MATH 38: Mathematical Analysis III

Unit 3: Differentiation of Functions of More than One Variable

I. F. Evidente
IMSP (UPLB)

Outline

Differentiability

Local Linear Approximation

The Total Differential

Partial Derivates as Rate of Change

Figures taken from: J. Stewart, The Calculus: Early Transcendentals,

Brooks/Cole, 6th Edition, 2008.

Given: f (z) where z is a function of x and y .

Given: f (z) where z is a function of x and y . So z depends on x .

Given: f (z) where z is a function of x and y . So z depends on x .

z
[ f (z)] = f 0 (z)
x
x

Given: f (z) where z is a function of x and y . So z depends on x .

z
[ f (z)] = f 0 (z)
x
x

Example
Suppose f (z) = sin z , where z = x 2 + y 2 .

Given: f (z) where z is a function of x and y . So z depends on x .

z
[ f (z)] = f 0 (z)
x
x

Example
Suppose f (z) = sin z , where z = x 2 + y 2 .

(sin z) =
x

Given: f (z) where z is a function of x and y . So z depends on x .

z
[ f (z)] = f 0 (z)
x
x

Example
Suppose f (z) = sin z , where z = x 2 + y 2 .

(sin z) = cos z
x

Given: f (z) where z is a function of x and y . So z depends on x .

z
[ f (z)] = f 0 (z)
x
x

Example
Suppose f (z) = sin z , where z = x 2 + y 2 .

z
(sin z) = cos z
=
x
x

Given: f (z) where z is a function of x and y . So z depends on x .

z
[ f (z)] = f 0 (z)
x
x

Example
Suppose f (z) = sin z , where z = x 2 + y 2 .

z
(sin z) = cos z
= cos(x 2 + y 2 )
x
x

Given: f (z) where z is a function of x and y . So z depends on x .

z
[ f (z)] = f 0 (z)
x
x

Example
Suppose f (z) = sin z , where z = x 2 + y 2 .

z
(sin z) = cos z
= cos(x 2 + y 2 ) 2x
x
x

Given: f (z) where z is a function of x and y . So z depends on x .

z
[ f (z)] = f 0 (z)
x
x

Example
Suppose f (z) = sin z , where z = x 2 + y 2 .

z
(sin z) = cos z
= cos(x 2 + y 2 ) 2x
x
x

If we get the composition first:

Given: f (z) where z is a function of x and y . So z depends on x .

z
[ f (z)] = f 0 (z)
x
x

Example
Suppose f (z) = sin z , where z = x 2 + y 2 .

z
(sin z) = cos z
= cos(x 2 + y 2 ) 2x
x
x

If we get the composition first: f (x, y) = sin(x 2 + y 2 )

Given: f (z) where z is a function of x and y . So z depends on x .

z
[ f (z)] = f 0 (z)
x
x

Example
Suppose f (z) = sin z , where z = x 2 + y 2 .

z
(sin z) = cos z
= cos(x 2 + y 2 ) 2x
x
x

If we get the composition first: f (x, y) = sin(x 2 + y 2 )

[sin(x 2 + y 2 ] =
x

Given: f (z) where z is a function of x and y . So z depends on x .

z
[ f (z)] = f 0 (z)
x
x

Example
Suppose f (z) = sin z , where z = x 2 + y 2 .

z
(sin z) = cos z
= cos(x 2 + y 2 ) 2x
x
x

If we get the composition first: f (x, y) = sin(x 2 + y 2 )

[sin(x 2 + y 2 ] = cos(x 2 + y 2 )
x

Given: f (z) where z is a function of x and y . So z depends on x .

z
[ f (z)] = f 0 (z)
x
x

Example
Suppose f (z) = sin z , where z = x 2 + y 2 .

z
(sin z) = cos z
= cos(x 2 + y 2 ) 2x
x
x

If we get the composition first: f (x, y) = sin(x 2 + y 2 )

[sin(x 2 + y 2 ] = cos(x 2 + y 2 ) 2x
x

Given: f (z) where z is a function of x and y . So z depends on x .

z
[ f (z)] = f 0 (z)
x
x

Example
Suppose f (z) = sin z , where z = x 2 + y 2 .

z
(sin z) = cos z
= cos(x 2 + y 2 ) 2x
x
x

If we get the composition first: f (x, y) = sin(x 2 + y 2 )

[sin(x 2 + y 2 ] = cos(x 2 + y 2 ) 2x
x

Given: f (z) where z is a function of x and y . So z depends on x .

z
[ f (z)] = f 0 (z)
x
x

Example
Suppose f (z) = sin z , where z = x 2 + y 2 .

z
(sin z) = cos z
= cos(x 2 + y 2 ) 2x
x
x

If we get the composition first: f (x, y) = sin(x 2 + y 2 )

[sin(x 2 + y 2 ] = cos(x 2 + y 2 ) 2x
x

If z is dependent on x , apply chain rule.

Given: w = f (x, y, z).

Given: w = f (x, y, z). Here, z is also an independent variable!

Given: w = f (x, y, z). Here, z is also an independent variable! It does not

depend on x .

Given: w = f (x, y, z). Here, z is also an independent variable! It does not

depend on x .

Example
Suppose w = x 2 + y 2 + z 2

Given: w = f (x, y, z). Here, z is also an independent variable! It does not

depend on x .

Example
Suppose w = x 2 + y 2 + z 2

w
=
x

Given: w = f (x, y, z). Here, z is also an independent variable! It does not

depend on x .

Example
Suppose w = x 2 + y 2 + z 2

w
= 2x
x

Given: w = f (x, y, z). Here, z is also an independent variable! It does not

depend on x .

Example
Suppose w = x 2 + y 2 + z 2

w
= 2x
x

If z is independent of x , then treat z like a constant when getting the

partial derivative with respect to x .

Outline

Differentiability

Local Linear Approximation

The Total Differential

Partial Derivates as Rate of Change

Definition
A function of 2 variables f (x, y) is said to be differentiable at (x 0 , y 0 ) if
the following conditions are satisfied:
1

f x (x 0 , y 0 ) and f y (x 0 , y 0 ) exist, and

f (x, y) L(x, y)
= 0, where
lim
p
(x,y)(x 0 ,y 0 )
(x x 0 )2 + (y y 0 )2
L(x, y) = f (x 0 , y 0 ) + f x (x 0 , y 0 )(x x 0 ) + f y (x 0 , y 0 )(y y 0 )

If f is differentiable at (x 0 , y 0 ), L(x, y) is called the local linear

approximation of f at (x 0 , y 0 )

Definition
A function f (x, y) is said to be differentiable if f (x, y) is differentiable for
all (x, y) 2 .

Definition
A function f (x, y) is said to be differentiable if f (x, y) is differentiable for
all (x, y) 2 .

Theorem
If a function is differentiable at a point, then it is continuous at that point.

Remark
Properties of a function f that is differentiable at (x 0 , y 0 ):

Remark
Properties of a function f that is differentiable at (x 0 , y 0 ):
1

The graph of f has a non-vertical tangent plane at (x 0 , y 0 , f (x 0 , y 0 )).

An equation of this tangent plane is z = L(x, y).

Remark
Properties of a function f that is differentiable at (x 0 , y 0 ):
1

The graph of f has a non-vertical tangent plane at (x 0 , y 0 , f (x 0 , y 0 )).

An equation of this tangent plane is z = L(x, y).

L(x, y) approximates f (x, y) when (x, y) is very close to (x 0 , y 0 ).

f (x, y) L(x, y)

Remark
Properties of a function f that is differentiable at (x 0 , y 0 ):
1

The graph of f has a non-vertical tangent plane at (x 0 , y 0 , f (x 0 , y 0 )).

An equation of this tangent plane is z = L(x, y).

L(x, y) approximates f (x, y) when (x, y) is very close to (x 0 , y 0 ).

f (x, y) L(x, y)

f is continuous at (x 0 , y 0 ).

Remark
Properties of a function f that is differentiable at (x 0 , y 0 ):
1

The graph of f has a non-vertical tangent plane at (x 0 , y 0 , f (x 0 , y 0 )).

An equation of this tangent plane is z = L(x, y).

L(x, y) approximates f (x, y) when (x, y) is very close to (x 0 , y 0 ).

f (x, y) L(x, y)

f is continuous at (x 0 , y 0 ).

Theorem
If all first-order partial derivatives of f exist and are continuous at a point,
then f is differentiable at that point.

Theorem
If all first-order partial derivatives of f exist and are continuous at a point,
then f is differentiable at that point.

Example
By the theorem, f (x, y) = x 2 + y 2 is differentiable.

Theorem
If all first-order partial derivatives of f exist and are continuous at a point,
then f is differentiable at that point.

Example
By the theorem, f (x, y) = x 2 + y 2 is differentiable.

Remark
Also by the theorem:
1

A polynomial functions are differentiable.

A rational functions is differentiable at every point in its domain.

Outline

Differentiability

Local Linear Approximation

The Total Differential

Partial Derivates as Rate of Change

Definition
If f is differentiable at (x 0 , y 0 ), then the local linear approximation of f
at (x 0 , y 0 ) is
L(x, y) = f x (x 0 , y 0 )(x x 0 ) + f y (x 0 , y 0 )(y y 0 ) + f (x 0 , y 0 )

Definition
If f is differentiable at (x 0 , y 0 ), then the local linear approximation of f
at (x 0 , y 0 ) is
L(x, y) = f x (x 0 , y 0 )(x x 0 ) + f y (x 0 , y 0 )(y y 0 ) + f (x 0 , y 0 )

Remark
The graph of L(x, y) is the tangent plane to the surface z = f (x, y) at the
point (x 0 , y 0 ).

Definition
If f is differentiable at (x 0 , y 0 ), then the local linear approximation of f
at (x 0 , y 0 ) is
L(x, y) = f x (x 0 , y 0 )(x x 0 ) + f y (x 0 , y 0 )(y y 0 ) + f (x 0 , y 0 )

Remark
The graph of L(x, y) is the tangent plane to the surface z = f (x, y) at the
point (x 0 , y 0 ).

Remark
When (x, y) is very close to (x 0 , y 0 ), then f (x, y) L(x, y).

Example
The function f (x, y) = p
1

1
x2 + y 2

is differentiable at (4, 3).

Find the local linear approximation of f (x, y) = p

Approximate f (4.01, 2.99) using L(x, y).

1
x2 + y 2

at (4, 3).

Example
The function f (x, y) = p
1

1
x2 + y 2

is differentiable at (4, 3).

Find the local linear approximation of f (x, y) = p

1
x2 + y 2

Approximate f (4.01, 2.99) using L(x, y).

Answer:
L(4.01, 2.00) = 0.202 and f (4.01, 2.99) = 0.200

at (4, 3).

Outline

Differentiability

Local Linear Approximation

The Total Differential

Partial Derivates as Rate of Change

Let z = f (x, y) such that f is differentiable at (x 0 , y 0 ).

Let z = f (x, y) such that f is differentiable at (x 0 , y 0 ).

Suppose (x, y) changes from (x 0 , y 0 ) to (x 1 , y 1 ).

Let z = f (x, y) such that f is differentiable at (x 0 , y 0 ).

Suppose (x, y) changes from (x 0 , y 0 ) to (x 1 , y 1 ).
Note: Change is always (new)-(original)

Let z = f (x, y) such that f is differentiable at (x 0 , y 0 ).

Suppose (x, y) changes from (x 0 , y 0 ) to (x 1 , y 1 ).
Note: Change is always (new)-(original)

Changes in independent variables:

Change in x : x = x 1 x 0
Change in y : y = y 1 y 0

Let z = f (x, y) such that f is differentiable at (x 0 , y 0 ).

Suppose (x, y) changes from (x 0 , y 0 ) to (x 1 , y 1 ).
Note: Change is always (new)-(original)

Changes in independent variables:

Change in x : x = x 1 x 0
Change in y : y = y 1 y 0
What is the effect of this change on the dependent variable z ?

Let z = f (x, y) such that f is differentiable at (x 0 , y 0 ).

Suppose (x, y) changes from (x 0 , y 0 ) to (x 1 , y 1 ).
Note: Change is always (new)-(original)

Changes in independent variables:

Change in x : x = x 1 x 0
Change in y : y = y 1 y 0
What is the effect of this change on the dependent variable z ?

Change in the dependent variable:

z = f (x 1 , y 1 ) f (x 0 , y 0 )

As in the function of one-variable case:

Differentials of the independent variables

d x = x and d y = y

Definition
If z = f (x, y) is differentiable at (x 0 , y 0 ), then the total differential of z at
(x 0 , y 0 ) is given by
d z = f x (x 0 , y 0 )d x + f y (x o , y 0 )d y

Definition
If z = f (x, y) is differentiable at (x 0 , y 0 ), then the total differential of z at
(x 0 , y 0 ) is given by
d z = f x (x 0 , y 0 )d x + f y (x o , y 0 )d y

Remark
General formula for the differential at (x, y)
d z = f x (x, y)d x + f y (x, y)d y

Example
Compute d z for the following:
1

z = x2 + y 2

z = tan1 (x y)

Example
Compute d z for the following:
1

z = x2 + y 2

z = tan1 (x y)

Extend to functions of more than two variables.

Example
Let w = x 2 y 4 z 3 + x y + z 2 + 1. Find d w .

Consider the expressions

dz
z
and
dx
x

Consider the expressions

dz
z
and
dx
x

Remark
Note that d z and d x by themselves make sense, but z and x by
themselves make no sense.

Let L(x, y) be the local linear approximation of f (x, y) at (x 0 , y 0 )

Let L(x, y) be the local linear approximation of f (x, y) at (x 0 , y 0 )

f (x, y) L(x, y)

Let L(x, y) be the local linear approximation of f (x, y) at (x 0 , y 0 )

f (x, y) L(x, y)
f (x, y)

f x (x 0 , y 0 )(x x 0 ) + f y (x 0 , y 0 )(y y 0 ) + f (x 0 , y 0 )

Let L(x, y) be the local linear approximation of f (x, y) at (x 0 , y 0 )

f (x, y) L(x, y)
f (x, y)
f (x, y) f (x 0 , y 0 )

f x (x 0 , y 0 )(x x 0 ) + f y (x 0 , y 0 )(y y 0 ) + f (x 0 , y 0 )
f x (x 0 , y 0 )(x x 0 ) + f y (x 0 , y 0 )(y y 0 )

Let L(x, y) be the local linear approximation of f (x, y) at (x 0 , y 0 )

f (x, y) L(x, y)
f (x, y)
f (x, y) f (x 0 , y 0 )
z

f x (x 0 , y 0 )(x x 0 ) + f y (x 0 , y 0 )(y y 0 ) + f (x 0 , y 0 )
f x (x 0 , y 0 )(x x 0 ) + f y (x 0 , y 0 )(y y 0 )

dz

Let L(x, y) be the local linear approximation of f (x, y) at (x 0 , y 0 )

f (x, y) L(x, y)
f (x, y)
f (x, y) f (x 0 , y 0 )
z

f x (x 0 , y 0 )(x x 0 ) + f y (x 0 , y 0 )(y y 0 ) + f (x 0 , y 0 )
f x (x 0 , y 0 )(x x 0 ) + f y (x 0 , y 0 )(y y 0 )

dz

Note: In the formula d z = f x (x, y)d x + f y (x, y)d y , x and y are the original
values of x and y .

Example
Use differentials to approximate the change in f (x, y) = x 2 + y 2 as (x, y)
changes from (4, 3) to (4.01, 2.99).

Example
Use differentials to approximate the change in f (x, y) = x 2 + y 2 as (x, y)
changes from (4, 3) to (4.01, 2.99).
Answer:
d z = 0.02 and z = 0.0202

Example
A metal container in the shape of a right circular cylinder with a height of
6 inches and a radius of 2 inches is to be coated in material 0.1 inches
thick. Approximate the amount of coating material to be used.

Example
A open wooden rectangular box is to be made of lumber that is 23 inch
thick. The inside length is to be 6 inches, the inside width is to be 3 inches
and the inside depth is to be 4 inches. Approximate the amount of lumber
to be used in the box.

Example
A open wooden rectangular box is to be made of lumber that is 23 inch
thick. The inside length is to be 6 inches, the inside width is to be 3 inches
and the inside depth is to be 4 inches. Approximate the amount of lumber
to be used in the box. (amount means volume of material)

Outline

Differentiability

Local Linear Approximation

The Total Differential

Partial Derivates as Rate of Change

Physical Interpretation of Partial Derivatives

Suppose z is a function of x and y .
z
is the instantaneous rate of change in z per unit change in x as y
x

is held constant.

z
is the instantaneous rate of change in z per unit change in y as x
y

is held constant.

Example
Suppose that the weekly profit of a store is given by
V
, V is the
P (x, y) = 3000 + 240y 20y(x 2y) 10(x 2)2 , where x = 10,000
value of the inventory in the store, and y is the number of clerks employed.
At present the value of the inventory in the story is 180, 000 pesos and
there are 8 clerks. Find the rate at which P is changing with respect to x
at this instant if y remains fixed at 8.

Example
Suppose that the weekly profit of a store is given by
V
, V is the
P (x, y) = 3000 + 240y 20y(x 2y) 10(x 2)2 , where x = 10,000
value of the inventory in the store, and y is the number of clerks employed.
At present the value of the inventory in the story is 180, 000 pesos and
there are 8 clerks. Find the rate at which P is changing with respect to x
at this instant if y remains fixed at 8.
Interpretation of answer:
At this instant, if x is increased by 1 (or V is increased by 10, 000) and
retain 8 clerks, then the profit will increase by 160 pesos.

Example
The temperature at any point (x, y) on a flat plate is
T (x, y) = 54 23 x 2 4y 2 degrees Celsius. Find the rate at which the
temperature is changing in the direction of the positive y -axis at the point
(3, 1).

Example
The temperature at any point (x, y) on a flat plate is
T (x, y) = 54 23 x 2 4y 2 degrees Celsius. Find the rate at which the
temperature is changing in the direction of the positive y -axis at the point
(3, 1).
Interpretation of answer:
If one travels in the direction of the positive y axis from (3, 1), the
temperature decreases by 8 degrees Celsius per unit change in y .

Announcements
Recall Class Policy:
1

Missed midterm, prefinal or final exam, with valid excuse: Special

Exam (Harder than the usual)

Missed Chapter Quiz, with valid excuse: 1st missed chapter quiz will
not be included in total, succeeding missed chapter quizzes grade of 0