Exam-Focused Notes: Multivariable Calculus
Exam-Focused Notes: Multivariable Calculus
Key Concepts and Definitions:
1. Functions of Two Variables:
- Definition: A function z = f(x, y) relates two independent variables (x, y) to a dependent variable z.
- Example: z = x^2 + y^2 represents a surface.
2. Partial Derivatives:
- Notations: dz/dx = p, dz/dy = q.
- Successive derivatives: d^2z/dx^2, d^2z/dxdy, etc.
3. Gradient:
- grad(phi) = (df/dx)i + (df/dy)j + (df/dz)k.
4. Maxima, Minima, and Saddle Points:
- Use the second derivative test with:
D = (f_xx)(f_yy) - (f_xy)^2.
5. Method of Lagrange Multipliers:
- Solve constrained optimization problems by introducing multipliers.
Examples and Detailed Solutions:
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Exam-Focused Notes: Multivariable Calculus
Example 1: Limit of a Function
Find lim (x,y)->(2,-1) (x^2 - 2xy + 3y^2 - 4x + 3y - 6).
Solution:
Step 1: Substitute x = 2, y = -1 directly into the expression.
Step 2: Compute:
= (2)^2 - 2(2)(-1) + 3(-1)^2 - 4(2) + 3(-1) - 6
= 4 + 4 + 3 - 8 - 3 - 6 = -1.
Final Answer: -1.
Example 2: Prove a Limit Does Not Exist
Prove that lim (x,y)->(0,0) (x^2 - y^2) / (x^2 + y^2) does not exist.
Solution:
Step 1: Approach along y = mx (a straight line through origin).
Substitute y = mx into the function:
f(x, y) = (x^2 - m^2x^2) / (x^2 + m^2x^2) = (1 - m^2) / (1 + m^2).
The result depends on m, so the limit varies with the path.
Final Conclusion: The limit does not exist.
Example 3: Continuity of a Function
Test for continuity at (0, 0) for:
f(x, y) = (x^3 - y^3) / (x^2 + y^2), x^2 + y^2 != 0; f(0, 0) = 0.
Solution:
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Exam-Focused Notes: Multivariable Calculus
Step 1: Evaluate lim (x,y)->(0,0) along y = mx:
Substitute y = mx into the function.
Simplify to get: lim x->0 (x^3 - m^3x^3) / (x^2 + m^2x^2).
Result: 0 (independent of m).
Step 2: Verify f(0, 0) = 0.
Conclusion: The function is continuous at (0, 0).
(Additional examples and solutions will be included as extracted...)
Key Tips for Exam Preparation:
- Memorize critical formulas and properties (e.g., gradient, limits, and Lagrange multipliers).
- Solve examples repeatedly to strengthen problem-solving skills.
- Focus on identifying and applying the right approach to each problem type.
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