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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is function differentiable iff directional derivative is linear

Original definition A function $f: A \to \mathbb{R}^n$, $A \subseteq \mathbb{R}^m$ is differentiable at a point $\mathbf a \in \mathbb R^m,$ if there is a linear transformation $T$ such that $$ \lim_{\lVert \mathbf h\rVert \to…
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Stokes' Theorem for cross product with line element

Let $\partial \mathcal{S}$ be a simple closed curve and $\mathcal{S}$ the region enclosed by it, with $\mathcal{S} \subset \mathbf{R}^3$. Let $\vec{F}$ be a vector field in $\mathbf{R}^3$. If $\mathcal{S}$ is contained in the $x$-$y$ plane and…
secavara
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Composition Rule for Laplacian

Is there a easy composition Rule for Laplacian? Assume that $$u : \mathbb{R}^2 \rightarrow \mathbb{R}$$ $$I : \mathbb{R}^2 \rightarrow \mathbb{R}^2$$ so what will be $$Δu(I(x))=...$$
Porufes
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Existence of an Infinite Length Path

I came across the following simple definition A path $\gamma$ in $\mathbb{R}^n$ that connects the point $a \in \mathbb{R}^n$ to the point $b \in \mathbb{R}^n$, is a continuous $\gamma : [0, 1] \to \mathbb{R}^n$ such that $\gamma(0) = a$ and…
Teddy
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About the inverse of the Jacobian matrix

I have a doubt on Jacobian matrices. Consider the non linear transformation $$ \left[ \begin{array}{c} x\\ y\\ z \end{array}\right] = \mathbf{G}\left( \left[ \begin{array}{c} \hat{x}\\ \hat{y}\\ \hat{z} \end{array}\right] \right) = …
bartgol
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Smooth function on a closed set.

Evans book on PDE's defines for a given open subset $U$ of $\mathbb{R}^{n}$, $C^{k}(\overline{U})=\lbrace u:U\rightarrow \mathbb{R}^{n}$, such that $D^{\alpha}u$ exists and is uniformly continuous on bounded subsets of $U$, for all mulitindexes…
Bill
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Gradient, tangents, planes, and steepest direction

I know this is a topic covered on the internet frequently, but I still have further questions regarding visualization. I last took calculus some time ago, but am struggling with visualizations. Assuming $f(x,y)$ is some surface in 3D space. Now,…
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Divergence Proof

I'm not sure where to start on this proof...also, my book didn't give any clarification as to what $f$ and $\textbf{F}$ are. Usually $F$ is a scalar function, and $\textbf{f}$ is the vector field $f_1\textbf{i}+f_2\textbf{j}+f_3\textbf{k}$. But in…
user7000
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why normalize and the definition of directional derivative

I'm not understanding how to solve this problem. I think the problem lies in the fact that I don't understand why normalize and the definition of directional derivative... It's in Portuguese. The question would be: Determine the directional…
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How can I setup a triple integral for ellipsoid volume?

Find the volume of the ellipsoid $$\frac{x^2}{a^2} + \frac{y^2}{b^2} + \frac{z^2}{c^2} \leq 1$$ where $a,b,c \in \mathbb R$. Attempt: Ok well, I figured spherical coordinates would probably be the best approach. In spherical, $(x,y,z) \mapsto…
Bobby Lee
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What is the difference between parametrization and change of variables?

I am embarrassed to ask this, but really need to, in order to clarify my confusion. I am taking multi-variable calculus and I am confused as to the difference between when I should be parametrizing and when I am making a change of variables. My…
JackReacher
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Stokes and Gauss' Divergence theorem on a closed smooth surface in $\Bbb R^3$

I have a problem understanding Stokes' Theorem and Gauss' Divergence Theorem. Suppose the following: Let $F$ be a vector field in $\Bbb R^3$. Let $S$ be an oriented closed smooth Surface enclosing a volume $V$ and let $C$ be a positively-oriented…
Francisco
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Evaluate $\int_A x^{-1}$

We are asked to evaluate $\displaystyle \int_A x^{-1}dV(A)$, with $A=\{ (x,y):20,x-y>0\}$. From the solutions we know that$\displaystyle \int_A x^{-1}dV(A)=2Log(2)$. The point is to use the change of coordinates theorem to evaluate the…
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Definition for monotonicity of multivariate function

Is there any standard definition for monotonicity of a multivariate function? I suppose it's something like: $\forall i: x_i \leq x_i' \implies f(x_1, \ldots, x_i, \ldots, x_k) \leq f(x_1, \ldots, x_i', \ldots, x_k)$ thanks!
Jonny5
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Minimum value of $x+4z$ subject to the constraint $x^2+y^2+z^2\leq 2$?

Consider the following problem: Let $f:{\mathbb R}^3 \to{\mathbb R}$ be $$f(x,y,z)=x+4z$$ where $$x^2+y^2+z^2\leq 2.$$ Find the minimum of $f$. This is similar to the question here. However, since this is not an analytic function with complex…
user9464