1.

0 Introduction

In Pre-Calculus, we often work with functions of only one variable. However,

there are cases when we will encounter functions of multiple variables. A
multivariable function is a function whose input is consisting of multiple number
(Khan Academy, 2019). For instance, we have the body-mass index function with
two variables; the height and weight.

𝑤
𝐼 (𝑤, ℎ) =
ℎ
𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝐼 = 𝑏𝑜𝑑𝑦 − 𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠 𝑖𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑥 𝑛𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟
𝑤 = 𝑤𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑖𝑛 𝑘𝑖𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑚𝑠
ℎ = ℎ𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑖𝑛 𝑚𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑠

Hillen et. al. (2014) described a function of two variables as a rule that assigns
to each incoming pair of numbers (x and y), a uniquely defined output number (z).
This concept is often related to partial derivative, which deals with derivative of a
function of two or more variables with respect to one variable, while the other(s)
being treated as constant.

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2.0 Application of Calculus in Daily Life
There is numerous ways humans apply the concept of partial derivative in daily life.
One of the most popular application is the gutter optimization case (Courant, 2011).

A 10-foot section of gutter is to be made from a 12-inch-wide strip of metal

by folding up strips of length 𝑥 on each side so that they make an angle 𝜃
with the bottom of the gutter. Determine the values of 𝑥 and 𝜃 to maximize
the volume of water flowing through the gutter.

𝑥 𝑥
𝜃 𝜃
12 − 2𝑥

3.0 Solutions
3.1 Understanding situation
The diagram below shows the cross-section of the gutter, which can be divided
into three parts.
𝑙

𝑥
A ℎ B C
𝑥
𝜃 𝜃
12 − 2𝑥

Part A and C are two triangular parts of the cross-section, and B is the rectangular
part. The height of the gutter is denoted by ℎ, and 𝑙 resembles one of the triangle’s
side.

Let’s take a closer look at the triangular part.

𝑙
𝐴𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑒 𝐴

𝑥 ℎ

2
The angle 𝜃 and 𝐴 are alternate interior angles. When two parallel lines are being
crossed by another line (called transversal line), the resulting alternate interior
angles will be equal (Pierce, 2019). Thus, angle 𝐴 must be equal to angle 𝜃.

𝑙
𝜃

ℎ
𝑥

As we can see, the triangle is a right-angle triangle. Thus, we will note the adjacent,
opposite and hypotenuse sides of the angle 𝜃.

Adjacent
𝜃 𝑙

𝑥 ℎ Opposite
Hypotenuse

Joyce (2013) stated that in a right-angle triangle with angle theta, the sine of theta
is the ratio of the opposite side to the hypotenuse, the cosine is the ratio of the
adjacent side to the hypotenuse, and the tangent is the ratio of the opposite side
to the adjacent side.

𝑜𝑝𝑝𝑜𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑒 𝑎𝑑𝑗𝑎𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑜𝑝𝑝𝑜𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑒

𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝜃 = 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜃 = 𝑡𝑎𝑛 𝜃 =
ℎ𝑦𝑝𝑜𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑢𝑠𝑒 ℎ𝑦𝑝𝑜𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑢𝑠𝑒 𝑎𝑑𝑗𝑎𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡

Thus, we can obtain the length of ℎ and 𝑙.

𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝜃 = ℎ
𝑥
𝒉 = 𝒙𝒔𝒊𝒏 𝜽

𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜃 = 𝑙
𝑥
𝒍 = 𝒙𝒄𝒐𝒔 𝜽

3
3.2 Forming equation
Let’s look back at the cross section of our gutter.

𝑙
𝜃 𝜃
A B C
𝑥 ℎ 𝑥

12 − 2𝑥

We can now find the area for each A, B and C.

1
A and C are triangles that has the area of = (base)(height)
2
1
= 2 (𝑙)(ℎ)
1
= 2 (𝑥𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃)(𝑥𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃)

Area of B is (12 − 2𝑥)(ℎ) = (12 − 2𝑥)(𝑥𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃).

Thus, the total area 𝐴 of the cross-section is given by

𝐴(𝑥, 𝜃) = (area of A) + (area of B) + (area of C)

= 1
(12 − 2𝑥)(𝑥𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃) + 2 (𝑥𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃)(𝑥𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃)
2
𝐴(𝑥, 𝜃) = (12 − 2𝑥)(𝑥𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃) + 𝑥 (𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃)(𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃)
𝐴(𝑥, 𝜃) = 12𝑥𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 − 2𝑥 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 + 𝑥 (𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃)(𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃)

𝐴(𝑥, 𝜃) is a function of 𝑥 and 𝜃 , and we will find the values of these two
variables which will maximise 𝐴. In other words, we are going to find the critical
point of 𝐴. This can be done by finding the partial derivative for both variable 𝑥
and 𝜃.

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3.3 Partial derivatives

Partial derivatives involve taking the derivatives of parts of a function. Hagle

(1995) stated:

Calculating partial derivatives is no more difficult than calculating

derivatives for functions of one independent variable. This is because
in calculating the partial derivative of a function for particular variable,
all other variables are treated as constants. Understanding this last
point is often the most difficult part of calculating partial derivatives.

Thus, know that to partially derivate 𝐴 which is a two-variable function, we will

treat each one of the variable as constants.

To derivate 𝐴 with respect to 𝑥, 𝜃 will be constant.

𝐴(𝑥, 𝜃) = 12𝑥𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 − 2𝑥 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 + 𝑥 (𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃)(𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃)

𝐴 = (12𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃)𝑥 − (2𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃)(2)𝑥 + (𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃)(𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃)(2)𝑥

= 12𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃(1) − 4𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃(𝑥) + 2𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃(𝑥)

𝐴 = 12𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 − 4𝑥𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 + 2𝑥𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃

To derivate 𝐴 with respect to 𝜃, 𝑥 will be constant.

𝐴(𝑥, 𝜃) = 12𝑥𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 − 2𝑥 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 + 𝑥 (𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃)(𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃)

𝐴 = 𝜕
12𝑥(𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃) − 2𝑥 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 + 𝑥 ∙ [(𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃)(𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃)]
𝜕

As we can see, we have to derivate (𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃)(𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃) partially. We will do

so by using Product Rule. Kouba (1997) stated that to easily remember
this rule, each time, we would differentiate a different function in the
product and add the two terms together.

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 3.3.1 Application of Product Rule

𝜕
[(𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃) ∙ (𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃)] = (𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃) (𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃) + (𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃)(𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃)
𝜕

= (−𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃)(𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃) + (𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃)(𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃)
𝜕
[(𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃) ∙ (𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃)] = 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜃 − 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝜃
𝜕

𝜕
𝐴 = 12𝑥(𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃) − 2𝑥 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 + 𝑥 ∙ [(𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃)(𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃)]
𝜕

= 12𝑥(𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃) − 2𝑥 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 + 𝑥 (𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜃 − 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝜃)

We are going to use Pythagorean Identities to remove the sine.

According to Stapel (2019), one of the Pythagorean Identities is

𝑐𝑜𝑠 (𝑥) + 𝑠𝑖𝑛 (𝑥) = 1. Thus, 𝑠𝑖𝑛 (𝑥) = 1 − 𝑐𝑜𝑠 (𝑥).

= 12𝑥(𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃) − 2𝑥 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 + 𝑥 (𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜃 − 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝜃)

= 12𝑥(𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃) − 2𝑥 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 + 𝑥 (𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜃 − (1 − 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜃))

𝐴 = 12𝑥(𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃) − 2𝑥 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 + 𝑥 (2𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜃 − 1)

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3.4 Finding critical point

To find the critical point, the partial derivatives 𝐴 and 𝐴 will equal to zero.

𝐴 = 0
0 = 12𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 − 4𝑥𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 + 2𝑥𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃

* Note that 𝜃 cannot be zero.

If θ is zero, this implies that the metal strip is folded
at 0°, which means that it is not folded at all, or
that it has been folded completely. However,
neither of these possibilities is likely to result in a
sensibly designed gutter.
[Considering that 𝜃 ≠ 0, we will cancel out 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃.]
0 = 12 − 4𝑥 + 2𝑥𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃
𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 = 4𝑥 − 12
2𝑥
𝒄𝒐𝒔𝜽 = 𝟐𝒙 − 𝟔
𝒙

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𝐴 = 0

0 = 12𝑥(𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃) − 2𝑥 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 + 𝑥 (2𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜃 − 1)

2𝑥 − 6 2𝑥 − 6 2𝑥 − 6
= 12𝑥 −2𝑥 +𝑥 (2 − 1)
𝑥 𝑥 𝑥

12𝑥(2𝑥 − 6) −2𝑥 (2𝑥 − 6) (2𝑥 − 6)

= +𝑥 (2 − 1)
𝑥 𝑥 𝑥

(2𝑥 − 6)
+𝑥 2
𝑥
= 12(2𝑥 − 6) −2𝑥(2𝑥 − 6)

− 𝑥 (1)

12(2𝑥) −2𝑥(2𝑥)
𝑥 (2)(2𝑥 − 6)
= + −𝑥
− 12(6) − 2𝑥(−6) 𝑥

= 24𝑥 − 72 −4𝑥 + 12𝑥 +2(2𝑥 − 6) − 𝑥

0 = 24𝑥 − 72 − 4𝑥 + 12𝑥 + 2(2𝑥 − 6) − 𝑥

= 24𝑥 − 72 − 4𝑥 + 12𝑥 + 2(4𝑥 − 24𝑥 + 36) − 𝑥

= 24𝑥 − 72 − 4𝑥 + 12𝑥 + 8𝑥 − 48𝑥 + 72 − 𝑥

= (−4+8 − 1)𝑥 + (24 + 12 − 48)𝑥 + (−72 + 72)

0 = 3𝑥 − 12𝑥

= 3𝑥(𝑥 − 4)

= 0 or 4

Here, we find that 𝑥 = 0 or 𝑥 = 4.

However, we obviously cannot fold the metal at 𝑥 = 0.

𝑥 = 4

𝒄𝒐𝒔𝜽 = 𝟐𝒙 − 𝟔
𝒙
= 2(4) − 6
(4)
𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜃 = 1
2

8
 We will now solve 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜃 by referring to the trigonometric ratio special angles
30° and 60°. According to OnlineMathLearning.com (2018), 30° and 60° are
some of the few special angles that its trigonometric ratio can be calculated
easily, as they can be found out using an equilateral triangle with side length 2.
That makes each angle 60o and it can be split into two 30°-60°-90° triangles.
The diagram below shows the trigonometric computations for these angles.

1 √3
𝑠𝑖𝑛30° = 𝑠𝑖𝑛60° =
2 2
√3 𝟏
𝑐𝑜𝑠30° = 𝒄𝒐𝒔𝟔𝟎° =
2 𝟐
1 𝑡𝑎𝑛60° = √3
𝑡𝑎𝑛30° =
√3

We know that 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 = . Based on the diagram, 𝜃 = 60°.

Therefore, our critical point is 𝑥 = 4, 𝜃 = 60°.

Strictly speaking, after finding out the critical point from the first-order partial
derivatives, we should evaluate the second partial derivatives to check that we
have indeed found a maximum. However, according to Zelik (2011), we shall
not do so for this case.

In other words, the metal strip should be folded at 4 meters from each end, at an
angle of 60° to maximize the volume of water flowing through it.

4.0 Conclusion

As a conclusion, Calculus is a very important of humans’ daily life activities. A lot of its
concepts and theorem is applicable and appropriate in solving the numerous problems
through various field of life, including economics, time, architecture, et cetera. Hence,
it is clear that this branch of Mathematics is inseparable from our daily life.

9
References

Courant, R. (2011). Differential and Integral Calculus - Volume 2 . New Jersey: John
Wiley & Sons.
Hagle, T. (1995). Basic Math for Social Scientists: Concepts, Issue. California: Sage.
Hillen, T., Leonard, I. E., & Roessel, H. v. (2014). Partial Differential Equations : Theory
and Completely Solved Problems. New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons.
Joyce, D. E. (2013). Summary of Trigonometric Formulas. Retrieved from Dave's Short
Trig Course: http://www2.clarku.edu/faculty/djoyce/trig/formulas.html
Khan Academy. (2019). Multivariable Functions. Retrieved from Khan Academy:
https://www.khanacademy.org/math/multivariable-calculus/thinking-about-
multivariable-function/introduction-to-multivariable-calculus/v/multivariable-
functions
Kouba, D. (1997). Differentiation Using The Product Rule. Retrieved from UC Davis
Mathematics:
https://www.math.ucdavis.edu/~kouba/CalcOneDIRECTORY/productruledirec
tory/ProductRule.html
OnlineMathLearning.com. (2018). Trigonometric Ratios of Special Angles: 0, 30, 45,
60, 90. Retrieved from OnlineMathLearning.com:
https://www.onlinemathlearning.com/trig-special-angles.html
Pierce, R. (2019). Alternate Interior Angles. Retrieved from Math Is Fun:
http://www.mathsisfun.com/geometry/alternate-interior-angles.html
Stapel, E. (2019). Trigonometric Identities. Retrieved from Purple Math:
https://www.purplemath.com/modules/idents.htm
Zelik, S. (2011). MAT1005: CALCULUS II (Vector Calculus). Retrieved from Sergey
Zelik\:
http://personal.maths.surrey.ac.uk/S.Zelik/teach/calculus/max_min_2var.pdf

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