Chapter 1: Multivariable Functions

1.1 Functions of two variables

Definition:
A function f of two real 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 of the xy –plane.

1.1.1 Domain and Range

The domain of a function is a set of points at which the
function is defined.
The range of a function is the set consisting of all real
numbers f ( x, y ) .

𝑧 = 𝑓(𝑥, 𝑦)

Means that z is a function of and x and y in the sense that

a unique value of the dependent variable z is determined
by specifying values for the independent variables x and
y.
(𝑥, 𝑦) ∈ 𝐃𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐧

𝑧 ∈ 𝐑𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞
x and y: the two different independent variables
z: the dependent variable

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Domain: {(x, y): x ∈ ℝ , y ∈ℝ , ??? }
↑
any constraint ?
??? may consist:

*Sometimes we need to sketch the domain of

the given function.

Range – z-values that results when (x,y) varies over

the domain
(i) z positive ? (ii) z negative ? (iii) z zero ?
(iv) z has maximum value ?
(v) z has minimum value ?

Range: {z : z ∈ ℝ , ??? }
↑
put the limitation of z here!!

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Example 1.1:
Let f ( x, y ) = 3x 2 y − 1. Find f (1,4) , f (0,9) , and the natural
domain of f.

Example 1.2
Find the domain and the range of the following functions.
For each function, sketch the natural domain
(a) 𝑧 = �64 − 4𝑥 2 − 𝑦 2
(b) f ( x, y ) = ln( x 2 − y )
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(c) f ( x, y ) =
xy

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1.1.2 Graph of a Function of Two Variables

3-D coordinate system

Coordinate Planes

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The graph of the function f of two variables is the set of
all points (x, y, z ) in three-dimensional space, where the
values of (x, y) lie in the domain of f and 𝑧 = 𝑓(𝑥, 𝑦).

The graphs of 𝑧 = 𝑓(𝑥, 𝑦) is called a surface in 3D

system or three-space (𝕽𝟑 ).

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Common surfaces in 3D : Plane, parabolic cylinder,
circular cylinder, paraboloid, hyperboloid, ellipsoid,
cone, sphere

HOW TO SKETCH THE GRAPH?

Some common surfaces do not represent functions

𝒛 = 𝒇(𝒙, 𝒚), but still we need to know how to sketch
their graphs.

Example 1.3 (Plane): ( Given as a constant equation with

one-variable.)

Sketch the graphs of each of the following surfaces in

three dimensions
(a) 𝑥 = 4 (b) 𝑦 = −2 (c) 𝑧 = 5

Note:
If one variable missing
1) Determine the variables
2) Sketch the trace in coordinate planes (based on the
variables exist)
3) Make the projection onto the trace-plane which is
parallel to the (variables which is not exists)-axis

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Example 1.4 (Plane): ( Given as a linear equation with
two-variables.)

Sketch the graphs of each of the following surfaces in

three dimensions
(a) 𝑦 = −𝑥 + 6 (b) 𝑧 + 𝑥 = 4

Example 1.5 (Plane): ( Given as a linear equation with

three-variables.) – no variable missing

Sketch the graphs of each of the following surfaces in

three dimensions
(a) 𝑥 + 𝑦 + 𝑧 = 1 (b) 𝑧 = 6 − 3𝑦 + 2𝑥

Example 1.6:
Sketch the graphs of each of the following surfaces in
three dimensions
(a) 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 = 4 (b) 𝑥 2 + (𝑧 − 3)2 = 9
(circular cylinder)

(𝑐 ) 𝑥 = 𝑦 2 (parabolic cylinder)

(d) 𝑦 2 − 𝑧 2 = 9 (hyperbola)
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What if no variable missing??
Note: 3 useful steps while sketching surface
𝒛 = 𝒇(𝒙, 𝒚)

1. Find the level curves/ contour lines/contour map

2. Find the xz-trace (set y=0)
3. Find the yz-trace (set x=0)
4. Check the domain and range

Definition: A level curve of a function f ( x, y ) is the

curve f ( x, y ) = c on the xy-plane. It consists of the points
( x, y ) where the function has the value c.
Contour map – set of level curves on xy-plane

Example 1.7:
Sketch the level curves/contour lines of the following
function and hence sketch the graph
(a) 𝑧 = 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 for c = 0,1,2,3,4,9
(b) 𝑧 = �𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 for c = 0,1,4,9
(c) 𝑧 = 6 − 𝑥 2 − 𝑦 for c = 0,2,4,6

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Exercise:
Sketch the graph of the following functions:

(a) 𝑧 = −𝑥 2 − y 2
(b)

Hyperboloid of one sheet?

Hyperboloid of two sheet?

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1.2 Functions with three variables

Definition
A function f of three variables is a rule that assigns to
each ordered triple (x,y,z) in some domain D in space a
unique real number 𝑤 = 𝑓(𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧).
The range consists of the output values for w.

Example 1.8
Identify the domain and range for the following functions.
(a) 𝑤 = �𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 𝑧 2

(b) 𝑤 = �1 − (𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 𝑧 2 )
1
(c) f ( x , y , z ) =
x2 + y 2 + z 2
(d) f ( x, y, z ) = xy ln z

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1.2.2 Level Surfaces
The graphs of functions of three variables consist of
points lying in four-dimensional space.
• Graphs cannot be sketch effectively in three-
dimensional frame of reference.
• Can obtain insight of how function behaves by
looking at its three-dimensional level surfaces.

The graph of the equation 𝑓 (𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧) = 𝑘 will generally be

a surface in 3-space which we call the level surface with
constant k.

Remark
The term “level surface” is standard. It need not be level
in the sense being horizontal; it is simply a surface on
which all values of f are the same.

Example 1.9
Describe the level surfaces of
(a) 𝑓(𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧) = 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 𝑧 2
(b) 𝑓 (𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧) = 𝑧 2 − 𝑥 2 − 𝑦 2

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 2 2 2
Level surfaces of f (x,y, z) = x + y +z

Level surfaces of
2 2 2
f (x,y, z) = z − x − y
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Example 1.10:
If w = f ( x, y, z ) = z − x + y = k , sketch the level
2 2

surfaces of f , for k.

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