vector cross product identity: $\nabla \times (\mathbf{A} \times \mathbf{B})…
Michael
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Checking if vector field is conservative

If I can find a potential function for a vector field, does that necessarily mean that the vector field is conservative? For example if I had a vector field that is not defined on the x-axis and I am able to find a potential function that is defined…
Jeff
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Non-gradient vector field in $\mathbb{R}^3 - \lbrace\mathbf{0}\rbrace$ with zero curl

I'm self-studying multi-variable calculus using MIT's publicly available materials. One of the practice questions for the final exam asks that I determine the truth or falsity of the following statement: Let $\mathbf{F}$ be a vector field on…
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Can you have a gradient of time?

Okay this maybe a very stupid question but in my calculus III class we introduced the gradient but I am curious why don't we also include the derivative of time in the gradient. Thanks, math noob
Olórin
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If $x$ is a boundary of $S$ in $\mathbb{R}$, then $x$ must contain both interior points and exterior points of $S$

Above is the statement that I am given to prove or disprove. I think it is false. For $Q$ a rational number, there is no interior point nor exterior point. so every point in $Q$ is boundary point, but every ball of any point in $Q$ does not contain…
nany
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To determine if set is open , closed

Define a function $f : \mathbb{R}^{2} \rightarrow \mathbb{R} $ by $$f(x, y) =\begin{cases}1 & \text{if $xy=0$} \\ 2& \text{otherwise} \end{cases}$$ If $S = \{(x, y): f \text{ is continous at point $( x, y)$}\}$, then set $S$ is A. Open B.…
godonichia
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Green's Theorem; computing a double integral

This is the last part of an exercise in Apostol Vol. II. (p.385, 1 (e), to be precise.) No doubt there's a trick I'm missing, because evaluating the double integral over the region involved seems unduly complicated. We are supposed to use Green's…
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Find all points on conic section such that the normal vector to conic section is parallel to y-axis.

The conic section k: $x^2+3y^2-2x+6y-8=0$. Find all points such that the normal vector of the conic section in these points is parallel to y-axis. My approach: Find the gradient of the conic section: $F(x,y) = x^2+3y^2-2x+6y$ $\nabla F(x,y) =…
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Gradient, towards a maximum or minimum?

I have a question on the gradient of a mutlivariable function. For a function $f: \mathbb{R}^{n} \to \mathbb{R}$, the gradient is given as $$ [\frac{\partial f}{\partial x_1} \cdots \frac{\partial f}{\partial x_n}]$$ From the discussion I have…
Convergii
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Integration by Change of Variable

By using change of variable, $$x+y=(\surd2)u \text { and } y-x=(\surd2)v$$ Evaluate $$I=\iint(y-x)^2e^{-(x+y)^2}dv\,du$$ with $R$ bounded by $x=0,y=0,x+y=1$ After changing of variable, I…
Wang Kah Lun
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Does It Make Sense to Take the Partial Derivative of a Directional Vector?

Let $\Omega$ be a domain in $\mathbb R^2$ and $C$ be a smooth curve wholly contained in $\Omega$. Moreover, $C$ is parametrized by $x(t), y(t)$. If $Q: \Omega \rightarrow \mathbb R$ has continuous first-order partials, the directional derivative…
Andy Tam
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Multivariable Calculus Course Extra Credit Challenge

I am allowed to consult other resources/individuals as long as I mention your name/position on the problem sheet. I have no idea how to even begin. This is well beyond the scope of my course. My instructor wants his students to interact/discuss this…
crimsix
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Does $\left(\frac{\partial f}{\partial x}\right)^2=\frac{\partial^2f}{\partial x^2}$

This may be an obvious question but I'm just not thinking straight, thanks The answer must be no
Jeff
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