[4] Functions of several variables [4].1 Fundamentals.

Function limits
In the field of economics, the examination of relationships between different variable sizes is crucial for
understanding various economic phenomena. Variables can represent diverse economic factors, such as production
levels, costs, demand, and market prices. By studying how these variables interact and influence each other,
economists gain valuable insights into the complexities of economic systems. The analysis often involves
mathematical models, where partial derivatives play a significant role.
For instance, when investigating the impact of one variable on an economic outcome, economists may use
partial derivatives to measure the sensitivity of the outcome concerning changes in that specific variable while
keeping other relevant factors constant. This allows for a more nuanced understanding of how different aspects of
an economic system contribute to overall trends and behaviors.

Examples of functions of several variables in an economic context:

 Production Function:
 Function Form: Q=f (L , K)
 Q represents the quantity of output, while L and K represent the quantities of labor and capital,
respectively.
 The production function describes how the output is influenced by the combination of labor and
capital inputs.
 Cost Function:
 Function Form: C=g(Q , L , K )
 C represents the cost of production, and Q, L, and K represent the quantity of output, labor, and
capital.
 The cost function illustrates how the total cost is related to the output, labor, and capital inputs.

 Demand Function:
 Function Form: Q d =h(P , I , T )
 Q d represents the quantity demanded, while P, I, and T represent the price, income, and other
relevant factors.
 The demand function expresses how the quantity demanded is influenced by factors such as price,
consumer income, and external conditions.
 Utility Function:
 Function Form: U =g (X , Y , Z)
 U represents the utility, while X, Y, and Z represent different goods or services.
 The utility function models how an individual's satisfaction or utility is derived from consuming
various goods.
These examples demonstrate how functions of several variables are used in economics to model
relationships between different economic quantities and to analyze the impact of various factors on economic
outcomes.

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[4] Functions of several variables [4].1 Fundamentals. Function limits

1.A Definition and domain of a function of several variables

Definition 1: A function of n variables is a mathematical rule or relationship that assigns a unique output
value to every combination of input values from n independent variables. In other words, it maps a point in an
n−dimensional space to a real number.
 The general form of a function of n variables is expressed as:
n
f : R → R, Y =f (x 1 , x 2 , … , x n )
Here:
 f is the function.
 Rn represents the n−dimensional real number space, where each variable may take any real value.
 R denotes the set of real numbers, which is the range of the function.
 x 1 , x 2 ,… , x n are the independent variables.
 y is the dependent variable or the output of the function.

 In the context of economics or other sciences, these variables could represent quantities such as prices,
quantities of goods, or other relevant parameters. The function describes how changes in the values of the input
variables impact the output. Analyzing functions of several variables is crucial for understanding complex
relationships and making predictions in various fields, including economics.
Definition 2: The domain of definition of a function of several variables refers to the set of all possible
combinations of input values for which the function is defined. In other words, it is the subset of the
n−dimensional space where the function is meaningful and provides a unique output.
 For a function f (x 1 , x 2 , … , x n):
the domain of definition is the set of all possible tuples (x 1 , x 2 ,… , x n ) for which the function is defined. This set
must satisfy any constraints or restrictions imposed by the function, such as avoiding division by zero or ensuring
that square roots are taken of non-negative numbers, depending on the specific nature of the function.
 Mathematically, the domain of definition (D) is expressed as:
D={(x 1 , x 2 , … , x n )∣ conditions for the function }
 Understanding the domain is essential for ensuring that the function is well-defined and meaningful for
the chosen input values. In practical terms, the domain of a function represents the feasible input values that make
sense in the context of the problem being modeled.

Examples: Find the definition domain (D) of the following functions

xy
[1] 2
f : R → R, z=f ( x , y )=e
Solution:
It is obvious that the domain of the function f is the set of all real numbers: D ( f )=R.

z=f ( x , y )=ln ( −( 1+ x + y ) )
2 2 2
[2] f : R → R,
Solution:
−( 1+ x 2 + y 2 ) >0 ⇒1+ x 2 + y 2< 0 ⇒ x 2+ y 2←1.
The relation is false for any real x and y . Thus, the domain of the function f is: D ( f )=∅

z=f ( x , y )=√ −( x + y )
2 2 2
[3] f : R → R,
Solution:

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[4] Functions of several variables [4].1 Fundamentals. Function limits
−( x 2 + y 2 ) ≥0 ⇒ x 2 + y 2 ≤0
The relation holds only for the pair of numbers x=0 and y=0.
Thus, the domain of the function f is: D ( f )={ ( 0 ; 0 ) }
[4] 2
f : R → R, z=f ( x , y )=√ x− y
Solution:
x− y ≥ 0 ⇒ The relationship is true for all points in the hatched half-space (Fig. 1)

Figure 1:The hatched portion represents the set of points that satisfy the relation x− y ≥ 0

So, D ( f )={ ( x ; y ) ∣ ∀ x ∈ R , ∀ y ∈ R∧ y ≤ x }.
x
[5] 2
f : R → R, z=f ( x , y )=
y
Solution:
Here, y ≠ 0. So, D ( f )={ ( x ; y ) ∣ ∀ x ∈ R , ∀ y ∈ R }
¿

x
[6] 2
f : R → R, z=f ( x , y )=
√ 4−x 2− y 2
Solution:
2 2 2 2
4−x − y > 0⇒ x + y < 4
The graph of the set of points (x ; y), satisfying the relation x 2+ y 2=4 , is the circle with the center at the
point with the coordinates (0;0) and the radius equal to 2 (Fig. 2)

2 2
Figure 2:The hatched portion represents the set of points that satisfy the relation x + y <4

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[4] Functions of several variables [4].1 Fundamentals. Function limits

1.B The limit of a function of several variables

In calculus, the limit of a function of several variables extends the concept of limits from single-variable
calculus. The limit of a function f (x 1 , x 2 , … , x n) as the variables approach a certain point (a 1 , a 2 , … , an ) is denoted
by:
l ℑ(x , x , …, x )→(a , a ,… ,a ) f (x 1 , x 2 , … , x n)
1 2 n 1 2 n

The definition of a limit for functions of several variables involves the notion that as the input variables get
arbitrarily close to a certain point, the function values should approach a specific value. This can be expressed
formally using the ε −δ definition or through the concept of sequences. The ε −δ definition for the limit of a
function f ¿ ) as ¿) approaches (a 1 , a 2 , … , an ) is as follows:
Definition 3: For every positive number ε , there exists a positive number δ such that if the distance
between ¿) and (a 1 , a 2 , … , an ) is less than δ, then the distance between f (x 1 , x 2 , … , x n) and the limit value is less
than ε .
 Mathematically, this is represented as:

√
∀ ε > 0 ,∃ δ >0 such that ( x1−a1 ) + ( x 1−a 1) + …+ ( x 1−a1 ) < δ ⇒|f ( x1 , x 2 , … , x n )−L|< ε
2 2 2

where L is the limit value.

 Understanding limits is fundamental in analyzing the behavior of functions near certain points and is a
key concept in calculus and mathematical analysis.
 The uniqueness of the limit:
If the limit of a function exists, then it does not depend on the way the variables approach the limiting point. This
property, known as the uniqueness of the limit, is a fundamental concept in calculus and plays a crucial role in
understanding the behavior of functions.
Mathematically, if the limit of a function f (x 1 , x 2 , … , x n) as (x 1 , x 2 ,… , x n ) approaches (a 1 , a 2 , … , an ) exists,
it means that regardless of the path taken by the variables to reach the limiting point, the limit value remains the
same.
This can be expressed more formally as follows:

If l ℑ(x , x , …, x )→(a , a ,… ,a ) f (x 1 , x 2 , … , x n) exists, then for any two paths or trajectories Γ 1 and Γ 2 that approach
1 2 n 1 2 n

(a 1 , a 2 , … , an ), the limits along these paths are equal:

l ℑ(x ,x , …, x )→(a ,a , …, a ) f ( x1 , x2 , … , x n)| Γ 1=l ℑ(x , x , …, x )→(a , a ,… ,a ) f (x 1 , x 2 , … , x n)| Γ 2

1 2 n 1 2 n 1 2 n 1 2 n

 This property is significant because it ensures that the limit is a well-defined and unique value
associated with the behavior of the function near the limiting point, independent of the specific path taken to
approach that point. It simplifies the analysis of functions and facilitates a more consistent understanding of their
behavior in various scenarios.

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[4] Functions of several variables [4].1 Fundamentals. Function limits
Examples: Calculate the limits:
2x+ y lim f ( x , y ) =?
[1] 2
f : R → R, z=f ( x , y )= 2 2 , M (x ; y) approaches M 0 (1 ; 2) , M → M
x +y 0

Solution:
2 x + y 2∗1+2 4
lim f ( x , y ) =lim = 2 2=
M → M0 x→ 1
2
x +y
2
1 +2 5
y →2
Answer: 2
sin ⁡( xy ) f ( x , y ) =?
[2] 2
f : R → R, z=f ( x , y )= , M (x ; y) approaches M 0 (0 ; 2), Mlim
x →M 0

Solution:

() [ ]
sin ⁡( xy ) 0 sin ⁡( xy)
lim f ( x , y ) =lim =¿ =lim ∗y =¿ lim [ 1∗y ] =¿ 1∗2=2 ¿ ¿ ¿
M → M0 x→0
y →2
x 0 indetermination x→0
y→ 2
⏟ x∗y x→ 0
y →2
¿1

Answer: 2
2 2
x +y f ( x , y ) =?
[3] 2
f : R → R, z=f ( x , y )= , M (x ; y) approaches M 0 (0 ; 0), Mlim
√ x + y 2 +4−2
2 →M 0

Solution:
( x 2+ y 2 )∗( √ x 2 + y 2 +4 +2 ) ( x 2 + y 2 )∗( √ x2 + y 2 + 4+2 )
lim f ( x , y ) =lim 2 2
M→ M 0
y →0
x2 + y2
x→ 0 √ x + y + 4−2
=
0
0 () indetermination
=lim
x→ 0
y →0
( √ x 2 + y 2 +4−2 )∗( √ x 2+ y 2+ 4+ 2 )
=lim
x→ 0
y →0
2 2
x + y + 4−4
=li
x→
y→
Answer: 4
2 2
x −y f ( x , y ) =?
[4] 2
f : R → R, z=f ( x , y )= 2 2 , M (x ; y) approaches
M 0 (0 ; 0), Mlim
x +y →M 0

Solution:
The limit must be the same, whatever the path of approach of point M ( x ; y ) to M 0 ( x 0 ; y 0 ).
 Let, as the first trajectory, according to which M ( x ; y ) tends to M 0 ( x 0 ; y 0 ), is y=3 x

()
2 2 2 2 2 2 2
x −y 0 x −( 3 x ) x −9 x −8 x −8 −4
lim f ( x , y ) =lim 2 2
= =lim 2
=lim 2 2
=lim 2
= =
M → M0 x→ 0 x +y 0 indetermination x →0
2
x +( 3 x ) x→ 0 x +9 x x → 0 10 x 10 5
y →0 y→0 y →0 y →0

 Let, as the second trajectory, according to which M ( x ; y ) tends to M 0 ( x 0 ; y 0 ) , is y=2 x

()
2 2
x 2− y 2 0 x −( 2 x ) x 2−4 x 2 −3 x 2 −3
lim f ( x , y ) =lim 2 2 = =lim 2
=lim 2 2
=lim 2
=
M→ M 0 x→ 0 x + y 0 indetermination x →0
2
x +( 2 x ) x→ 0 x + 4 x x →0 5 x 5
y →0 y→0 y →0 y→0

Interpretation: Since, by choosing two approximation trajectories of M 0 ( x 0 ; y 0 ) through M ( x ; y ), different values

of the limit were obtained

−4
5
3
( )
≠− , it follows that the limit of the function f ( x , y ) at the point M 0
5
does not exist: ∄ lim f ( x , y ).
M → M0

Answer: ∄ Mlim f (x , y)
→M 0

 In summary, the exploration of variable relationships, facilitated by tools like partial derivatives, is
fundamental in unraveling the intricate web of economic dynamics and making informed predictions or policy
recommendations.
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[4] Functions of several variables [4].1 Fundamentals. Function limits

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[4] Functions of several variables [4].1 Fundamentals. Function limits
Proposed exercises to be solved
[1] Determine the domain of the functions:
2
2x−y
[1].a 2
f : R → R, z=f ( x , y )= D ( f )=?
y
√ 2 x+ y+4 D ( f )=?
[1].b 2
f : R → R, z=f ( x , y )=e
() x

z=f ( x , y )=4 −17 D ( f )=?

2
[1].c f : R → R, y

5 x−√ y+ 2
[1].d 2
f : R → R, z=f ( x , y )= D ( f )=?
y
[1].e 2
f : R → R, z=f ( x , y )=ln ( x−2 y +7 ) D ( f )=?
1+2 x −3 y
[1].f 2
f : R → R, z=f ( x , y )= D ( f )=?
√ y−x 2
z=f ( x , y )= √
2 x 2 + y 2−1 D ( f )=?
[1].g f : R → R,
y+ 2
3− √ xy +9
[1].h 2
f : R → R, z=f ( x , y )= D ( f )=?
xy
xy
[1].i 2
f : R → R, z=f ( x , y )= D ( f )=?
2−√ x y + 4
[1].j 2
f : R → R, z=f ( x , y )=√ x 2−4 + √ 4− y 2, D ( f )=?

[2] Calculate the limits of the following functions:

y f ( x , y ) =?
[2].a f : R 2 → R , z=f ( x , y )= , M (x ; y) approaches M 0 (4 ; 0), Mlim
sin ⁡( 2 xy ) →M 0

5 xy f ( x , y ) =?
[2].b f : R 2 → R , z=f ( x , y )= , M (x ; y) approaches M 0 (0 ; 0), Mlim
√ xy + 9−3 →M 0

3 3
x +y f ( x , y ) =?
[2].c f : R 2 → R , z=f ( x , y )= 2 2 , M (x ; y) approaches M 0 (0 ; 0), Mlim →M
x +y 0

3 3
2 x +3 y f ( x , y ) =?
[2].d f : R 2 → R , z=f ( x , y )= 2 2 , M (x ; y) approaches M 0 (0 ; 0), Mlim
x +y →M 0

x −1 f ( x , y ) =?
[2].e f : R 2 → R , z=f ( x , y )= , M (x ; y) approaches M 0 (1 ; 2) , Mlim
y−2 →M 0

2
xy f ( x , y ) =?
[2].f 2
f : R → R, z=f ( x , y )= 4 2 , M (x ; y) approaches M 0 (0 ; 0), Mlim
x +y →M 0

2 2
x −y f ( x , y ) =?
[2].g f : R 2 → R , z=f ( x , y )= 2 2 , M (x ; y) approaches M 0 (0 ; 0), Mlim
√x + y →M 0

[2].h f : R 2 → R ,
√
3 2
x +y
2
z=f ( x , y )= 2 2 , M (x ; y) approaches M 0 (0 ; 0), Mlim f ( x , y ) =?
→M
x +y 0

2 2
x +y f ( x , y ) =?
[2].i 2
f : R → R, z=f ( x , y )= 2 2 , M (x ; y) approaches M 0 (1 ; 1), Mlim
x −y →M 0

2 2
x +y f ( x , y ) =?
[2].j 2
f : R → R, z=f ( x , y )= , M (x ; y) approaches M 0 (0 ; 0), Mlim
xy →M 0

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