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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Applying Green's Theorem

I'm studying for a grad-school preliminary exam, and came across this problem which I am unable to solve. Let $C$ be a closed curve in the plane $ax + by + cz = 0$ (where $a,b,c \in \mathbb{R}$ are not all zero $0$), enclosing a region with area…
Marcus M
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Multiple integration questions and my attempt

P1: Find volume of portion of sphere centered at $(0,a,0)$ with radius $a$, between planes $y=0$ and $y=a$ . I changed to spherical coordinates and I calculated volume in 1st quadrant and multiplied by 4 to get required volume. The limits for…
godonichia
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Finding the points at which a surface has horizontal tangent planes

Find the points at which the surface $$ x^2 +2y^2+z^2 -2x -2z -2 = 0 $$ has horizontal tangent planes. Find the equation of these tangent planes. I found that $$ \nabla f = (2x-2,4y) $$ I'm thinking that the gradient vector must be equal to $(0,0)$…
rmzep
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Gradient vs Conservative vector field: What's the difference?

From the definitions I'm reading between the two: The gradient vector field is defined by its construction: gradient of a scalar (or real) function generally over two or more variables. The conservative vector field is defined by the common…
user64878
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Proving maximum of dot product using derivatives

I am curious to know whether there is a way to prove that the maximum of the dot product occurs when two vectors are parallel to each other using derivatives. In particular, given: $c = \textbf{a}\cdot\textbf{b}$ with…
maruko
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Time derivative of flux

We have a time and even "position" invariant vector field and a surface. If the surface is moving with constant velocity, is the flux through the surface should constant in time? Also, is there an easy to follow proof for the formula $$\frac{d}{dt}…
user42768
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What to do when the second derivative test fails?

What do we do when the second derivative test fails? For example, I'm asked to find all the critical points of the function $$f(x,y)=x^{2013}−y^{2013}$$ And determine the nature of the critical points. The critical point that I have found is at…
user134785
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Prove $ \int_{C}fdr=\int_{S}dS\times\nabla f$

Prove $\displaystyle \int_{C}fdr=\int_{S}dS\times\nabla f$. where $C=\partial S$ and the usual relationship between orientations hold. Apply Stokes's theorem to $F=af$ where $a$ is an arbitrary constant vector. From this identity and because $\nabla…
user53259
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Gandalf's adventure (simple vector algebra)

So, I found the correct answer to this homework question, but I was hoping there was an easier way to find the same answer. Here's the question: Gandalf the Grey started in the Forest of Mirkwood at a point with coordinates $(-2, 1)$ and arrived in…
user13327
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Continuity, differentiability and existence of partial derivatives

Here are a few functions whose continuity, differentiability and existence of partial derivatives are to be checked at the origin. I have given the answers, but I would really appreciate it if someone could check it for me :) $$1. f(x,y)=\sin…
Artemisia
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Evaluate $\int_0^1\int_p^1 \frac {x^3}{\sqrt{1-y^6}} dydx$

I have been working on this sum for a while. The question asks to evaluate the double integral. $$\int_0^1\int_p^1 \frac {x^3}{\sqrt{1-y^6}} dydx$$ where $p$ is equal to $x^2$. I know that I have to solve the $y$ integral first and then the $x$. But…
Artemisia
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Show that $\nabla^2(fg)= f\nabla^2g+g\nabla^2f+2\nabla f\cdot\nabla g$

How do I show that $$\nabla^2(fg) = f \nabla^2g + g\nabla^2f + 2 \nabla f \cdot \nabla g$$ Any help would be greatly appreciated! Regards, Andrew
Andrew Daly
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Local versus global implicit function

Suppose the equation $f\left(x,y\right)=0$, with $x\in I_{1}$ and $y\in I_{2}$, $I_{1}$ and $I_{2}$ being open intervals. Additionally, consider that the conditions required to apply the Implicit Function Theorem (IFT) are verified for all…
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Gauss's Theorem vs. Stokes's Theorem?

What's the difference between Gauss' Theorem and Stokes' Theorem? Does Gauss's Theorem take an integral over an "inner product" derivative while Stokes's Theorem takes an integral over an exterior derivative? And is "divergence" associated with…
Tom Au
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Error in the tree diagram of the chain rule?

I was given a problem, we define: $$z(x,y) = x\sin(y^2), y(x) = 2x+1.$$ We wish to use the chain rule to compute $\frac{\partial z}{\partial x}.$ I know, I can get the correct answer using the Jacobian; however, the tree diagram fails me I this…