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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The plane tangent to the graph of $f$ at $(x_0,y_0,f(x_0,y_0))$ is orthogonal to the vector $(x_0,y_0,f(x_0,y_0))$

Let $f(x,y) = -(1-x^2-y^2)^{1/2}$ for $(x,y)$ such that $x^2+y^2 < 1$. Show that the plane tangent to the graph of $f$ at $(x_0,y_0,f(x_0,y_0))$ is orthogonal to the vector $(x_0,y_0,f(x_0,y_0))$. I am confused about the overall steps of solving…
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Compute the gradient of a vector

I have to compute the following expression: $$ \frac{ \mathrm{d} (\mathbf{x}- \mathbf{\mu})^T \Sigma^{-1} (\mathbf{x}- \mathbf{\mu})}{\mathrm{d} \mathbf{\mu}} $$ where $\mathbf{x}$ and $\mathbf{\mu}$ are a column vectors, $\Sigma^{-1}$ is a…
Sam
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finding maximum and minimum of a multivariable function in restricted domains

Find the maximum and minimum values of $f(x,y)=xy-2x$ on the rectangle $-1\leq x \leq1 $ and $0\leq y \leq 1$. I don't understand the approach. The solution manual suggests that the critical point is not inside my domain so maximum and minimum…
Forgis
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The assumptions of the substitution theorem in double integral

Let $$ \mathrm{T}: \left\{ \begin{array}{l} u=u(x,y) \\ v=v(x,y) \end{array} \right. $$ be a change of variables substitution, where $u$ and $v$ have continues partial derivative in an open set $D$. In addition we assume that the…
boaz
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Intersection with paraboloid

This problem feels really easy but I've been having a really hard time with it. I'm given an equation of a paraboloid $z=x^2+4y^2$ and told that an unknown plane, perpendicular to the $xy$ plane has a point $(2,1,8)$ in common with the paraboloid.…
user401936
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Disappearing conservative field with zero divergence: is it zero in higher dimensions?

I have a vector field, which I know is conservative (it is the divergence of a scalar field). It has divergence zero, and it disappears at infinite distance. The dimensionality of the problem is arbitrary. I am working in a Euclidean space. If I…
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Using Lagrange Multipliers to find the largest possible area of a rectangular box with diagonal length L.

I am trying to find the largest possible area of a rectangular box having diagonal length L, by method of Lagrange Multipliers. Here is my approach: Let $f(x,y) = xy$ define the area of a rectangular box with length $x$, width $y$. By Pythagorean…
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Finding the original function from a Hessian.

I'm trying to find the original function from the Hessian defined as: $Hf:= \begin{bmatrix}x-2y & x+2y\\x+2y & 2x+2y\end{bmatrix}$ Since the Hessian is symmetric, and the mixed order partials are equivalent, then there exists some $C^2$ function…
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Line integral over ellipse in first quadrant

Evaluate $ \int_{C} xy\,ds $ where C is the arc of the ellipse $ \frac{x^2}{a^2} + \frac{y^2}{b^2} = 1 $ in the first quadrant. Let $x = a\cos t$ and $ y= b\sin t$ and use a substitution of $ u = a^2 \sin^2t + b^2\cos^2t $ to simply the expression…
CAF
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Use the chain rule to compute ∂z/∂x and ∂z/∂y for 2x^2+y^2+z^2=9. Where exactly do I use it and how?

Use the chain rule to compute $\dfrac{\partial z}{\partial x}$ and $\dfrac{\partial z}{\partial y}$ for $2x^2+y^2+z^2=9$. I got the following, however I don't think I'm using the chain rule. Where exactly do I use it and how? $\dfrac{d}{dy}$…
Tara H
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Taylor Series F"

I'm looking to derive Taylor’s Series F’’ to 4th order: The final answer is F’’=(-F(x+2h)+16F(x+h)-30F(x)+16F(x-h)-F(x-2h))/(12h^2) + O(h^4) I'm just not sure how to get -1 16 -30 16 -1, Can anyone give me some guidance?
Toan
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Surface S is part of $x^2+y^2=1$ between planes $z=0$ and $x+y+z=2$. A vector field $F=\langle x,y,z\rangle$. Find the flux.

Surface S is part of $x^2+y^2=1$ between planes $z=0$ and $x+y+z=2$. A vector field $F=\langle x,y,z\rangle$. What is the value of integration $$\iint_S F\cdot n \,dS $$ where $n$ is the unit normal vector of $S$. Since the surface is not…
SHBaoS
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Polar Coordinates as a Definitive Technique for Evaluating Limits

A lot of questions say "use polar coordinates" to calculate limits when they approach $0$. But is using polar coordinates the best way to evaluate limits, moreover, prove that they exist? Do they account for every single possible direction to…
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Multivariable calculus problem with improper integrals

This is a detailed question from Introduction to Calculus and Analysis, by Courant & John. 1.8b(a) Exercise 2 Let $$F(y) = \int_0^1 \frac{(x-1)x^y}{\log x} dx \quad \text{for} \; y>1$$ Consider $\epsilon \in (0,1/100).$ (a) Prove that there…
macton
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Symmetry of the domain?

For the tiple integral $$\iiint_D (z^2+z) \,dx\,dy\,dz$$ over the domain $D:x^2+y^2+z^2\leq4,\quad z^2\leq x^2+y^2$ The textbook states that by symmetry of the domain the integral simplifies to $$\iiint_D z^2 \,dx\,dy\,dz.$$ How exactly do they…
Eiraus
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