Multivariable Calculus Study Guide (Sections
14.1–14.4)
1. Contour Maps
Concept: Contour maps show level curves where f(x, y) = constant.
- For f(x, y) = x → Level curves: x = c → vertical lines spaced 1 unit apart.
- For f(x, y) = 2x → Level curves: 2x = c → x = c/2 → vertical lines spaced 0.5 units apart.
Conclusion: Both maps have vertical lines, but f(x, y) = 2x has lines twice as close (steeper gradient).
2. Contour Map and Density Problem
Given contour map for seawater density (kg/m³):
a) Change = f(B) - f(A)
b) Average rate of change = (f(B) - f(A)) / distance(A, B)
c) Path of steepest ascent = perpendicular to contour lines, toward higher values.
3. Limit that Does Not Exist
f(x, y) = 2xy³ / (x² + 8y■)
Test paths:
-x=0→0
- x = y³ → (2y■)/(y■ + 8y■) = 2/9
Different results ⇒ Limit does not exist.
4. Limit that May Exist (Check with Polar Coordinates)
f(x, y) = (x³y + xy³) / (x■ + y■)
Convert: x = rcosθ, y = rsinθ → f = (r■cosθsinθ(cos²θ + sin²θ)) / (r■(cos■θ + sin■θ))
= (cosθsinθ) / (cos■θ + sin■θ)
Depends on θ ⇒ Limit does not exist.
5. Continuity
f(x, y, z) = x³/y + sin(z)
- sin(z): continuous everywhere
- x³/y: undefined when y = 0
⇒ f is continuous for all (x, y, z) where y ≠ 0.
6. Second-Order Partial Derivatives
f(x, y) = x² + y e^{x²}
f■ = 2x + 2xy e^{x²} = 2x(1 + y e^{x²})
f_y = e^{x²}
f■■ = 2 + 2y e^{x²} + 4x²y e^{x²}
f■_y = 2x e^{x²}
f_y■ = 2x e^{x²}
⇒ f■_y = f_y■, demonstrating Clairaut’s Theorem (mixed partials equal when continuous).
7. Tangent Plane and Normal Line
f(x, y) = x² - 2xy, point (-2, 3, f(-2,3)) = (-2, 3, 16)
f■ = 2x - 2y = -10
f_y = -2x = 4
Tangent Plane: z - 16 = -10(x + 2) + 4(y - 3) → z = -10x + 4y - 20
Normal Line: (x, y, z) = (-2, 3, 16) + t■-10, 4, -1■
Study Summary Table
Continuity → Check domain restrictions.
Partial Derivatives → Differentiate holding others constant.
Clairaut’s Theorem → f■_y = f_y■ if second partials are continuous.
Tangent Plane → z - z■ = f■(x - x■) + f_y(y - y■).
Normal Line → (x, y, z) = (x■, y■, z■) + t■f■, f_y, -1■.
Multivariable Limits → Compare along different paths; if different, limit DNE.
Contour Maps → Level curves f(x, y) = c; closer = steeper change.
Steepest Ascent → Direction of ∇f (gradient).