FUNCTIONS OF

SEVERAL VARIABLES
MATH23-1
CALCULUS 3
 Section Objectives
At the end of the lesson, the student must be able to:
Evaluate a function of two or more variables.
Determine the domain and range .
Draw level curves.
Identify level surfaces.
Find partial derivatives and higher order partials.
Obtain directional derivatives and the gradient.
Obtain equations of tangent planes and normal to the surface.
Identify extrema of functions of two variables.
Solve maxima and minima problems.
 Functions of Two or More Variables
Recall: A Function of One Variable
𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥)
The equation means that 𝑦 is a function of 𝑥 in the sense that a unique value of the dependent variable 𝑦
is determined by specifying value for the independent variable 𝑥.
So the terminology and notation for functions of two or more variables is the same to that for functions
of one variable.
The equation 𝑧 = 𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦 expresses 𝑧 as a function of 𝑥 and 𝑦. Similarly, the equation 𝑤 = 𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧
expresses 𝑤 as a function of 𝑥, 𝑦 and 𝑧 and 𝑢 = 𝑓(𝑥1 , 𝑥2 , … , 𝑥𝑛 ) expresses 𝑢 as a function of
𝑥1 , 𝑥2 , … , 𝑥𝑛 .
 Definitions
1. A function f of two variables, x and y, is a rule that assigns a unique real number f(x, y) to each point
(x, y) in some set D in the xy-plane.

𝑧 = 𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦

2. A function of three variables, x, y, and z, is a rule that assigns a unique real number f(x, y, z) to each
point (x, y, z) in some set D in three-dimensional space.

𝑤 = 𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧
 Natural Domain of the Function
As with functions of one variable, the independent variables of a function of two or more variables may
be restricted to lie in some set D, called the domain of f. Sometimes the domain will be determined by
physical restrictions or other restrictions stated explicitly, so this domain, called the natural domain of
the function, consists of all points for which the formulas yields a real value for the dependent variable.
 Examples
PROBLEM 1 ANSWER
Evaluate the function and determine the natural 𝑧 0, 1 = 1 − 02 = 1
domain of the function 𝑦 − 𝑥 2 𝑖𝑠 𝑑𝑒𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑑 𝑜𝑛𝑙𝑦 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝑦 − 𝑥 2 ≥ 0 or 𝑦 ≥ 𝑥 2
𝑧 = 𝑦 − 𝑥2; 𝑧(0, 1) Thus, the natural domain of f consists of all points in the xy-plane for
which 𝑦 ≥ 𝑥 2 .
To sketch the natural domain, sketch the parabola as a solid
curve. The natural domain of f is then the region lying on or
below the parabola.
 Examples

PROBLEM 2 ANSWER
Evaluate the function and determine the natural 𝑤(0,1,5) = 02 + 12 + 52 − 4 = 21
domain of the function 𝑥² + 𝑦² + 𝑧² − 4 𝑖𝑠 𝑑𝑒𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑑 𝑜𝑛𝑙𝑦 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑛
w= 𝑥² + 𝑦² + 𝑧² − 4; 𝑤(0, 1, 5)
𝑥² + 𝑦² + 𝑧² − 4 ≥ 0 or 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 𝑧 2 ≥ 4
Thus, the natural domain of f consists of all
points in the 3D-space for which 𝑥 2 + 𝑦2 + 𝑧 2 ≥ 4
To sketch the natural domain, sketch the
sphere. The natural domain of f is then the
points lying on or outside the sphere.
 Examples

PROBLEM SOLUTION
𝑓 x, y = 𝑦 + 1 + ln 𝑥 2 − 𝑦 ; 𝑓(𝑒, 0)
Evaluate the function and describe
𝑓 𝑒, 0 = 0 + 1 + ln 𝑒 2 − 0 = 1 + 2 = 3
the domain by an inequality and in 𝑦+1; 𝑦 + 1 ≥ 0, 𝑦 ≥ −1
words. ln 𝑥 2 − 𝑦 ; 𝑥 2 − 𝑦 > 0, 𝑥 2 > 𝑦
1. 𝑓 x, y = 𝑦 + 1 + ln 𝑥 2 − 𝑦 ; 𝑓(𝑒, 0) Domain: −1 ≤ 𝑦 < 𝑥 2
Domain: all points above the line 𝑦 = −1 and below the
parabola 𝑦 = 𝑥 2
 Examples

PROBLEM SOLUTION
1 1
Evaluate the function and describe 𝑓 x, y, z = 1 − 𝑥2 − 𝑦2 − 𝑧2 ; 𝑓(0, , − )
2 2
the domain by an inequality and in 1 1 1 2 1 2 1
𝑓 0, , − = 1−0− − − =
words. 2 2 2 2 2

1 1
2. 𝑓 x, y, z = 1 − 𝑥2 − 𝑦2 − 𝑧2 ; 𝑓(0, 2 , − 2)
1 − 𝑥2 − 𝑦2 − 𝑧2 ; 1 − 𝑥2 − 𝑦2 − 𝑧2 ≥ 0
𝑥2 + 𝑦2 + 𝑧2 ≤ 1
Domain: 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 𝑧 2 ≤ 1
Domain: all points on or inside the sphere
 Examples

PROBLEM 3 SOLUTION
Describe the domain of f in words. a) 𝑓 x, y, z = 𝑥𝑒 − 𝑦+2

𝑦+2; 𝑦 + 2 ≥ 0, y ≥ −2
23. a) 𝑓 x, y, z = 𝑥𝑒 − 𝑦+2
Domain: all points above or on the line y = -2

b) 𝑓 x, y, z = 25 − 𝑥 2 − 𝑦 2 − 𝑧 2
b) 𝑓 x, y, z = 25 − 𝑥 2 − 𝑦 2 − 𝑧 2
25 − 𝑥 2 − 𝑦 2 − 𝑧 2 ; 25 − 𝑥 2 − 𝑦 2 − 𝑧 2 ≥ 0
𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 𝑧 2 ≤ 25
Domain: all points on or within the sphere 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 𝑧 2 = 25
 Level Curves
The topographic (or contour) maps in which a three-dimensional landscape, such as a mountain range, is
represented by two-dimensional contour lines or curves of constant elevation. The contour map is
constructed by passing planes of constant elevation through the hill, projecting the resulting contours
onto a flat surface, and labeling the contours with their elevations.
 Level Curves
Contour maps are useful for studying functions of two variables. If the surface 𝑧 = 𝑓(𝑥, 𝑦) is cut by a
horizontal plane 𝑧 = 𝑘, then at all points on the intersection, 𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦 = 𝑘. The projection of this
intersection onto the xy-plane is called the level curve of height k or the level curve with constant k. A
set of level curves for 𝑧 = 𝑓(𝑥, 𝑦) is called a contour plot or contour map of f.
Computer-generated Graphs and Level Curves of Typical Functions of Two Variables
Example 1

PROBLEM SOLUTION
Example 2

PROBLEM SOLUTION
 Example 3

PROBLEM SOLUTION
Identify the level curves of
𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 ; 𝑘 = 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
 Activity: p. 916
Sketch the level curve 𝑧 = 𝑘 for the specified values of 𝑘.
43. 𝑧 = 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 ; 𝑘 = 0, 1, 2, 3, 4
𝑦
44. 𝑧 = ;𝑘 = −2, −1, 0, 1, 2
𝑥
2
45. 𝑧 = 𝑥 + 𝑦; 𝑘 = −2, −1, 0, 1, 2
46. 𝑧 = 𝑥 2 + 9𝑦 2 ; 𝑘 = 0, 1, 2, 3, 4
47. 𝑧 = 𝑥 2 − 𝑦 2 ; 𝑘 = −2, −1, 0, 1, 2
 Level Surfaces
The graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓 𝑥 is a curve in 2-space, and the graph of 𝑧 = 𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦 is a surface in 3-space. This means that the
number of dimensions required for these graphs is one greater than the number of independent variables. So for the
graph of 𝑤 = 𝑓(𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧), four dimensions are required. Accordingly, there is no “direct” way to graph a function of
three variables. However, if k is a constant, then the graph of 𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧 = 𝑘 will be a surface in 3-space, called the
level surface with constant k. Some geometric insight into the behavior of the function f can be obtained by
graphing these level surfaces for various values of k.
 Examples

PROBLEM
Describe the level surfaces.
53. 𝑓 x, y, z = (𝑥 − 2)2 +𝑦 2 + 𝑧 2
SOLUTION
𝑓 x, y, z = (𝑥 − 2)2 +𝑦 2 + 𝑧 2
Equation of the level surfaces
(𝑥 − 2)2 +𝑦 2 + 𝑧 2 = 𝑘
i) If k > 0, sphere C(2, 0, 0)
ii) If k = 0, point (2, 0, 0)
iii) If k < 0, no level surface
 Example
PROBLEM
Describe the level surfaces.
55. 𝑓 x, y, z = 𝑥 2 + 𝑧 2
SOLUTION
𝑓 x, y, z = 𝑥 2 + 𝑧 2
Equation of the level surfaces
𝑥2 + 𝑧2 = 𝑘
i) If k > 0, cylinder
ii) If k = 0, point (0,0,0)
iii) If k < 0, no level surface
 Activity: p. 916
Sketch the level surface 𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧 = 𝑘.
49. 𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧 = 4𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 4𝑧 2 ; 𝑘 = 16
50. 𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧 = 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 − 𝑧 2 ; 𝑘 = 0
51. 𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧 = 𝑧 − 𝑥 2 − 𝑦 2 + 4; 𝑘 = 7
52. 𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧 = 4𝑥 − 2𝑦 + 𝑧; 𝑘 = 1

Describe the level surfaces in words.

53. 𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧 = (𝑥 − 2)2 + 𝑦 2 + 𝑧 2
54. 𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧 = 3𝑥 − 2𝑦 + 2𝑧
55. 𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧 = 𝑥 2 + 𝑧 2
56. 𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧 = 𝑧 − 𝑥 2 − 𝑦 2
 Limits
General Limits of Functions of Two Variables
The statement lim 𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦 = 𝐿 is intended to convey the idea that the value of 𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦 can be
𝑥,𝑦 → 𝑥0 ,𝑦0
made as close to the number 𝐿 by restricting the point 𝑥, 𝑦 to be sufficiently close to (but different
from) the point 𝑥0 , 𝑦0 .
 Examples

PROBLEM SOLUTION
Evaluate: 1. lim 5𝑥 3 𝑦 2 − 9 = 5 1 3 4 2 − 9 = 71
(𝑥,𝑦)→(1,4)

1. lim 5𝑥 3 𝑦 2 − 9
(𝑥,𝑦)→(1,4) 2. lim 4𝑥𝑦 2 − 𝑥 = 4(1)((3)2 −1 = 35
(𝑥,𝑦)→(1,3)

2. lim 4𝑥𝑦 2 − 𝑥 3. lim

𝑥𝑦
=
(−1)(2)
=−
2
(𝑥,𝑦)→(1,3) (𝑥,𝑦)→(−1,2) 𝑥 2 +𝑦 2 (−1)2 +22 5

𝑥𝑦
3. lim
(𝑥,𝑦)→(−1,2) 𝑥 2 +𝑦 2
 Activity: p. 925
Use limit laws and continuity properties to evaluate the limit.
1. lim (4𝑥𝑦 2 + 𝑥)
(𝑥, 𝑦)→(1, 3)
2. lim1 (𝑥𝑦 2 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥𝑦)
(𝑥, 𝑦)→(4, 𝜋)
𝑥𝑦 3
3. lim
(𝑥, 𝑦)→(−1, 2) 𝑥+2𝑦
2𝑥−𝑦 2
4. lim 𝑒
𝑥, 𝑦 → 1, 3
5. lim 𝑙𝑛 1 + 𝑥 2 𝑦 3
(𝑥, 𝑦)→(1, 0)
3
6. lim 𝑥 𝑦 3 + 2𝑥
(𝑥, 𝑦)→(4, −2)
 Continuity
Informally, a function of one variable is continuous if its graph is an unbroken curve without jumps or
holes. Extending this idea to functions of two variables;
A function 𝑓(𝑥, 𝑦) is said to be continuous at 𝑥0 , 𝑦0 if 𝑓(𝑥0 , 𝑦0 ) is defined and if

lim 𝑓(𝑥, 𝑦) = 𝑓(𝑥0 , 𝑦0 ).

(𝑥,𝑦)→ 𝑥0 ,𝑦0

In addition, if f is continuous at every point in an open set D, then f is continuous on D, and if f is

continuous at every point in the xy-plane, then f is continuous everywhere.
 Examples

PROBLEMS SOLUTION
𝑥𝑦
𝑥𝑦 1. lim 2 +𝑦 2 .
1. Evaluate lim 2 2 . (𝑥,𝑦)→(−1,2) 𝑥
(𝑥,𝑦)→(−1,2) 𝑥 +𝑦
𝑥𝑦
Since 𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦 = 2 2 is continuous at (−1,2), it
𝑥 +𝑦
follows from the definition of continuity of
2. Analyze the function functions of two variables that
𝑥3 𝑦2
𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦 = . 𝑥𝑦 (−1)(2) 2
1−𝑥𝑦 lim = =−
(𝑥,𝑦)→(−1,2) 𝑥 2 +𝑦 2 (−1)2 +22 5

2. The function given is a quotient of continuous

functions, it is continuous except where 1 − 𝑥𝑦 =
0. Thus, 𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦 is continuous everywhere except
on the hyperbola 𝑥𝑦 = 1.
 Limits at Discontinuities
Sometimes, it is easy to recognize when a limit does not exist. For example,
1
lim = +∞
𝑥, 𝑦 → 0, 0 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2

which implies that the values of the function approach +∞ as (𝑥, 𝑦) → (0, 0) along any smooth curve.
However, it is not evident whether the limit

lim 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 𝑙𝑛 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2
𝑥, 𝑦 →(0, 0)

exists because it is an indeterminate form of type 0.∞. L’Hospital’s rule cannot be applied directly instead
convert to polar coordinates to find its limit.
 Examples

PROBLEM 1 SOLUTION
Find lim 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 𝑙𝑛 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 . Let (𝑟, 𝜃) be polar coordinates of the point 𝑥, 𝑦
𝑥, 𝑦 →(0, 0) with 𝑟 ≥ 0.
From 𝑥 = 𝑟 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃, 𝑦 = 𝑟 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃, 𝑟 2 = 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2
Since 𝑟 ≥ 0, 𝑟 = 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 , so that 𝑟 → 0+ if and
only if 𝑥, 𝑦 → 0, 0 .
Rewriting the given limit as
lim 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 𝑙𝑛 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2
𝑥, 𝑦 →(0, 0)
= lim+ 𝑟 2 𝑙𝑛𝑟 2
𝑟→0
2𝑙𝑛𝑟
= lim+ 1/𝑟 2
𝑟→0
2/𝑟
= lim+ −2/𝑟 3
𝑟→0
= lim+(−𝑟 2 )
𝑟→0
=0
Examples

PROBLEM 2 SOLUTION
𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑥 2 +𝑦 2 0
lim = 0 (indeterminate)
𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑥 2 +𝑦 2 (𝑥,𝑦)→(0,0) 𝑥 2 +𝑦 2
Find lim Let 𝑟 2 = 𝑥2 + 𝑦2
(𝑥,𝑦)→(0,0) 𝑥 2 +𝑦 2 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑥 2 +𝑦 2 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑟 2 0
lim 𝑥 2 +𝑦 2
= lim =
(𝑥,𝑦)→(0,0) 𝑟→0+ 𝑟 2 0
apply LHR
2𝑟𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑟 2
= lim 2𝑟
𝑟→0+
= lim cos𝑟 2
𝑟→0+
= cos 0
=1
Check by Squeeze Theorem
𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥
lim =1
𝑥→0 𝑥

𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑥 2 +𝑦2
lim 𝑥 2 +𝑦 2
=1
(𝑥,𝑦)→(0,0)
Examples

PROBLEM 3 SOLUTION
1−𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝑥 2 +𝑦 2 0
lim = 0 (indeterminate)
1−𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝑥 2 +𝑦 2 (𝑥,𝑦)→(0,0) 𝑥 2 +𝑦 2
lim Let 𝑟 2 = 𝑥2 + 𝑦2
(𝑥,𝑦)→(0,0) 𝑥 2 +𝑦 2 1−𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝑥 2 +𝑦 2 1 −𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑟 2 0
lim = lim =
(𝑥,𝑦)→(0,0) 𝑥 2 +𝑦 2 𝑟→0+ 𝑟2 0
apply LHR
2𝑟𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑟 2
= lim 2𝑟
𝑟→0+
= lim 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑟 2
𝑟→0+
= sin 0
=0
Check by Squeeze Theorem
1 −𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥
lim =0
𝑥→0 𝑥

1−𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝑥 2 +𝑦2
lim 𝑥 2 +𝑦 2
=0
(𝑥,𝑦)→(0,0)
 Activity: p. 925
Show that the limit does not exist by considering the limits as (𝑥, 𝑦) → (0, 0) along the
coordinate axes.
3 𝑥+𝑦
7. (a) lim (b) lim
(𝑥,𝑦)→(0,0) 𝑥 2 +2𝑦 2 (𝑥,𝑦)→(0,0) 2𝑥 2 +𝑦 2
𝑥−𝑦 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥𝑦
8. (a) lim (b) lim
(𝑥,𝑦)→(0,0) 𝑥 2 +𝑦 2 (𝑥,𝑦)→(0,0) 𝑥 2 +𝑦 2
Evaluate the limit using the substitution 𝑧 = 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 and observing that 𝑧 → 0+ if and
only if (𝑥, 𝑦) → (0, 0).
sin(𝑥 2 +𝑦 2 ) 1−cos(𝑥 2 +𝑦 2 )
9. lim 10. lim
(𝑥,𝑦)→(0,0) 2(𝑥 2 +𝑦 2 ) (𝑥,𝑦)→(0,0) 3(𝑥 2 +𝑦 2 )
−1/ 𝑥2 +𝑦2
−1/ 𝑥 2 +𝑦 2 𝑒
11. lim 𝑒 12. lim
(𝑥,𝑦)→(0,0) (𝑥,𝑦)→(0,0) 𝑥 2 +𝑦 2
 Activity: p. 925
Determine whether the limit exists. If so, find its value.
𝑥 4 −𝑦 4 𝑥 4 −16𝑦 4
13. lim 14. lim
(𝑥,𝑦)→(0,0) 𝑥 2 −𝑦 2 (𝑥,𝑦)→(0,0) 𝑥 2 −4𝑦 2
𝑥𝑦 1−𝑥 2 −𝑦 2
15. lim 16. lim
(𝑥,𝑦)→(0,0) 3𝑥 2 −2𝑦 2 (𝑥,𝑦)→(0,0) 𝑥 2 +𝑦 2
𝑥𝑧 2
17. lim 18. lim ln(2𝑥 + 𝑦 − 𝑧)
(𝑥,𝑦,𝑧)→(3,0,−4) 𝑥 2 +𝑦 2 +𝑧 2 (𝑥,𝑦,𝑧)→(2,1,−1)
sin) 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝑥 2 +𝑦 2 +𝑧 2
19. lim 20. lim
(𝑥,𝑦,𝑧)→(0,0,0) 𝑥 2 +𝑦 2 +𝑧 2 (𝑥,𝑦,𝑧)→(0,0,0) 𝑥 2 +𝑦 2 +𝑧 2
𝑥2 +𝑦2 +𝑧2
𝑒 −1 1
21. lim 22. lim 𝑡𝑎𝑛 [ 2 2 2]
(𝑥,𝑦,𝑧)→(0,0,0) 𝑥 2 +𝑦 2 +𝑧 2 (𝑥,𝑦,𝑧)→(0,0,0) 𝑥 +𝑦 +𝑧
 Activity: p. 925
Evaluate the limits by converting to polar coordinates.
23. lim 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 𝑙𝑛 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 2
(𝑥,𝑦)→(0,0)
24. lim 𝑦𝑙𝑛 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2
(𝑥,𝑦)→(0,0)
𝑥2𝑦3
25. lim
(𝑥,𝑦)→(0,0) 𝑥 2 +𝑦 3
𝑥𝑦
26. lim
(𝑥,𝑦)→(0,0) 𝑥 2 +2𝑦 2
 Partial Derivatives
If 𝑧 = 𝑓(𝑥, 𝑦) and 𝑥0 , 𝑦0 is a point in the domain of 𝑓, then the partial derivative of f with
respect to x at 𝑥0 , 𝑦0 [also called the partial derivative of z with respect to x at 𝑥0 , 𝑦0 ] is the
derivative at 𝑥0 of the function that results when 𝑦 = 𝑦𝑜 is held fixed and x is allowed to vary.
This partial derivative is denoted by 𝑓𝑥 𝑥0 , 𝑦0 and is given by

𝑑 𝑓 𝑥0 + ∆𝑥, 𝑦0 − 𝑓 𝑥0 , 𝑦0
𝑓𝑥 𝑥0 , 𝑦0 = 𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦0 │𝑥=𝑥0 = lim
𝑑𝑥 ∆𝑥→0 ∆𝑥

Similarly, the partial derivative of f with respect to y at 𝑥0 , 𝑦0 [also called the partial
derivative of z with respect to y at 𝑥0 , 𝑦0 ] is the derivative at 𝑦0 of the function that results
when 𝑥 = 𝑥𝑜 is held fixed and y is allowed to vary. This partial derivative is denoted by
𝑓𝑦 𝑥0 , 𝑦0 and is given by

𝑑 𝑓 𝑥0 , 𝑦0 + ∆𝑦 − 𝑓 𝑥0 , 𝑦0
𝑓𝑦 𝑥0 , 𝑦0 = 𝑓 𝑥0 , 𝑦 │𝑦=𝑦0 = lim
𝑑𝑦 ∆𝑦→0 ∆𝑦
 Partial Derivative Functions
The two formulas given define the partial derivatives of a
function at a specific point 𝑥0 , 𝑦0 . The partial derivatives as
functions of the variables x and y, omitting the subscripts are

𝑓 𝑥 + ∆𝑥, 𝑦 − 𝑓(𝑥, 𝑦)
𝑓𝑥 (𝑥, 𝑦) = lim
∆𝑥→0 ∆𝑥

𝑓 𝑥 + ∆𝑥, 𝑦 − 𝑓(𝑥, 𝑦)
𝑓𝑦 (𝑥, 𝑦) = lim
∆𝑦→0 ∆𝑦
 Examples

PROBLEM 1 SOLUTION
Let 𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦 = 3𝑥 3 𝑦 2 . Find Let 𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦 = 3𝑥 3 𝑦 2 .
a) 𝑓𝑥 𝑥, 𝑦 a) 𝑓𝑥 𝑥, 𝑦 = 3𝑦 2 3𝑥 2 = 9x 2 y 2

b) 𝑓𝑦 𝑥, 𝑦 b) 𝑓𝑦 𝑥, 𝑦 = 3𝑥 3 2𝑦 = 6𝑥 3 𝑦

c) 𝑓𝑥 1, 𝑦 c) 𝑓𝑥 1, 𝑦 = 9 1 2 𝑦 2 = 9y 2

d) 𝑓𝑦 𝑥, 1 d) 𝑓𝑦 𝑥, 1 = 6𝑥 3 1 = 6𝑥 3

e) 𝑓𝑥 1,2 = 9 1 2 2 2 = 36
e) 𝑓𝑥 1,2
f) 𝑓𝑦 1,2 = 6 1 3 2 = 12
f) 𝑓𝑦 1,2
 Examples

PROBLEM 2 SOLUTION
𝜕𝑧 𝜕𝑧
𝐹𝑖𝑛𝑑 and
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 17. 𝑧 = 4𝑒 𝑥 2𝑦3

17. 𝑧 = 4𝑒 𝑥2𝑦3 𝜕𝑧 𝑥 2𝑦3 2𝑦3

a) = 4𝑒 = 4𝑦 3 2𝑥 = 3
8𝑥𝑦 𝑒 𝑥
𝜕𝑥
18. 𝑧 = cos 𝑥 5 𝑦 4 b)
𝜕𝑧
= 4𝑒 𝑥
2𝑦3
= 4𝑥 2 3𝑦 2 = 12𝑥 2 𝑦 2 𝑒 𝑥
2𝑦3
𝜕𝑦
18. 𝑧 = cos 𝑥 5 𝑦 4
𝜕𝑧
a) = − sin 𝑥 5 𝑦 4 ∗ 5𝑥 4 𝑦 4
𝜕𝑥
= −5𝑥 4 𝑦 4 sin 𝑥 5 𝑦 4

𝜕𝑧
b) = − sin 𝑥 5 𝑦 4 ∗ 4𝑥 5 𝑦 3
𝜕𝑦
= −4𝑥 5 𝑦 3 sin 𝑥 5 𝑦 4
 Examples

PROBLEM 3 SOLUTION
𝜕𝑧 𝜕𝑧 20. 𝑧 = 𝑒 𝑥𝑦 𝑠𝑖𝑛4𝑦 2
𝐹𝑖𝑛𝑑 and 𝜕𝑧
a) 𝜕𝑥 = 𝑒 𝑥𝑦 0 + 𝑠𝑖𝑛4𝑦 2 𝑒 𝑥𝑦 𝑦 = 𝑦𝑒 𝑥𝑦 𝑠𝑖𝑛4𝑦 2
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦
20. 𝑧 = 𝑒 𝑥𝑦 𝑠𝑖𝑛4𝑦 2 𝜕𝑧
𝑥𝑦 b) 𝜕𝑦 = 𝑒 𝑥𝑦 𝑐𝑜𝑠4𝑦 2 8𝑦 + 𝑠𝑖𝑛4𝑦 2 𝑒 𝑥𝑦 𝑥
21. 𝑧 = 𝜕𝑧
𝑥 2 +𝑦 2 = 8𝑦𝑒 𝑥𝑦 𝑐𝑜𝑠4𝑦 2 + 𝑒 𝑥𝑦 𝑠𝑖𝑛4𝑦 2
𝜕𝑦

𝑥𝑦
21. 𝑧 = 𝑥 2 +𝑦2
𝜕𝑧 𝑥 2 +𝑦 2 𝑦 −𝑥𝑦(2𝑥) 𝑥 2 𝑦+𝑦 3 −2𝑥 2 𝑦 𝑦 3 −𝑥 2 𝑦
a) = = =
𝜕𝑥 𝑥 2 +𝑦 2 2 𝑥 2 +𝑦 2 2 𝑥 2 +𝑦 2 2

𝜕𝑧 𝑥 2 +𝑦 2 𝑥 −𝑥𝑦(2𝑦) 𝑥 3 +𝑥𝑦 2 −2𝑥𝑦 2 𝑥 3 −𝑥𝑦 2

b) = = =
𝜕𝑦 𝑥 2 +𝑦 2 2 𝑥 2 +𝑦 2 2 𝑥 2 +𝑦 2 2
 Examples

SOLUTION
PROBLEM 4 −2
3
𝑥
𝐹𝑖𝑛𝑑 𝑓𝑥 𝑥, 𝑦 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑓𝑦 𝑥, 𝑦 . 25. Let𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦 = 𝑦 tan−1 ( ) .
𝑦 1
3 3
−2 𝑦−𝑥(0) −2 𝑦
−
3
𝑥 a) 𝑓𝑥 𝑥, 𝑦 = 𝑦 𝑦2
=y 𝑥 2
25. Let𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦 = 𝑦 2 −1
tan ( ). 1+ 𝑦
𝑥 2
𝑦 𝑦
1+ 𝑦
3
−2
=𝑦
𝑦2 + 𝑥2
1
−2
𝑦
𝑓𝑥 𝑥, 𝑦 = 2
(𝑦1 + 𝑥 2 )
3 𝑥(− 2) 𝑥 3 −5
− 𝑦 −1
b) 𝑓𝑦 𝑥, 𝑦 = 𝑦 2 ∙ 𝑥 2
+ tan ( )(− 𝑦 2 )
1+ 𝑦 2
𝑥 𝑦
3 − 2 3 5
𝑥
−2 𝑦 −2
= −𝑦 ∙ 𝑥2
− ∙ 𝑦 tan( )
𝑦2+ 2 2 𝑦
𝑦
3
− 5
𝑥𝑦 2 3 − 𝑥
𝑓𝑦 𝑥, 𝑦 = − 2 2 − ∙𝑦 2 tan−1 ( )
𝑦 +𝑥 2 𝑦
 Examples
SOLUTION
PROBLEMS 5 - 6 35. 𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧 = 𝑧 ln(𝑥 2 𝑦 cos 𝑧)
Find 𝑓𝑥, 𝑓𝑦 , 𝑓𝑧. a) 𝑓𝑥 = 𝑧 ∙
2𝑥𝑦 cos 𝑧
2
𝑥 𝑦 cos 𝑧
=
2𝑧
𝑥
2
𝑥 cos 𝑧 𝑧
35. 𝐿𝑒𝑡 𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧 = 𝑧 ln(𝑥 2 𝑦 cos 𝑧) b) 𝑓𝑦 = 𝑧 ∙ 2
𝑥 𝑦 cos 𝑧
−𝑥 2 𝑦 sin 𝑧
=
𝑦

c) 𝑓𝑧 = 𝑧 ∙ 2 + ln 𝑥 2 𝑦 cos 𝑧
𝑥 𝑦 cos 𝑧
𝑓𝑧 = −𝑧 tan 𝑧 + ln(𝑥 2 𝑦 cos 𝑧)
𝛿𝑤 𝛿𝑤 𝛿𝑤 40. 𝑤 =
𝑥 2 −𝑦 2

𝐹𝑖𝑛𝑑 , , . 𝑦 2 +𝑧 2

𝛿𝑥 𝛿𝑦 𝛿𝑧 a)
𝛿𝑤
𝛿𝑥
2𝑥
= 2 2
𝑦 +𝑧
𝑦 2 +𝑧 2 −2𝑦 −(𝑥 2 −𝑦 2 )(2𝑦) −2𝑦 3 −2𝑦𝑧 2 −2𝑥 2 𝑦+2𝑦 3
𝑥 2 −𝑦 2
𝛿𝑤
b) = =
40. 𝐿𝑒𝑡 𝑤 = 𝛿𝑦 𝑦 2 +𝑧 2 2
−2𝑦(𝑧 2 +𝑥 2 )
𝑦 2 +𝑧 2 2

𝑦 2 +𝑧 2
𝛿𝑤
=
𝛿𝑦 𝑧 2 +𝑦 2 2
𝛿𝑤 2 2 −2𝑧 𝑦 2 +𝑧 2 0 −(𝑥 2 −𝑦 2 )(2𝑧)
c) = 𝑥 −𝑦 =
𝛿𝑧 𝑦 2 +𝑧 2 2 𝑦 2 +𝑧 2
𝛿𝑤 −2𝑧𝑥 2 +𝑦 2
=
𝛿𝑧 𝑦 2 +𝑧 2
 Activity: p. 936
1. Let 𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦 = 4𝑥 3 𝑦 2 . Find
(a) 𝑓𝑥 (𝑥, 𝑦) (b) 𝑓𝑦 (𝑥, 𝑦) (c) 𝑓𝑥 (1, 𝑦) (d) 𝑓𝑥 (𝑥, 1)
(e) 𝑓𝑦 (1, 𝑦) (f) 𝑓𝑦 (𝑥, 1) (g) 𝑓𝑥 (1,2) (h) 𝑓𝑦 (1,2)

2. Let 𝑧 = 𝑒 3𝑥 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑦. Find

(a) 𝛿𝑧/𝛿𝑥 (b) 𝛿𝑧/𝛿𝑦 (c) 𝛿𝑧/𝛿𝑥│(0,𝑦) (d) 𝛿𝑧/𝛿𝑥│(𝑥,0)
(e) 𝛿𝑧/𝛿𝑦│(0,𝑦) (f) 𝛿𝑧/𝛿𝑦│(𝑥,0) (g) 𝛿𝑧/𝛿𝑥│(ln 3,0) (h) 𝛿𝑧/𝛿𝑦│(𝑙𝑛3,0)
 Partial Derivatives Viewed as Rates of Change and Slopes
Suppose that 𝐶1 is the intersection of the surface 𝑧 = 𝑓(𝑥, 𝑦) with the plane 𝑦 = 𝑦0 and 𝐶2 is the intersection of the
surface 𝑧 = 𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦 with the plane 𝑥 = 𝑥0 . Thus, 𝑓𝑥 (𝑥, 𝑦0 ) can be interpreted as the rate of change of z with respect
to x along the curve 𝐶1, and 𝑓𝑦 (𝑥0, 𝑦) can be interpreted as the rate of change of z with respect to y along the curve
𝐶2 . In particular, 𝑓𝑥 (𝑥0 , 𝑦0 ) is the rate of change of z with respect to x along the curve 𝐶1 at the point 𝑥0 , 𝑦0 , and
𝑓𝑦 (𝑥0 , 𝑦0 ) is the rate of change of z with respect to y along the curve 𝐶2 at the point 𝑥0 , 𝑦0 .
Geometric Interpretation of Partial Derivatives
 Examples

PROBLEM 1 SOLUTION
A point moves along the intersection of the elliptic z = 10x2 + 10y2
paraboloid z = 10x2 + 10y2 and the plane y = 4. At what
rate is z changing with respect to x when the point is at 𝜕𝑧 𝜕
= (10x2 + 10y2) = 20x
(3, 4, 250)? 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑥

𝜕𝑧
(3,4) = 20(3) = 60
𝜕𝑥
 Examples

PROBLEM 2 SOLUTION
A point moves along the intersection of the elliptic
paraboloid z = 3x2 + 4y2 and the plane x = 5. At what
z = 3x2 + 4y2
rate is z changing with respect to y when the point is at 𝜕𝑧 𝜕
(5, 5, 175)? = (3x2+4y2) = 8y
𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑦
𝜕𝑧
(5,5) = 8(5) = 40
𝜕𝑦
 Examples

PROBLEM 3 SOLUTION
Find the slope of the tangent line at (-1, 1, 5) to the
curve of intersection of the surface z = 𝑥 2 + 4𝑦 2 and
z = 𝑥 2 + 4𝑦 2
the plane x = -1
∂z/∂y = 8y
at (-1, 1, 5), ∂z/∂y = 8y = 8(1) = 8
 Examples

PROBLEM 4 SOLUTION
Find the slope of the surface z= f(x, y) in the y- direction
at the point (64, 8)
f(x, y) = 15𝑥 + 8𝑦
f(x, y) = 15𝑥 + 8𝑦
𝜕 8 4
fy(x, y) = 15𝑥 + 8𝑦 = =
𝜕𝑦 2 15𝑥+8𝑦 15𝑥+8𝑦

4 1
fy(64, 8) = =
15 64 +8(8) 8
 Examples

PROBLEM 5 SOLUTION
Let f(x, y)= 3𝑥 + 2𝑦 𝜕𝑧 3
3𝑥 + 2𝑦 =
𝜕𝑥 2 3𝑥+2𝑦
a. Find the slope of the surface z= f(x, y)
𝜕𝑧 2
in the x direction at the point (2,5). 3𝑥 + 2𝑦 =
𝜕𝑦 2 3𝑥+2𝑦
b. Find the slope of the surface z= f(x, y)
in the y direction at the point (2,5).
𝜕𝑧 3 3
a. 𝜕𝑥
(2, 5)= =
8
2 3(2)+2(5)

𝜕𝑧 2 1
b. (2, 5)= =
𝜕𝑦 2 3(2)+2(5) 4
 Examples

PROBLEM 6 SOLUTION
f(l, w, h)= V = lwh
The length, width and height of a rectangular box 𝜕𝑉
are l = 5, w = 2 and h = 3. (lwh) = wh
𝜕𝑙
𝜕𝑉
a. Find the instantaneous rate of change of the (lwh) = lh
volume with respect to l. 𝜕𝑤
𝜕𝑉
(lwh) = lw
b. Find the instantaneous rate of change of the 𝜕ℎ
volume with respect to w
𝑓𝑙 (5, 2, 3)= wh
c. Find the instantaneous rate of change of the
volume with respect to h. 𝑓𝑤 (5, 2, 3)= lh
𝑓ℎ (5, 2, 3)= lw

𝑓𝑙 (5, 2, 3)=(2)(3) = 6
𝑓𝑤 (5, 2, 3)= (5)(3) = 15
𝑓ℎ (5, 2, 3)=(5)(2) = 10
 Activity: p. 936
3. Let 𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦 = 3𝑥 + 2𝑦.
(a) Find the slope of the surface 𝑧 = 𝑓(𝑥, 𝑦) in the x-direction at the point (2, 5).
(b) Find the slope of the surface 𝑧 = 𝑓(𝑥, 𝑦) in the y-direction at the point (2, 5).

4. Let 𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦 = 𝑥𝑒 −𝑦 + 5𝑦.
(a) Find the slope of the surface 𝑧 = 𝑓(𝑥, 𝑦) in the x-direction at the point (4, 0).
(b) Find the slope of the surface 𝑧 = 𝑓(𝑥, 𝑦) in the y-direction at the point (4, 0).
 Activity: p. 936
5. Let 𝑧 = sin(𝑦 2 − 4𝑥).
(a) Find the rate of change of z with respect to x at the point (3, 1) with y held
fixed.
(b) Find the rate of change of z with respect to y at the point (3, 1) with x held
fixed.

6. Let 𝑧 = 𝑥 + 𝑦 −1 .
(a) Find the rate of change of z with respect to x at the point (-1, 4) with y held
fixed.
(b) Find the rate of change of z with respect to y at the point (-1, 4) with x held
fixed.
 The Differentials
1. 𝑧 = 𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦

𝑑𝑧 = 𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦 𝑑𝑥 + 𝑓𝑦 𝑥, 𝑦 𝑑𝑦

2. 𝑤 = 𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧

𝑑𝑤 = 𝑓𝑥 𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧 𝑑𝑥 + 𝑓𝑦 𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧 𝑑𝑦 + 𝑓𝑤 𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧 𝑑𝑤
 Examples
PROBLEMS 1 – 2
Compute the differential
12) 𝑧 = 5𝑥 2 𝑦 5 − 2𝑥 + 4𝑦 + 7
18) 𝑤 = 4𝑥 2 𝑦 3 𝑧 7 − 3𝑥𝑦 + 𝑧 + 5
SOLUTION
12) 𝑧 = 5𝑥 2 𝑦 5 − 2𝑥 + 4𝑦 + 7
𝑑𝑧 = 5 2𝑥𝑦 5 𝑑𝑥 + 5𝑥 2 𝑦 4 𝑑𝑦 − 2𝑑𝑥 + 4𝑑𝑦
𝑑𝑧 = 10𝑥𝑦 5 − 2 𝑑𝑥 + 25𝑥 2 𝑦 4 + 4 𝑑𝑦
18) 𝑤 = 4𝑥 2 𝑦 3 𝑧 7 − 3𝑥𝑦 + 𝑧 + 5
𝑑𝑤 = 4 2𝑥𝑦 3 𝑧 7 𝑑𝑥 + 3𝑥 2 𝑦 2 𝑧 7 𝑑𝑦 + 7𝑥 2 𝑦 3 𝑧 6 dz − 3 ydz + xdy + dz
𝑑𝑤 = 8𝑥𝑦 2 𝑧 7 − 3𝑦 𝑑𝑥 + 12𝑥 2 𝑦 2 𝑧 7 − 3𝑥 𝑑𝑦 + 28𝑥 2 𝑦 3 𝑧 6 + 1 dz
 Chain Rule for Derivatives
1. 𝑥 = 𝑓 𝑡 , 𝑦 = 𝑔 𝑡 , 𝑧 = 𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦
𝑑𝑧 𝑑𝑧 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑧 𝑑𝑦
= . + .
𝑑𝑡 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑡 𝑑𝑦 𝑑𝑡

2. 𝑥 = 𝑓 𝑡 , 𝑦 = 𝑔 𝑡 , 𝑧 = ℎ 𝑡 , 𝑤 = 𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧
𝑑𝑤 𝟃𝑤 𝑑𝑥 𝟃𝑤 𝑑𝑦 𝟃𝑤 𝑑𝑧
= . + . + .
𝑑𝑡 𝟃𝑥 𝑑𝑡 𝟃𝑦 𝑑𝑡 𝟃𝑧 𝑑𝑡
 Examples

PROBLEM 1 SOLUTION
𝑑𝑧 𝜕𝑧 4𝑥 𝜕𝑧 1
Find = =
𝑑𝑡 2 𝜕𝑥 2𝑥 2 +𝑦 𝜕𝑦 2𝑥 2 +𝑦
2. z = ln(2𝑥 2 + y) : x = 𝑡 , y = 𝑡 3 𝑑𝑥 1 𝑑𝑦 2 −1
= = 𝑡 3
𝑑𝑡 2 𝑡 𝑑𝑡 3
 Examples

𝜕𝑧 4𝑥 1 1 2 −1 Check by Substitution
= 2 ∙ + 2 ∙ 𝑡 3
𝜕𝑡 2𝑥 +𝑦 2 𝑡 2𝑥 +𝑦 3 z = ln (2𝑥 2 + y)
2

1 z = ln (2t + 𝑡 ) 3
𝜕𝑧 4 𝑡 1 1 2 −
= 2 ∙ + 2 ∙ 𝑡 3
𝜕𝑡 2 𝑡 3 2 −
1
2𝑡+𝑡 3 2𝑡+𝑡 3 𝜕𝑧 2+ 𝑡 3
3
= 2
𝜕𝑡
𝜕𝑧 2 2 2𝑡+𝑡 3
= 2 + 1 2 2
𝜕𝑡 2+
2𝑡+𝑡 3 3𝑡 3 (2𝑡+𝑡 3 ) 1
𝜕𝑧 3 𝑡3
= 2
𝜕𝑡
1 2𝑡+𝑡 3
𝜕𝑧 6𝑡 3 + 2
= 1 2
1
𝜕𝑡 𝜕𝑧 6𝑡 3 + 2
3𝑡 3 (2𝑡+𝑡 3 ) = 1 2
𝜕𝑡
3𝑡 3 (2𝑡+𝑡 3 )
 Examples

PROBLEM 2 SOLUTION
𝑑𝑤 𝜕𝑤 6𝑥
Find = 2
𝑑𝑡 𝜕𝑥 3𝑥 −2𝑦+4𝑧 3

1 2
8. w = ln( 3𝑥 - 2y +4𝑧 ) : x = 𝑡 , y = 𝑡 , z = 𝑡 −2
2 3 2 3 𝜕𝑤 −2
= 2
𝜕𝑦 3𝑥 −2𝑦+4𝑧 3

𝜕𝑤 12𝑧 2
= 2
𝜕𝑧 3𝑥 −2𝑦+4𝑧 3

1 1
𝑑𝑥 1 −2 𝑑𝑦 2 −3 𝑑𝑧
= 𝑡 , = 𝑡 , = -2𝑡 −3
𝑑𝑡 2 𝑑𝑡 3 𝑑𝑡
 Examples
1 1
𝑑𝑤 6𝑥 1 −2 2 12𝑧 2
= 3 ∙ 𝑡 −2 + 3 ∙ 𝑡 −3 + ∙ -2𝑡 −3 Check by Substitution
𝑑𝑡 3𝑥 2 −2𝑦+4𝑧 2 3𝑥 2 −2𝑦+4𝑧 3 3𝑥 2 −2𝑦+4𝑧 3

1 1 1
− − −
𝑑𝑤
𝑑𝑡
=
3𝑡 2 𝑡 2
2 -
4𝑡 3
2 −
24𝑡 −4 𝑡 −3
2 w = ln( 3𝑥 2 - 2y +4𝑧 3 )
3t − 2 , +4𝑡 −6
𝑡3 3 3t − 2 , +4𝑡 −6
𝑡3 3t − 2 , +4𝑡 −6
𝑡3
2

1
w = ln( 3t - 2 𝑡 , +4𝑡 −6 )
3
−
𝑑𝑤 9−4𝑡 3 −24𝑡 −7
= 2
𝑑𝑡
3 3t − 2 𝑡 3 , +4𝑡 −6
1
2 −
𝑑𝑤 3−2 𝑡 3 −24𝑡 −7
3
= 2
𝑑𝑡
3t − 2 , +4𝑡 −6
𝑡3

1
−3
𝑑𝑤 9−4𝑡 −24𝑡 −7
= 2
𝑑𝑡
3 3t − 2 , +4
𝑡3 𝑡 −6
 Chain Rule for Partial Derivatives
1. 𝑥 = 𝑓 𝑢, 𝑣 , 𝑦 = 𝑔 𝑢, 𝑣 , 𝑧 = 𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦
𝟃𝑧 𝟃𝑧 𝟃𝑥 𝟃𝑧 𝟃𝑦
= . + .
𝟃𝑢 𝟃𝑥 𝟃𝑢 𝟃𝑦 𝟃𝑢
𝟃𝑧 𝟃𝑧 𝟃𝑥 𝟃𝑧 𝟃𝑦
= . + .
𝟃𝑣 𝟃𝑥 𝟃𝑣 𝟃𝑦 𝟃𝑣

2. 𝑥 = 𝑓 𝑢, 𝑣 , 𝑦 = 𝑔 𝑢, 𝑣 , 𝑧 = ℎ 𝑢, 𝑣 , 𝑤 = 𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧
𝟃𝑤 𝟃𝑤 𝟃𝑥 𝟃𝑤 𝟃𝑦 𝟃𝑤 𝟃𝑧
= . + . + .
𝟃𝑢 𝟃𝑥 𝟃𝑢 𝟃𝑦 𝟃𝑢 𝟃𝑧 𝟃𝑢
𝟃𝑤 𝟃𝑤 𝟃𝑥 𝟃𝑤 𝟃𝑦 𝟃𝑤 𝟃𝑧
= . + . + .
𝟃𝑣 𝟃𝑥 𝟃𝑣 𝟃𝑦 𝟃𝑣 𝟃𝑧 𝟃𝑢
 Examples

PROBLEM 1 SOLUTION
𝜕𝑧
𝜕𝑧 𝜕𝑧 = 2x - y𝑠𝑒𝑐 2 𝑥
Find and 𝜕𝑥
𝜕𝑧
𝜕𝑢 𝜕𝑣 = -tanx
𝑢 𝜕𝑦
17. z = 𝑥2 - ytanx : x = , y = 𝑢2 𝑣 2
𝑣
𝜕𝑥 1
=
𝜕𝑢 𝑣
𝜕𝑥 1
=u ∙-
𝜕𝑣 𝑣2

𝜕𝑦
= 2𝑢𝑣 2
𝜕𝑢

𝜕𝑦
= 2𝑢2 𝑣
𝜕𝑣
 Examples

𝜕𝑧 1 𝑢
i.) = (2x – y 𝑠𝑒𝑐 2 x) ∙ + (-tanx) 2u𝑣 2 17. z = 𝑥 2 - ytanx : x = 𝑣 , y = 𝑢2 𝑣 2
𝜕𝑢 𝑣
Check by Substitution
𝜕𝑧 𝑢 𝑢 𝑢
= 2 − 𝑢2 𝑣 2 𝑠𝑒𝑐 2 - 2u𝑣 2 tan
𝜕𝑢 𝑣 𝑣 𝑣
z = 𝑥 2 - y tanx
𝜕𝑧 2𝑢 𝑢 𝑢
= - 𝑢2 𝑣𝑠𝑒𝑐 2 - 2u𝑣 2 tan
𝜕𝑢 𝑣2 𝑣 𝑣 𝑢 2 𝑢
z= - 𝑢2 𝑣 2 tan
𝑣 𝑣

𝜕𝑧 𝑢
ii.) = (2x – y 𝑠𝑒𝑐 2 x) ∙ - + (-tanx) 2𝑢2 𝑣
𝜕𝑣 𝑣2
𝑢2 𝑢
z= − 𝑢2 𝑣 2 tan
𝑣2 𝑣
𝜕𝑧 𝑢 𝑢 𝑢 𝑢
=- 2 − 𝑢2 𝑣 2 𝑠𝑒𝑐 2 - 2𝑢2 𝑣 tan
𝜕𝑣 𝑣 𝑣 𝑣2 𝑣

𝜕𝑧 2𝑢2 𝑢 𝑢
=- - 𝑢3 𝑣𝑠𝑒𝑐 2 - 2𝑢2 v tan
𝜕𝑣 𝑣3 𝑣 𝑣
 Examples

SOLUTION
PROBLEM 2 𝜕𝑢
= 𝑠 2 𝑙𝑛𝑡
𝜕𝑢 𝜕𝑢 𝜕𝑟
Find and 𝜕𝑢
= 2rs𝑙𝑛𝑡
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑠
𝜕𝑢 𝑟𝑠 2
28. u = r𝑠 2 lnt : r = 𝑥 2 , s = 4y + 1, t = x𝑦 3 =
𝜕𝑡 𝑡

𝜕𝑟
= 2x
𝜕𝑥
𝜕𝑟
=0
𝜕𝑦

𝜕𝑠
=0
𝜕𝑥
𝜕𝑠
=0
𝜕𝑦

𝜕𝑡
𝜕𝑥
= 𝑦3
𝜕𝑡 2
= 3x𝑦
𝜕𝑦
 Examples

i.
𝜕𝑢
= 𝑠 2 𝑙𝑛𝑡 (2𝑥) + 2𝑟𝑠𝑙𝑛𝑡 (0) +
𝑟𝑠 2
(𝑦 3 ) 28. u = r𝑠 2 lnt : r = 𝑥 2 , s = 4y + 1, t = x𝑦 3
𝜕𝑥 𝑡
Check by Substitution
𝜕𝑢 2 3 𝑥 2 (4𝑦+1)2 u = r𝑠 2 𝑙𝑛𝑡
= (4𝑦 + 1) 𝑙𝑛𝑥𝑦 2x + 𝑦3
𝜕𝑥 𝑥𝑦 3
u = 𝑥 2 (4𝑦 + 1)2 𝑙𝑛𝑥𝑦 3
𝜕𝑢
= 2𝑥(4𝑦 + 1)2 𝑙𝑛𝑥𝑦 3 + x(4𝑦 + 1)2
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑢 1
i. = (4𝑦 + 1)2 𝑥 2 ∙ ∙ 𝑦 3 + 𝑙𝑛𝑥𝑦 3 ∙ 2𝑥
𝜕𝑥 𝑥𝑦 3

𝜕𝑢 𝑟𝑠 2
ii. = 𝑠 2 𝑙𝑛𝑡 (0) + 2𝑟𝑠𝑙𝑛𝑡 (4) + (3𝑥𝑦 2 )
𝜕𝑦 𝑡 𝜕𝑢
= (4𝑦 + 1)2 𝑥 + 2𝑥𝑙𝑛 𝑥𝑦 3
𝜕𝑥

𝜕𝑢 𝑥 2 (4𝑦+1)2
= 8𝑥 2 4𝑦 + 1 𝑙𝑛𝑥𝑦 3 + 3 (3𝑥𝑦 2)
𝜕𝑢 1
𝜕𝑦 𝑥𝑦 ii. = 𝑥 2 (4𝑦 + 1)2 ∙ ∙ 3𝑥𝑦 2 + 𝑙𝑛𝑥𝑦 2 ∙ 2 4𝑦 + 1 ∙ 4
𝜕𝑦 𝑥𝑦 3

𝜕𝑢 3𝑥 2 (4𝑦+1)2
= 8𝑥 2 4𝑦 + 1 3
𝑙𝑛𝑥𝑦 + 𝜕𝑢
= 𝑥2
3
(4𝑦 + 1)2 +8 4𝑦 + 1 𝑙𝑛𝑥𝑦 3
𝜕𝑦 𝑦
𝜕𝑦 𝑦
 Implicit Partial Differentiation: 𝒇 𝒙, 𝒚 = 𝒄
Consider the special case where 𝑧 = 𝑓(𝑥, 𝑦) is a function of x and y and y is a differentiable function of x.
Applying chain rule for derivatives,

𝑑𝑧 𝜕𝑓 𝑑𝑥 𝜕𝑓 𝑑𝑦 𝜕𝑓 𝜕𝑓 𝑑𝑦
= + = +
𝑑𝑥 𝜕𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝑑𝑥 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝑑𝑥
This equation can be used to find derivatives of functions that are defined implicitly. For example, suppose that
the equation
𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦 = 𝑐
𝑑𝑦
defines y implicitly as a differentiable function of x. In finding 𝑑𝑥 , differentiate both sides with respect to x and
applying the above equation yields

𝜕𝑓 𝜕𝑓 𝑑𝑦
+ =0
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝑑𝑥
𝜕𝑓
Thus, if 𝜕𝑦 ≠ 0,
𝒅𝒚 𝝏𝒇/𝝏𝒙
=−
𝒅𝒙 𝝏𝒇/𝝏𝒚
 Implicit Partial Differentiation: 𝒇 𝒙, 𝒚, 𝒛 = 𝒄
Consider the case where 𝑤 = 𝑓(𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧) is a function of x, y, and z and z is a differentiable function of x and y. It follows from chain rule for
partial derivatives that

𝜕𝑤 𝜕𝑓 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑓 𝜕𝑧 𝜕𝑓 𝜕𝑓 𝜕𝑧
= + = +
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑧 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑧 𝜕𝑥
If the equation
𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧 = 𝑐
Defines z implicitly as a differentiable function of x and y, then taking the partial derivative of each side of the equation with respect to x and
applying the above equation gives

𝜕𝑓 𝜕𝑓 𝜕𝑧
+ =0
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑧 𝜕𝑥
𝜕𝑓
If ≠ 0, then
𝜕𝑧
𝝏𝒛 𝝏𝒇/𝝏𝒙
=−
𝝏𝒙 𝝏𝒇/𝝏𝒛
𝜕𝑧
A similar result holds for .
𝜕𝑦
𝝏𝒛 𝝏𝒇/𝝏𝒚
=−
𝝏𝒚 𝝏𝒇/𝝏𝒛
 Examples
SOLUTION
PROBLEM 1 39. 𝑥 2 𝑦 3 + cos 𝑦 = 0. 𝐹𝑖𝑛𝑑
𝑑𝑦

𝑑𝑦 𝑑𝑥

Find and check your result 𝐿𝑒𝑡 𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 𝑦 3 + cos 𝑦

𝑑𝑥 a) 𝑓𝑥 = 2𝑥𝑦 3
using implicit differentiation. b) 𝑓𝑦 = 3𝑥 2 𝑦 2 − sin 𝑦
𝑑𝑦 2𝑥𝑦 3
=− 2 2
𝑑𝑥 3𝑥 𝑦 − 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑦

39. 𝑥 2 𝑦 3 + cos 𝑦 = 0 check:

𝑑𝑦 𝑑𝑦
𝑥 2 3𝑦 2 + 𝑦 3 2𝑥 − sin 𝑦 =0
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥

𝑑𝑦 𝑑𝑦
3𝑥 2 𝑦 2 − sin 𝑦 = −2𝑥𝑦 3
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥

𝑑𝑦
(3𝑥 2 𝑦 2 − sin 𝑦) = −2𝑥𝑦 3
𝑑𝑥

𝑑𝑦 2𝑥𝑦 3
=− 2 2
𝑑𝑥 3𝑥 𝑦 − sin 𝑦
 Examples

PROBLEM 2 SOLUTION
𝜕𝑧 𝜕𝑧 43. 𝑥 2 −3𝑦𝑧 2 + 𝑥𝑦𝑧 − 2 = 0
Find and by implicit
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝐿et 𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧 = 𝑥 2 − 3𝑦𝑧 2 + 𝑦𝑧 − 2
differentiation, and confirm the a) 𝑓𝑥 = 2𝑥 + 𝑦𝑧
results obtained agree with the b) 𝑓𝑦 = −3𝑧 2 + 𝑧
formulas.
c) 𝑓𝑧 = −6𝑦𝑧 + 𝑥𝑦
𝛿𝑧 2𝑥+𝑦𝑧 2𝑥+𝑦𝑧 2𝑥+𝑦𝑥
i. =− = =
43. 𝑥 2 − 3𝑦𝑧 2 + 𝑥𝑦𝑧 − 2 = 0 𝛿𝑥 −6𝑦𝑧+𝑥𝑦 6𝑦𝑧+𝑥𝑦 𝑦(6𝑧+𝑥)
𝛿𝑧 −3𝑧 2 +𝑥𝑧 𝑥𝑧−3𝑧 2 𝑧(𝑥−3𝑧)
ii. 𝛿𝑦
= −
−6𝑦𝑧+𝑥𝑦
=
6𝑦𝑧−𝑥𝑦
=
𝑦(6𝑧+𝑥)
 Examples

𝛿
check: ii. [𝑥 2 − 3𝑦𝑧 2 + 𝑥𝑦𝑧 − 2 = 0]
𝛿𝑧
𝛿
i. [𝑥 2 − 3𝑦𝑧 2 + 𝑥𝑦𝑧 − 2 = 0]
𝛿𝑧
𝛿𝑧 𝛿𝑧
−3(𝑦 2𝑧 )+𝑥 𝑦 +z =0
𝛿𝑧 𝛿𝑧 𝛿𝑦 𝛿𝑦
2𝑥 − 3𝑦 2𝑧 +𝑦 𝑥 +z =0
𝛿𝑥 𝛿𝑥
𝛿𝑧 𝛿𝑧
−6𝑦𝑧 − 3z 2 + xy + 𝑥𝑧 = 0
𝛿𝑧 𝛿𝑧 𝛿𝑦 𝛿𝑦
2𝑥 − 6𝑦𝑧 + xy + 𝑦𝑧 = 0
𝛿𝑥 𝛿𝑥
𝛿𝑧 𝛿𝑧
𝛿𝑧 𝛿𝑧 −6𝑦𝑧 + 𝑥𝑦 = 3𝑧 2 − 𝑥𝑧
𝑥𝑦 − 6𝑦𝑧 = −2𝑥 − 𝑦𝑧 𝛿𝑦 𝛿𝑦
𝛿𝑥 𝛿𝑥
𝛿𝑧
𝛿𝑧 𝑦 𝑥 − 6𝑧 = 𝑧 3𝑧 − 𝑥
𝑦 𝑥 − 6𝑧 = − 2𝑥 + 𝑦𝑧 𝛿𝑦
𝛿𝑥

𝛿𝑧 −(2𝑥 + 𝑦𝑧) 𝛿𝑧 3(3𝑧 − 𝑥)

= =
𝛿𝑥 𝑦(𝑥 − 6𝑧) 𝛿𝑦 𝑦(𝑥 − 6𝑧)

𝛿𝑧 2𝑥 + 𝑦𝑧 𝛿𝑧 𝑧(𝑥 − 3𝑧)
= =
𝛿𝑥 𝑦(6𝑧 − 𝑥) 𝛿𝑥 𝑦(6𝑧 − 𝑥)
 Activity: p. 958
𝑑𝑦
Find and check your result using implicit differentiation.
𝑑𝑥
2 3
39. 𝑥 𝑦 + 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑦 = 0 40. 𝑥 3 − 3𝑥𝑦 2 + 𝑦 4 = 5
41. 𝑒 𝑥𝑦 + 𝑦𝑒 𝑦 = 1 42. 𝑥 − 𝑥𝑦 + 2𝑦 = 4

𝜕𝑧 𝜕𝑧
Find and by implicit differentiation, and confirm the results obtained
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦
agree with the formulas.
43. 𝑥 2 − 3𝑦𝑧 2 + 𝑥𝑦𝑧 − 2 = 0 44. ln 1 + 𝑧 + 𝑥𝑦 2 + 2𝑧 = 1
45. 𝑦𝑒 𝑥 − 5𝑠𝑖𝑛3𝑧 = 4𝑧 46. 𝑒 𝑥𝑦 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑦𝑧 − 𝑒 𝑦𝑧 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥𝑧 + 2 = 0
 Partial Derivatives of Functions with More than Two Variables

For a function 𝑓(𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧) of three variables, there are three partial derivatives:
𝑓𝑥 𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧 , 𝑓𝑦 𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧 , 𝑓𝑧 (𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧)
The partial derivative 𝑓𝑥 is calculated by holding y and z constant and differentiating
with respect to x.
The partial derivative 𝑓𝑦 is calculated by holding x and z constant and differentiating
with respect to y.
The partial derivative 𝑓𝑧 is calculated by holding x and y constant and differentiating
with respect to z.
If a dependent variable 𝑤 = 𝑓(𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧) is used, then the three partial derivatives of f can
𝜕𝑤 𝜕𝑤 𝜕𝑤
be denoted by , , and .
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑧
 Activity: p. 937
33. Let 𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧 = 𝑥 2 𝑦 4 𝑧 3 + 𝑥𝑦 + 𝑧 2 + 1. Find
(a) 𝑓𝑥 (𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧) (b) 𝑓𝑦 (𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧) (c) 𝑓𝑧 (𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧)
(d) 𝑓𝑥 (1, 𝑦, 𝑧) (e) 𝑓𝑦 (1, 2, 𝑧) (d) 𝑓𝑧 (1, 2, 3)
34. Let 𝑤 = 𝑥 2 𝑦𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑧. Find
𝜕𝑤 𝜕𝑤 𝜕𝑤
(a) (𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧) (b) (𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧) (c) (𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧)
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑧
𝜕𝑤 𝜕𝑤 𝜕𝑤
(d) (2, 𝑦, 𝑧) (e) (2,1, 𝑧) (f) (2,1,0)
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑧
Find 𝑓𝑥 , 𝑓𝑦 , and 𝑓𝑧 .
𝑥𝑧
35. 𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧 = 𝑧𝑙𝑛(𝑥 3 𝑦𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑧) 36. 𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧 = 𝑦 −3/2 𝑠𝑒𝑐
𝑦
1
37. 𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧 = 𝑡𝑎𝑛−1 38. 𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧 = cosh( 𝑧)𝑠𝑖𝑛ℎ2 𝑥 2 𝑦𝑧
𝑥𝑦 2 𝑧 4
𝜕𝑤 𝜕𝑤 𝜕𝑤
Find , , .
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑧
𝑥 2 −𝑧 2
39. 𝑤 = 2𝑦𝑒 𝑧 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥𝑧 40. 𝑤 =
𝑦 2 +𝑧 2
41. 𝑤 = 𝑥2 + 𝑦2 + 𝑧2 42. 𝑤 = 𝑦 4 𝑒 2𝑥+3𝑧
 Higher Order Partials
𝜕𝑓 𝜕𝑓
Suppose that f is a function of two variables x and y. Since the partial derivatives and (also
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦
called first-order partial derivatives) are also functions of x and y, these functions may
themselves have partial derivatives. This gives rise to four possible second-order partial
derivatives of f, which are defined by
𝜕2 𝑓 𝜕 𝜕𝑓
= = 𝑓𝑥𝑥 : differentiate twice with respect to x
𝜕𝑥 2 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑥
𝜕2 𝑓 𝜕 𝜕𝑓
= = 𝑓𝑦𝑦 : differentiate twice with respect to y
𝜕𝑦 2 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑦
𝜕2 𝑓 𝜕 𝜕𝑓
= = 𝑓𝑥𝑦 : differentiate first with respect to x then with respect to y
𝜕𝑦𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑥
𝜕2 𝑓 𝜕 𝜕𝑓
= = 𝑓𝑦𝑥 : differentiate first with respect to y then with respect to x
𝜕𝑥𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦
The last two cases are called the mixed second-order partial derivatives or the mixed second
partials
 Examples

PROBLEM 1 SOLUTION
Find 𝑓𝑥𝑥𝑦 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑓𝑧𝑦𝑥 . 89. 𝐿𝑒𝑡 𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧 = 𝑥 3 𝑦 5 𝑧 7 + 𝑥𝑦 2 +
89. 𝐿𝑒𝑡 𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧 = 𝑥 3 𝑦 5 𝑧 7 + 𝑥𝑦 2 + 𝑦 3 𝑧. 𝑦 3 𝑧.

a) 𝑓𝑥 = 3𝑥 2 𝑦 5 𝑧 7 + 𝑦 2
b) 𝑓𝑥𝑥 = 6𝑥𝑦 5 𝑧 7
𝑓𝑥𝑥𝑦 = 30xy 4 z 7

a) 𝑓𝑧 = 7𝑥 3 𝑦 5 𝑧 6 + 𝑦 3
b) 𝑓𝑧𝑦 = 35𝑥 3 𝑦 4 𝑧 6 + 3𝑦 2
𝑓𝑧𝑦𝑥 = 105𝑥 2 𝑦 4 𝑧 6
Examples

PROBLEM 2 SOLUTION
𝜕3 𝑓 𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧 = 2𝑥 + 2𝑧 + 4𝑦 + 5𝑥𝑧𝑦
Find .
𝜕𝑦𝜕𝑧𝜕𝑥

𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧 = 2𝑥 + 2𝑧 + 4𝑦 + 5𝑥𝑧𝑦 𝜕𝑓
= 2 + 5𝑧𝑦
𝜕𝑥

𝜕2𝑓
= 5𝑦
𝜕𝑧𝜕𝑥

𝜕3𝑓
=5
𝜕𝑦𝜕𝑧𝜕𝑥
Examples

PROBLEM 3 SOLUTION
𝜕4 𝑓 𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧 = 5𝑥 3 𝑦 + 20𝑧𝑦𝑥 + 2𝑥 2 𝑦𝑧 2
Find
𝜕𝑦𝜕𝑧𝜕2 𝑥
𝜕𝑓
= 15𝑥 2 𝑦 + 20𝑦𝑧 + 4𝑥𝑦𝑧 2
𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧 = 5𝑥 3 𝑦 + 20𝑧𝑦𝑥 + 2𝑥 2 𝑦𝑧 2 𝜕𝑥

𝜕2 𝑓
= 30𝑦 + 4𝑦𝑧 2
𝑑𝑥𝜕𝑥

𝜕3 𝑓
= 8𝑦𝑧
𝜕𝑧𝜕𝑥𝜕𝑥

𝜕3 𝑓
= 8𝑧
𝜕𝑦𝜕𝑧𝜕𝑥𝜕𝑥
 Activity: p. 939
85. Given 𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦 = 𝑥 3 𝑦 5 − 2𝑥 2 𝑦 + 𝑥, find
(a) 𝑓𝑥𝑥𝑥 (b) 𝑓𝑦𝑥𝑦 (c) 𝑓𝑦𝑦𝑦

86. Given 𝑧 = 2𝑥 − 5𝑦 5 , find

𝜕3 𝑧 𝜕3 𝑧 𝜕4 𝑧
(a) (b) 2 (c) 2 2
𝜕𝑦𝜕𝑥𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦

87. Given 𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦 = 𝑦 3 𝑒 −5𝑥 , find

(a) 𝑓𝑥𝑦𝑦 (0,1) (b) 𝑓𝑥𝑥𝑥 (0,1) (c) 𝑓𝑦𝑦𝑥𝑥 (0,1)

91. Show that the function satisfies Laplace’s equation

𝜕2𝑧 𝜕2𝑧
+ =0
𝜕𝑥 2 𝜕𝑦 2
(a) 𝑧 = 𝑥 2 − 𝑦 2 + 2𝑥𝑦
(b) 𝑧 = 𝑒 𝑥 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑦 + 𝑒 𝑦 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥
𝑦
(c) 𝑧 = 𝑙𝑛 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 2𝑡𝑎𝑛−1 ( )
𝑥
 Equality of Mixed Partials
For a function 𝑓(𝑥, 𝑦), there are four distinct second-order partial
derivatives: 𝑓𝑥𝑥 , 𝑓𝑦𝑦 , 𝑓𝑥𝑦 , 𝑓𝑦𝑥 . However, the mixed second-order
partial derivatives are equal, that is, 𝑓𝑥𝑦 = 𝑓𝑦𝑥 .
 Examples

PROBLEMS 1 – 2 SOLUTION
75. 𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦 = 4𝑥 − 8𝑥𝑦 4 + 7𝑦 5 − 3
2
a) 𝑓𝑥 = 8𝑥 − 8𝑦 4
Confirm that the mixed second- b) 𝑓𝑦 = −32𝑥𝑦 3 + 35𝑦 4
order partial derivatives of f are the c) 𝑓𝑥𝑦 = −32𝑦 3
d) 𝑓𝑦𝑥 = −32𝑦 3
same. 𝑥 2 −𝑦2
∴ 𝑓𝑥𝑦 = 𝑓𝑦𝑥
82. 𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦 = 2 2
75. 𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦 = 4𝑥 2 − 8𝑥𝑦 4 + 7𝑦 5 − 3 𝑥 +𝑦

𝜕𝑓 𝑥 2 +𝑦2 2𝑥 −(𝑥 2 −𝑦2 )(2𝑥)

𝑥 2 −𝑦 2 a) =
82. 𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦 = 𝜕𝑥 𝑥 2 +𝑦2 2
𝑥 2 +𝑦 2
2𝑥 3 + 2𝑥𝑦 2 − 2𝑥 3 + 2𝑥𝑦 2
=
2
𝑥2 + 𝑦2 2
𝜕𝑓 4𝑥𝑦
= 2 22
𝜕𝑥 𝑥 +𝑦

𝜕𝑓 𝑥 2 +𝑦2 −2𝑦 −(𝑥 2 −𝑦2 )(2𝑦)

b) =
𝜕𝑦 𝑥 2 +𝑦2 2

−2𝑥 2 𝑦 − 2𝑦 3 − 2𝑥 2 𝑦 + 2𝑦 3
=
2 𝑥2 + 𝑦2 2
𝜕𝑓 −4𝑥 𝑦
= 2 22
𝜕𝑦 𝑥 +𝑦
 Examples
𝛿𝑓 𝑦2
c) = 4𝑥 𝜕𝑓 𝑥2
𝜕𝑥 𝑥 2 +𝑦 2 2 d) = 4𝑦
𝜕𝑦 𝑥 2 +𝑦 2 2
𝜕2𝑓 𝑥 2 +𝑦 2 2𝑦 − 𝑦 2 ∙ 2 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 ∙ 2𝑦
= 4𝑥[ ]
𝜕𝑦𝜕𝑥 𝑥2 + 𝑦2 4 𝜕2𝑓
𝜕𝑥𝜕𝑦
2𝑦 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 − 2𝑦 2 𝑥 2 +𝑦 2 2𝑥 − 𝑥 2 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 ∙ 2𝑥
= 4𝑥 = −4𝑦
𝑥2 + 𝑦2 4 𝑥2 + 𝑦2 4

𝜕2𝑓 8𝑥𝑦(𝑥 2 − 𝑦 2 )
= 2𝑥 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 − 2𝑥 2
𝜕𝑦𝜕𝑥 𝑥2 + 𝑦2 3 = −4𝑦
𝑥2 + 𝑦2 4

𝜕2𝑓 −8𝑥𝑦(𝑦 2 − 𝑥 2 )
=
𝜕𝑥𝜕𝑦 𝑥2 + 𝑦2 3
 Activity: p. 939
Confirm that the mixed second-order partial derivatives of f are the
same.
75. 𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦 = 4𝑥 2 − 8𝑥𝑦 4 + 7𝑦 4 − 3
76. 𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2
77. 𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦 = 𝑒 2𝑥 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑦
𝑥−𝑦 2
78. 𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦 = 𝑒
79. 𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦 = ln 4𝑥 − 7𝑦
80. 𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦 = ln 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2
𝑥−𝑦
81. 𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦 =
𝑥+𝑦
𝑥 2 −𝑦 2
82. 𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦 =
𝑥 2 +𝑦 2
 Directional Derivatives
Directional derivatives compute the rates of change of a function
with respect to distance in any direction.
Since there are infinitely many different directions from 𝑥0 , 𝑦0 ,
use a unit vector
𝑢 = 𝑢1 𝑖 + 𝑢2 𝑗
That has its initial point at 𝑥0 , 𝑦0 and points in the desired
direction. This vector determines a line 𝑙 in the xy-plane that can
be expressed parametrically as
𝑥 = 𝑥0 + 𝑠𝑢1 , 𝑦 = 𝑦0 + 𝑠𝑢2
 Directional Derivatives
If 𝑓(𝑥, 𝑦) is a function of x and y , and 𝑢 = 𝑢1 𝑖 + 𝑢2 𝑗 is a unit vector, then the directional
derivative of f in the direction of u at 𝑥0 , 𝑦0 is denoted by 𝐷𝑢 𝑓(𝑥0 , 𝑦0 ) and is defined by

𝑑
𝐷𝑢 𝑓 𝑥0 , 𝑦0 = [𝑓 𝑥0 + 𝑠𝑢1 , 𝑦0 + 𝑠𝑢2 ]𝑠=0
𝑑𝑠

provided this derivative exists.

If 𝑓(𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧) is a function of x, y, and z , and 𝑢 = 𝑢1 𝑖 + 𝑢2 𝑗 + 𝑢3 𝑘 is a unit vector, then the
directional derivative of f in the direction of u at 𝑥0 , 𝑦0 , 𝑧0 is denoted by 𝐷𝑢 𝑓(𝑥0 , 𝑦0 , 𝑧0 ) and is
defined by

𝑑
𝐷𝑢 𝑓 𝑥0 , 𝑦0, 𝑧0 = [𝑓 𝑥0 + 𝑠𝑢1 , 𝑦0 + 𝑠𝑢2 , 𝑧0 + 𝑠𝑢3 ]𝑠=0
𝑑𝑠

provided this derivative exists.

 Directional Derivatives
For a function that is differentiable at a point, directional derivatives exist in
every direction from the point and can be computed directly in terms of the
first-order partial derivatives of the function.
If 𝑓(𝑥, 𝑦) is differentiable at 𝑥0 , 𝑦0 , and if 𝑢 = 𝑢1 𝑖 + 𝑢2 𝑗 is a unit vector,
then the directional derivative 𝐷𝑢 𝑓(𝑥0 , 𝑦0 ) exists and is given by

𝐷𝑢 𝑓 𝑥0 , 𝑦0 = 𝑓𝑥 𝑥0 , 𝑦0 𝑢1 + 𝑓𝑦 𝑥0 , 𝑦0 𝑢2

If 𝑓(𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧) is differentiable at 𝑥0 , 𝑦0 , 𝑧0 , and if 𝑢 = 𝑢1 𝑖 + 𝑢2 𝑗 + 𝑢3 𝑘 is a

unit vector, then the directional derivative 𝐷𝑢 𝑓(𝑥0 , 𝑦0 , 𝑧0 ) exists and is given
by

𝐷𝑢 𝑓 𝑥0 , 𝑦0 , 𝑧0 = 𝑓𝑥 𝑥0 , 𝑦0 , 𝑧0 𝑢1 + 𝑓𝑦 𝑥0 , 𝑦0 , 𝑧0 𝑢2 + 𝑓𝑧 𝑥0 , 𝑦0 , 𝑧0 𝑢3
 Examples
SOLUTION
PROBLEM 1 2
𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦 = 𝑥 𝑦, 𝑃 3, 2 ; 𝑢 = 𝑖 + 2𝑗
𝜕𝑓 𝜕𝑓
Let 𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 𝑦. 𝜕𝑥
𝑥, 𝑦 = 2𝑥𝑦
𝜕𝑓
𝜕𝑦
𝑥, 𝑦 = 𝑥 2

3,2 = 2 3 2 = 12
Find the directional derivative of 𝑓 𝜕𝑥
𝜕𝑓
3,2 = (3)2 = 9
in the direction of 1,2 at the point 𝜕𝑦
∴ 𝛻𝑓 3,2 = 12𝑖 + 9𝑗 = 𝟏𝟐, 𝟗
3,2 . 𝐷𝑢 𝑓 3,2 = 𝛻𝑓 3,2 ∙ 𝑢 = 12𝑖 + 9𝑗 ∙ 𝑢1 𝑖 + 𝑢2 𝑗 = 12𝑢1 + 9𝑢2
Solve for 𝑢.
(1,2) (1,2) (1,2) 1 2
𝑢= = = =( , )
(1,2) 12 + 22 5 5 5

12 18
Thus, 𝐷𝑢 𝑓 3,2 = 12𝑢1 + 9𝑢2 = +
5 5

𝟑𝟎
𝐷𝑢 𝑓 3,2 =
𝟓
 Activity: p. 968
Find 𝐷𝑢 𝑓 at 𝑃.
1 1
1. 𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦 = (1 + 𝑥𝑦)3/2 ; 𝑃 8, 1 ; 𝑢 = 𝑖 + 𝑗
2 2
2𝑥𝑦 3 4
2. 𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦 = 𝑒 ; 𝑃 5, 0 ; 𝑢 = − 𝑖 + 𝑗
5 5
2 2 1 3
3. 𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦 = ln 1 + 𝑥 + 𝑦 ; 𝑃 0, 0 ; 𝑢 = − 𝑖 − 𝑗
10 10

Find the directional derivative of f at 𝑃 in the direction of 𝑎.

9. 𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦 = 4𝑥 3 𝑦 2 ; 𝑃 2, 1 ; 𝑎 = 4𝑖 − 3𝑗
10. 𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 − 3𝑥𝑦 + 4𝑦 3 ; 𝑃 −2, 0 ; 𝑎 = 𝑖 + 𝑗
11. 𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦 = 𝑦 2 𝑙𝑛𝑥; 𝑃 1, 5 ; 𝑎 = −3𝑖 + 3𝑗
 The Gradient
𝐷𝑢 𝑓 𝑥0 , 𝑦0 = 𝑓𝑥 𝑥0 , 𝑦0 𝑢1 + 𝑓𝑦 𝑥0 , 𝑦0 𝑢2
𝐷𝑢 𝑓 𝑥0 , 𝑦0 , 𝑧0 = 𝑓𝑥 𝑥0 , 𝑦0 , 𝑧0 𝑢1 + 𝑓𝑦 𝑥0 , 𝑦0 , 𝑧0 𝑢2 + 𝑓𝑧 𝑥0 , 𝑦0 , 𝑧0 𝑢3
The above formulas can be expressed in the form of a dot product as
𝐷𝑢 𝑓 𝑥0 , 𝑦0 = (𝑓𝑥 𝑥0 , 𝑦0 𝑖 + 𝑓𝑦 𝑥0 , 𝑦0 𝑗) • 𝑢1 𝑖 + 𝑢2 𝑗
= (𝑓𝑥 𝑥0 , 𝑦0 𝑖 + 𝑓𝑦 𝑥0 , 𝑦0 𝑗) • 𝑢
𝐷𝑢 𝑓 𝑥0 , 𝑦0 , 𝑧0 = 𝑓𝑥 𝑥0 , 𝑦0 , 𝑧0 𝑖 + 𝑓𝑦 𝑥0 , 𝑦0 , 𝑧0 𝑗 + 𝑓𝑧 𝑥0 , 𝑦0 , 𝑧0 𝑘 • 𝑢
In both cases, the directional derivative is obtained by dotting the direction
vector 𝑢 with a new vector constructed from the first-order partial
derivatives of f.
 The Gradient
Definition
a) If f is a function of x and y, then the gradient of f is defined by
𝛻𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦 = 𝑓𝑥 𝑥, 𝑦 𝑖 + 𝑓𝑦 𝑥, 𝑦 𝑗
b) If f is a function of x, y, and z, then the gradient of f is defined
by
𝛻𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧 = 𝑓𝑥 𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧 𝑖 + 𝑓𝑦 𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧 𝑗 + 𝑓𝑧 𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧 𝑘
Thus, the previous mentioned formulas can be written as
𝐷𝑢 𝑓 𝑥0 , 𝑦0 = 𝛻𝑓 𝑥0 , 𝑦0 • 𝑢
𝐷𝑢 𝑓 𝑥0 , 𝑦0, 𝑧0 = 𝛻𝑓 𝑥0 , 𝑦0 , 𝑧0 • 𝑢
 Examples

PROBLEM 1 SOLUTION
Let 𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 𝑦. 𝜕𝑓
𝑥, 𝑦 = 2𝑥𝑦
𝜕𝑥
Find gradient, 𝛻𝑓 3,2 .
𝜕𝑓
𝑥, 𝑦 = 𝑥 2
𝜕𝑦
𝜕𝑓
3,2 = 2 3 2 = 12
𝜕𝑥
𝜕𝑓
3,2 = (3)2 = 9
𝜕𝑦

∴ 𝛻𝑓 3,2 = 12𝑖 + 9𝑗 = (𝟏𝟐, 𝟗)

 Activity: p. 968
Find 𝛻𝑧 or 𝛻𝑤.
33. 𝑧 = 4𝑥 − 10𝑦
34. 𝑧 = 𝑒 −3𝑦 𝑐𝑜𝑠5𝑥
35. 𝑤 = 𝑙𝑛 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 𝑧 2
36. 𝑤 = 𝑒 −4𝑥 𝑠𝑒𝑐𝑥 2 𝑦𝑧
Find the gradient of f at the indicated point.
37. 𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 + 𝑥𝑦 3 ; −2, −1
38. 𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 −1/2 ; −3, 4
39. 𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧 = 𝑦𝑙𝑛 𝑥 + 𝑦 + 𝑧 ; −4, 5, 0
2 3 𝜋
40. 𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧 = 𝑦 𝑧𝑡𝑎𝑛 𝑥; ( , −2, 1)
4
 Tangent Plane and Normal to the Surfaces
Lines lie in plane tangent to level surfaces of a function 𝐹 𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧 . These surfaces are
represented by equations of the form 𝐹 𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧 = 𝑐.
Assume that 𝐹(𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧) has continuous first-order partial derivatives and that
𝑃0 𝑥0 , 𝑦0 , 𝑧0 is a point on the level surface 𝑆: 𝐹 𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧 = 𝑐. If 𝛻𝐹(𝑥0 , 𝑦0 , 𝑧0 ) ≠ 0, then
𝑛 = 𝛻𝐹(𝑥0 , 𝑦0 , 𝑧0 ) is a normal vector to 𝑆 at 𝑃0 and the tangent plane to 𝑆 at 𝑃0 is the
plane with equation

𝑭𝒙 𝒙𝟎 , 𝒚𝟎 , 𝒛𝟎 𝒙 − 𝒙𝟎 + 𝑭𝒚 𝒙𝟎 , 𝒚𝟎 , 𝒛𝟎 𝒚 − 𝒚𝟎 + 𝑭𝒛 𝒙𝟎 , 𝒚𝟎 , 𝒛𝟎 𝒛 − 𝒛𝟎 = 𝟎
The line through the point 𝑃0 parallel to the normal vector 𝑛 is perpendicular to the
tangent plane, and is called the normal line or simply the normal to the surface
𝐹 𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧 = 𝑐 at 𝑃0 . This line can be expressed parametrically as

𝒙 = 𝒙𝟎 + 𝑭𝒙 𝒙𝟎 , 𝒚𝟎 , 𝒛𝟎 𝒕, 𝒚 = 𝒚𝟎 + 𝑭𝒚 𝒙𝟎 , 𝒚𝟎 , 𝒛𝟎 𝒕, 𝒛 = 𝒛𝟎 + 𝑭𝒛 𝒙𝟎 , 𝒚𝟎 , 𝒛𝟎 𝒕
 Alternate Formula: Equation of Tangent Plane
If 𝑓(𝑥, 𝑦) is differentiable at the point 𝑥0 , 𝑦0 , then the tangent plane to the surface
𝑧 = 𝑓(𝑥, 𝑦) at the point 𝑃0 𝑥0 , 𝑦0 , 𝑓 𝑥0, 𝑦0 or [ 𝑥0 , 𝑦0 ] is the plane

𝑧 = 𝑓 𝑥0 , 𝑦0 + 𝑓𝑥 𝑥0 , 𝑦0 (𝑥 − 𝑥0 ) + 𝑓𝑦 𝑥0 , 𝑦0 (y − 𝑦0 )
 Examples

SOLUTION
PROBLEM 1 f(x, y, z) = 4x3y2 + 2y - z ; P(1, -2, 12)
Find an equation for the tangent plane fx = 12x2y2 fy = 8x3y + 2 fz = -1
a = 12(1)2(-2)2 = 48 b = 8(1)3(-2) + 2 = -14 c = -1
and parametric equations for the normal
line to the surface TP: 48(x - 1) + (-14)(y + 2) + (-1)(z + 12) = 0
48x – 48 - 14y – 28 – z – 12 = 0
z = 4x3y2 + 2y at point (1, -2, 12) 48x - 14y –z – 64 = 0

Find the acute angle that the tangent NL: x = 1 + 48t y = -2 - 14t z = 12 - t
plane at the point (1, -2, 12) makes with θ = cos-1
|𝑛1 . 𝑛2 |
𝑛1 𝑛2
the xy-plane. TP: 48x - 14y - z - 64= 0, 𝑛1 = <48, -14, -1>
xy – plane: z=0, 𝑛2 = <0, 0, 1>
𝑛1 . 𝑛2 = -1 , ||𝑛1 || = (48)2 + (−14)2 + (−1)2 = 250
|𝑛1 . 𝑛2 | = |-1| = 1 ||𝑛2 || = 1
1
θ = cos-1 = 88.85 degrees
250
 Examples

PROBLEM 2
Consider the ellipsoid 𝑥 2 + 4𝑦 2 + 𝑧 2 = 18
A) Find an equation of the tangent plane to the
ellipsoid at point (1,2,1).
B) Find parametric equations of the line that is
normal to the ellipsoid at the point (1,2,1).
C) Find the acute angle that the tangent plane
at the point (1,2,1) makes with the xy-plane.
SOLUTION
A) f(x, y, z) = 𝑥 2 + 4𝑦 2 + 𝑧 2
(xo , yo , zo) = (1, 2, 1)
f(x, y, z) = < fx(x, y, z), fy(x, y, z), fz(x, y, z)> = <2x, 8y, 2z>
TP: 2(x - 1) + 8(x - 2) + 2(x - 1) = 0
B) Since n = <2,16,2> at the point (1,2,1), the parametric
equations for the normal line to the ellipsoid at the point
(1,2,1) are:
NL: x = 1 + 2t, y = 2 + 16t, z = 1 + 2t

|𝑛1 . 𝑛2 |
C) θ = cos-1
𝑛1 𝑛2

|<2,16,2> .<0,0,1>|
θ = cos-1 = cos-1 (1/ 66)= 83 degrees
<2,16,2> <0,0,1>
 Examples

PROBLEM 3
Find an equation for the tangent plane and
parametric equation for the normal line to the
surface z = x2y at the point (2, 1, 4).
SOLUTION
Let f(x, y, z) = x2y – z
𝛻f(x, y, z) = -2xyi - x2j + k
𝛻f(x, y, z) = -4i – 4j + k

TP: -4(x - 2) – 4(y - 1) + 1(z - 4) = 0

or -4x - 4y + z - 8 = 0

NL: x = 2 - 4t, y = 1 - 4t, z = -4 + t

 Examples
PROBLEM 4
Find the equation of the tangent plane to
z = 3x2 - xy at the point (1, 2, 1).
SOLUTION
f(x,y,z) = 3x2 - xy – z, P(1,2,1)
𝛻f(x,y,z) = <6x - y, -x, -1>
𝛻f(1,2,1) = <4, -1, -1>
<4, -1, -1> . <x - 1, y - 2, z - 1> = 0
TP: 4(x - 1) - (y - 2) - (z - 1) = 0
 Activity: p. 975
1. Consider the ellipsoid 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 4𝑧 2 = 12.
(a) Find an equation of the tangent plane to the ellipsoid at the point (2, 2, 1).
(b) Find the parametric equations of the line that is normal to the ellipsoid at the point (2, 2, 1).
(c) Find the acute angle that the tangent plane at the point (2, 2, 1) makes with the xy-plane.
2. Consider the surface 𝑥𝑧 − 𝑦𝑧 3 + 𝑦𝑧 2 = 2.
(a) Find an equation of the tangent plane to the surface at the point (2, -1, 1).
(b) Find the parametric equations of the line that is normal to the surface at the point (2, -1, 1).
(c) Find the acute angle that the tangent plane at the point (2, -1, 1) makes with the xy-plane.
Find an equation for the tangent plane and parametric equations for the normal line to the surface at the
point 𝑃.
5. 𝑧 = 4𝑥 3 𝑦 2 + 2𝑦 − 2; 𝑃(1, −2, 10)
1
6. 𝑧 = 𝑥 7 𝑦 −2 − 1; 𝑃(−3, 1, 2)
2
 Activity: p. 975
11. Find all points on the surface at which the tangent plane is
horizontal.
(a) 𝑧 = 𝑥 3 𝑦 2 (b) 𝑧 = 𝑥 2 − 𝑥𝑦 + 𝑦 2 − 2𝑥 + 4𝑦
12. Find a point on the surface 𝑧 = 3𝑥 2 − 𝑦 2 at which the
tangent plane is parallel to the plane 12𝑥 + 4𝑦 − 𝑧 = 5.
13. Find a point on the surface 𝑧 = 8 − 3𝑥 2 − 2𝑦 2 at which the
tangent plane is perpendicular to the line 𝑥 = 2 + 6𝑡, 𝑦 = 7 +
8𝑡, 𝑧 = 5 − 𝑡.
 Extrema of Functions of Two Variables
Imagine the graph of a function f of two variables to be a mountain range,
then the mountaintops, which are the high points in their immediate vicinity,
are called relative maxima of f, and the valley bottoms, which are the low
points in their immediate vicinity, are called relative minima of f.
The largest and smallest values of 𝑓(𝑥, 𝑦) over the entire domain of f are
called the absolute maximum and absolute minimum values of f.
If f has a relative extremum at a point 𝑥0 , 𝑦0 , and if the first-order partial
derivatives of f exist at this point, then
𝑓𝑥 𝑥0 , 𝑦0 = 0 and 𝑓𝑦 𝑥0 , 𝑦0 = 0
A point 𝑥0 , 𝑦0 in the domain of a function 𝑓(𝑥, 𝑦) is called a critical point of
the function if 𝑓𝑥 𝑥0 , 𝑦0 = 0 and 𝑓𝑦 𝑥0 , 𝑦0 = 0 or if one or both partial
derivatives do not exist at 𝑥0 , 𝑦0 .
 The Second Partials Test
Let f be a function of two variables with continuous second-order partial
derivatives in some disk centered at a critical point 𝑥0 , 𝑦0 , and let

𝐷 = 𝑓𝑥𝑥 𝑥0 , 𝑦0 𝑓𝑦𝑦 𝑥0 , 𝑦0 − 𝑓𝑥𝑦 2 𝑥0 , 𝑦0

a) If 𝐷 > 0 and 𝑓𝑥𝑥 𝑥0 , 𝑦0 > 0, then f has a relative minimum at 𝑥0 , 𝑦0 .

b) If 𝐷 > 0 and 𝑓𝑥𝑥 𝑥0 , 𝑦0 < 0, then f has a relative maximum at 𝑥0 , 𝑦0 .
c) If 𝐷 < 0, then f has a saddle point at 𝑥0 , 𝑦0 .
d) If 𝐷 = 0, then no conclusion can be drawn.
 Examples
PROBLEM 1
Complete the squares and locate all
the absolute maxima and minima,
if any, by inspection.
f(x, y)= 13 - 6x + 𝑥 2 +2y + 𝑦 2
SOLUTION
f(x, y)= 13 -6x + 𝑥 2 +2y + 𝑦 2
9 + 1 + f(x, y)= (𝑥 2 -6x +9) + (𝑦 2 +2y +1)
10 + f(x, y)= (𝑥 − 3)2 + (𝑦 + 1)2
This function has an absolute minimum at (3, -1)
because f (3, -1) = 0 ≤ f(x, y) for all points (x, y) in
the domain of f.
 Examples
SOLUTION
PROBLEM 2 f(x, y)= 𝑥 2 + xy + 𝑦 2 -6x
Locate all relative maxima, relative minima and saddle 𝑓𝑥 (𝑥 2 + xy + 𝑦 2 - 6x) = 2x + y - 6
points if any given the function f(x, y)= 𝑥 2 + xy + 𝑦 2 - 𝑓𝑥𝑥 (2x + y - 6) = 2
6x.
𝑓𝑦 (𝑥 2 + xy + 𝑦 2 - 6x) = 2y + x
𝑓𝑦𝑦 (2y + y) = 2

a. 2x + y - 6 = 0
b. 2y + x = 0 => x = -2y

eqn b to a
2(-2y) + y - 6 = 0 x= -2 (-2) x=4
3y = -6 y = -2
D= 𝑓𝑥𝑥 𝑓𝑦𝑦 - 𝑓𝑥𝑦 2

D= (2)(2) -1

D= 3

Since D> 0 and 𝑓𝑥𝑥 > 0, then f has a relative minimum at point (4, -2)
 Activity: p. 986
Locate all relative maxima, relative minima, and saddle points, if
any.
9. 𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 + 𝑥𝑦 + 4𝑦 + 2𝑥 + 3
10. 𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 + 𝑥𝑦 − 2𝑦 − 3𝑥 + 1
11. 𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 + 𝑥𝑦 + 𝑦 2 − 6𝑥
12. 𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦 = 2𝑥𝑦 − 𝑥 3 − 𝑦 2
2 2 32
13. 𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦 = 𝑥 + 𝑦 +
𝑥𝑦
2 4
16. 𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦 = 𝑥𝑦 + +
𝑥 𝑦
 Maxima and Minima Problems
Steps in Finding the Absolute Extrema of a Continuous Function f
of Two Variables on a Closed and Bounded Set R
1. Find the critical points of f that lie in the interior of R.
2. Find all boundary points at which the absolute extrema can
occur.
3. Evaluate 𝑓(𝑥, 𝑦) at the points obtained in the preceding steps.
The largest of these values is the absolute maximum and the
smallest the absolute minimum.
 Examples

PROBLEM 1 SOLUTION
Find three positive numbers whose sum let x, y, z – three positive numbers
is 48 and such that their product is as x + y + z = 48
large as possible. z = 48 – x – y => eq1
P = xyz => eq2
eq1 in eq2
P = xy(48-x-y)
P = 48xy – x2y – xy2
Px = 48y – 2xy – y2
Py = 48x – x2 - 2xy
 Examples

Let Px = 0 and Py = 0 y = 48 – 2(16)

48y – 2xy – y2 = 0 and 48x – x2 - 2xy = 0 y = 16
y(48 - 2x – y) = 0 x(48 – x – 2y) = 0 z = 48 – 16 – 16
48 – 2x = y 48 - 2y = x
z = 16
x = 48 – 2(48 – 2x)
x = 48 – 96 + 4x 𝑥 = 16, 𝑦 = 16, 𝑧 = 16
48 = 3x
x = 16
 Examples

SOLUTION
PROBLEM 2
Let x = length of the box
Determine the dimensions of a rectangular box, y = width of the box
open at the top, having a volume of 32 𝑓𝑡 3 , and
requiring the least amount of material for its z = height of the box
construction. S = surface area of the box

S = 𝑥𝑦 + 2𝑥𝑧 + 2𝑦𝑧

32
𝑥𝑦𝑧 = 32, 𝑧 =
𝑥𝑦

32 32
𝑆 = 𝑥𝑦 + 2𝑥 + 2𝑦( )
𝑥𝑦 𝑥𝑦

64 64
𝑆 = 𝑥𝑦 + +
𝑦 𝑥
Examples

𝜕𝑆 64 𝜕𝑆
=𝑦− 2 ,
64
=𝑥− 2 𝑥3
𝜕𝑥 𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝑦 𝑥 1− =0
64
64 64
𝑦 − 2 = 0, 𝑦 = 2
𝑥 𝑥 𝑥3
𝑥 = 0 ;1 − = 0, 64 − 𝑥 3 = 0, 𝑥 = 4
64 64
𝑥− 2=0 64 64
Take 𝑥 = 4. Substituting, 𝑦 = 2 = 2 = 4
𝑦 𝑥 4

64
𝑥− 2 =0 32 32
64 𝑧= = =2
𝑥2 𝑥𝑦 4(4)
The box has a height of 2 ft and a square
𝑥4 base whose edge are 4 ft long.
𝑥− =0
64
 Examples
SOLUTION
PROBLEM 3 𝑉 = 16𝑓𝑡 3
A closed rectangular box with a volume of 16𝑓𝑡 3 is 𝑥𝑦𝑧 = 16
16
made from two kinds of materials. The top and volume 𝑧= :a
𝑥𝑦
are made of material costing 10₡/𝑓𝑡 2 and the sides
𝐶 = 2𝑥𝑦 10 + 2𝑦𝑧 5 + 2𝑥𝑧 5
from material costing 5₡/𝑓𝑡 2 . Find the dimensions of
the box so that the cost of materials is minimized. 𝐶 = 20𝑥𝑦 + 10𝑦𝑧 + 10𝑥𝑧 : b
16 16
a in b: 𝐶 = 20𝑥𝑦 + 10𝑦 + 10𝑥
𝑥𝑦 𝑥𝑦
160 160
𝐶 = 20𝑥𝑦 + +
𝑥 𝑦
160 160
𝐶𝑥 = 20𝑦 − , 𝐶𝑦 = 20𝑥 −
𝑧 𝑥2 𝑦2

𝑙𝑒𝑡 𝐶𝑥 = 0 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐶𝑦 = 0
160 𝑥2
20𝑦 − =0
𝑥2 20
𝑥 2𝑦 − 8 = 0 𝑥 2𝑦 = 8
𝑦 8
𝑥 𝑦= : c
𝑥2
Example
𝑥4
160 𝑦2 𝑥=
8
20𝑥 − 2 = 0 𝑥 4 = 8𝑥
𝑦 20
𝑥 4 −8𝑥 = 0

𝑥𝑦 2 − 8 = 0 𝑥(𝑥 3 − 8) = 0
𝑥=0 𝑥3 − 8 = 0
𝑥3= 8
𝑥𝑦 2 = 8 3
𝑥= 8
8 𝑥=2
𝑥= : d
𝑦2 𝑖𝑛 𝑐: 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝑥 = 0 , 𝑦 =
8
− 𝑢𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑑
(0)2
8
8 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝑥 = 2 , 𝑦 = =2
(2)2
c in d: 𝑥= 8
( 2 )2 𝑖𝑛 𝑑: 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝑥 = 2 𝑦=2
𝑥
16
𝑧 = =4
8 2 (2)
𝑥= 64 Dimensions: 2ft x 2ft x 4ft
( 4)
𝑥
 Activity: p. 987
1. Find three positive numbers whose sum is 36 and such that
their product is as large as possible.
2. Find three positive numbers whose sum is 36 and such that
the sum of their squares is as small as possible.
3. Find all points on the portion of the plane 𝑥 + 𝑦 + 𝑧 = 5 in
the first octant at which 𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧 = 𝑥𝑦 2 𝑧 2 has a maximum
value.
4. Find the points on the surface 𝑥 2 − 𝑦𝑧 = 9 that are closest to
the origin.
5. Find the dimensions of the rectangular box of maximum
volume that can be inscribed in a sphere of radius a.
 Activity: p. 987
6. Find the maximum volume of a rectangular box with three
faces in the coordinate planes and a vertex in the first octant on
the plane 𝑥 + 𝑦 + 𝑧 = 1.
7. A closed rectangular box with a volume of 16 𝑓𝑡 3 is made from
two kinds of materials. The top and bottom are made of material
costing 10₵ per square foot and the sides from material costing
5₵ per square foot. Find the dimensions of the box so that the
cost of materials is minimized.
8. Determine the dimensions of a rectangular box, open at the
top, having volume V, and requiring the least amount of material
for its construction.
 References
Calculus Early Transcendentals, Wiley Custom Edition 10ed by
Anton