Mm17week 7 11

Calculus 3 Page 3 of 15
Limits of Functions of More Than

Variable
One
IV. LESSON PROPER WEEK 7
LET’S BEGIN!
Lesson 1. Limits of Continuous Functions of Two Variables.
In the last module we discussed the conditions for continuity of a function, including that of
a function in two or more variables. In this section we will concentrate on the fundamental
concepts of limits for functions of two variables. Recall that in defining a limit in the
previous modules, the notions of an open and a closed interval were fundamental to our
definition of limit. It is interesting to note how these ideas extend to ℜ2 or ℜ3. Let us recall
these ideas.
Let ( 𝑥0, 𝑦0 ) be a point in ℜ2. What do we mean by the equation
| ( 𝑥, 𝑦 ) − ( 𝑥0, 𝑦0 ) | = r ?
Since ( x, y ) and ( 𝑥0, 𝑦0 ) are vectors in ℜ2, then
| ( 𝑥, 𝑦 ) − ( 𝑥0, 𝑦0 ) | = | ( 𝑥 − 𝑥0, 𝑦 − 𝑦0 ) | = √(𝑥 − 𝑥0)2 + (𝑦 − 𝑦0)2 = r;
absolute value is the distance between two points, which is equal to the right side, the
distance formula. Squaring both sides gives
(𝒙 − 𝒙𝟎)𝟐 + (𝒚 − 𝒚𝟎)𝟐 = 𝒓𝟐, which is the equation of the circle with radius r, centered at
( 𝑥0, 𝑦0 ). Then,
the set of all points whose coordinates ( x, y ) satisfy the
inequality
| ( 𝑥, 𝑦 ) − ( 𝑥0, 𝑦0 ) | < r is the set of all points in ℜ2 interior to the circle whose equation
is (𝒙 − 𝒙𝟎)𝟐 + (𝒚 − 𝒚𝟎)𝟐 = 𝒓𝟐.
Let us recall the following definitions which is connected with the limit of a function.
Variable
One
Definition 1. ( i.) The open circle centered at (𝑥0, 𝑦0), ( figure a) with radius r is the
subset of ℜ2 given by { ( x, y ): | ( 𝒙, 𝒚 ) − ( 𝒙𝟎, 𝒚𝟎 ) | < r }.
( ii.) The closed circle centered at (𝑥0, 𝑦0), ( figure b) with radius r is the subset of ℜ2
given by { ( x, y ): | ( 𝒙, 𝒚 ) − ( 𝒙𝟎, 𝒚𝟎 ) | ≤ r }.
( iii.) The boundary of the open or closed circle in the first two definitions, ( i.) or (
ii. ) is the circle | ( 𝑥, 𝑦 ) − ( 𝑥0, 𝑦0 ) | = r .
With these definitions, it is easy to define a limit of a function of two variables.

Intuitively we say that f( x, y ) approaches the limit L as ( x, y ) approaches
( 𝑥0, 𝑦0).
Definition 2. ( Definition of a limit ). Let 𝒇(𝒙, 𝒚) be defined in a neighborhood of ( 𝑥0, 𝑦0)

but not necessarily at ( 𝑥0, 𝑦0) itself. Then, the limit of 𝐟(𝐱, 𝐲) as (𝒙, 𝒚) approaches
( 𝑥0, 𝑦0) is L written as
lim 𝑓(𝑥, 𝑦) = 𝐿 ,
(𝑥,𝑦)→(𝑥0,𝑦0)
if for ever number 𝝐 > 0, there is a number 𝜹 > 0 such that

| 𝒇(𝒙, 𝒚) − 𝑳 | < 𝝐 for every (𝒙, 𝒚) ≠ ( 𝑥0, 𝑦0) in the open circle centered at
( 𝑥0, 𝑦0) with radius 𝛿.
Example 1. We apply the definition of a limit to prove that lim ( 2𝑥 + 3𝑦 )

= 11.
(𝑥,𝑦)→(1,3)
Solution: First, let us define 2x + 3y on some open disk having the center at the point
( 1, 3 ), except possibly at ( 1, 3 ). Now, we must show that for any 𝝐 > 0
there exists a 𝜹 > 0
such that | 𝟐𝒙 + 𝟑𝒚 − 𝟏𝟏 | < 𝝐 if 𝟎 < √(𝒙 − 𝟏)𝟐 + (𝒚 − 𝟑)𝟐 < 𝜹.
From the triangle inequality, and working backward to find a suitable

value of 𝛿,
| 𝟐𝒙 + 𝟑𝒚 − 𝟏𝟏 | = | 𝟐𝒙 − 𝟐 + 𝟑𝒚 − 𝟗 | ≤ |𝟐𝒙 − 𝟐| + |𝟑𝒚 − 𝟗| = 𝟐|𝒙 − 𝟏| + 𝟑|𝒚 − 𝟑|.

Variable
One
Now, | 𝒙 − 𝟏 | ≤ √(𝒙 − 𝟏)𝟐 + (𝒚 − 𝟑)𝟐 , why ? and
| 𝒚 − 𝟑 | ≤ √(𝒙 − 𝟏)𝟐 + (𝒚 − 𝟑)𝟐 . Thus, it follows that if
0 < √(𝒙 − 𝟏)𝟐 + (𝒚 − 𝟑)𝟐 ˂ 𝜹, then 2|𝒙 − 𝟏| + 𝟑|𝒚 − 𝟑| < 2 𝜹 + 3 𝜹.
This means that a suitable choice for 𝜹 is 5 𝜹 = 𝝐 , that is , 5 𝜹 = 5 𝝐/𝟓 = 𝝐
With this 𝛿, we have the following argument:
0 < √(𝒙 − 𝟏)𝟐 + (𝒚 − 𝟑)𝟐 ˂ 𝜹 = 2|𝒙 − 𝟏| + 𝟑|𝒚 − 𝟑| ≤ 5 𝜹

2|𝒙 − 𝟏| + 𝟑|𝒚 − 𝟑| < 5 𝝐/𝟓 = 𝝐 .
We have demonstrated that for any 𝝐 > 0, choose a 𝜹 = 𝝐/𝟓 and the
statement is
true, that is lim ( 2𝑥 + 3𝑦 ) = 11.

(𝑥,𝑦)→(1,3)
Example 2. Using the theorems, find the lim (3𝑥2 + 𝑦).

(𝑥,𝑦)→(2,3)
Solution: lim ( 3𝑥2 + 𝑦) = 3( 2 )2 + 3 = 15.

(𝑥,𝑦)→(2,3)
Definition 3. If a function f of two or three variables is discontinuous at the point ( xo ,

yo ), or
( xo , yo , zo ), but the limit of the function f exists, then the function is said to
have a removable discontinuity at the point. The said function
becomes continuous if the point
is redefined so that f( x o , yo ), or f( xo , yo , zo ) = limit of the function
as (x, y) approaches
( x o , yo ), or as ( x, y, z) approaches ( x o , yo , zo ). Otherwise, if the discontinuity is
not removable, then it is an essential discontinuity.

Variable
One
Activity: Answer the following: 1. Use the definition and the
theorem on limit to get the lim ( 5𝑥 + 2𝑦 ).
(𝑥,𝑦)→(3,2)
2. Use the theorem to find :
a. lim ( 2𝑥3 − 5𝑦 ).
(𝑥,𝑦)→(2,− 1)
b. lim ( 𝑥2 + 3𝑦2 )
(𝑥,𝑦)→(4,1)
c. lim ( 4𝑥3 − 2𝑦4 )

(𝑥,𝑦)→(4,1)
Lesson 2. Theorems on Limits of Functions of More than Two Variables.
Using the definitions, as well as the theorems of limit of a function in ℜ2 , we could

extend them
to ℜ3. Thus, we could say, the limit of a function in three variables f(x, y, z)
approaches the limit L as ( x, y, z) approaches ( xo, yo, zo ).
Theorem 1. Suppose that the function f is defined for all points on an open disk
( circle ) having its center at ( 𝑥0, 𝑦0), except possibly at ( 𝑥0, 𝑦0) itself,
and
lim 𝑓(𝑥, 𝑦) = 𝐿 , then if S is any set of points in ℜ2 having
(𝑥,𝑦)→(𝑥0,𝑦0)
( 𝑥0, 𝑦0) as an accumulation point,

Variable
One
lim 𝑓(𝑥, 𝑦) exists and always has the value 𝐿.

(𝑥,𝑦)→(𝑥0,𝑦0)
Theorem 2. If the function f has different limits as ( x, y ) approaches ( 𝑥0, 𝑦0), through
two distinct sets of points having ( 𝑥0, 𝑦0) as an accumulation point, then
lim 𝑓(𝑥, 𝑦) does not exist. (𝑥,𝑦)→(𝑥0,𝑦0)
Let us use these ideas and theorems in getting the limit of a function in three or more
variables. Let us consider the following examples:
lim
Example 1. Given 𝑓(𝑥, 𝑦) = 𝑥
𝑥𝑦
2 + 𝑦2 , find (𝑥,𝑦) →(𝑥0,𝑦0) 𝑓(𝑥, 𝑦) if it
exists.
Solution: The function f is defined at all points except in ℜ2 except at (0,

0)
Let S1 be the set of all points on the x-axis, and S2 be the set of all points on the
line y = x. Then, lim 𝑓(𝑥, 𝑦) (𝑃 in S1) = lim 𝑓(𝑥, 0) =
(𝑥,𝑦)→(𝑥0,𝑦0) 𝑥→0
0
lim lim
𝑥 2+0 = 𝑥 →0 0 = 0. 𝑥→0
lim 𝑓(𝑥, 𝑦) (𝑃 in S2) = lim 𝑓(𝑥, 𝑥) =

(𝑥,𝑦)→(𝑥0,𝑦0) 𝑥→0
𝑥2 1
lim
lim𝑥→0 𝑥 2+ 𝑥2 = 𝑥 →0 2 = .
Because
lim 𝑓(𝑥, 𝑦) (𝑃 in S1) ≠ lim 𝑓(𝑥, 𝑦) (𝑃 in S2)
(𝑥,𝑦)→(𝑥0,𝑦0) (𝑥,𝑦)→(𝑥0,𝑦0)
it follows that
lim 𝑓(𝑥, 𝑦) does not exist. (𝑥,𝑦)→(𝑥0,𝑦0)
Example 2. Use the definition and the theorems to find the lim (3𝑥2 − 𝑦 + 3𝑧).
(𝑥,𝑦,𝑧)→(2,3,1)
Solution: lim (3𝑥2 − 𝑦 + 3𝑧) = 3(2)2 – 3 + 3(1)

Variable
One
(𝑥,𝑦,𝑧)→(2,3,1)
= 12 − 3 + 3
= 12.
1 1 1
Example 3. Let P( x, y, z ). Find the lim ( + + ).
𝑃→(1,3,4) 𝑥 𝑦 𝑧
Solution:
111 19 lim ( + +)= 1+
1/3 + ¼ = .
𝑃→(1,3,4) 𝑥 𝑦 𝑧 12
𝑥4−4𝑦2
Example 4. Given: lim 𝑥2+2𝑦2.
(𝑥,𝑦)→(0,0)
𝒙−𝒂𝒙𝒊𝒔
Solution: a. Let us approach (0, 0) along the x-axis:
𝒚=𝟎
lim 𝑥4−4𝑦2. = 𝑥4 = 𝑥2 = 0.
(𝑥,𝑦)→(𝑥,0) 𝑥2+2𝑦2 𝑥2
𝒚−𝒂𝒙𝒊𝒔
b. Let us approach ( 0, 0) along the y-axis:
𝒙=𝟎
𝑥4− 4𝑦2 −4𝑦2
(𝑥,𝑦lim)→(0,𝑦) 𝑥2+2𝑦2. = 2𝑦2 = − 2.
Since −2 ≠ 0, then the limit does not exist.
𝑥2− 𝑦2
Example 5. Find : lim .
(𝑥,𝑦)→(5,5) 𝑥−𝑦
𝑥2− 𝑦2 ( 𝑥+𝑦)( 𝑥−𝑦)

Solution: lim . = = x + y = 10.
(𝑥,𝑦)→(5,5) 𝑥−𝑦 𝑥−𝑦
Variable
One
Based on our first set of activities, what did you notice about it?
_________________________________________________
CONGRATULATIONS!
.
You may now proceed to the next discussion
Activity :
Answer the following:
𝑥2𝑦
lim
Activity: 1. Given 𝑓(𝑥, 𝑦) = 4+ 𝑦2 , find (𝑥,𝑦) →(𝑥0,𝑦0) 𝑓(𝑥, 𝑦) if it
exists.
𝑥
𝑦2 + 3𝑥𝑧2
2.Find: lim 2+2𝑦2+𝑧4 , if this limit exists.
(𝑥,𝑦,𝑧)→(0,0,0) 𝑥
𝑥 2 + 𝑦2
3.Find the
Variable
One
LET’S BEGIN!
Lesson 1. Differentiability of Functions.
In the last module we discussed the conditions for continuity of a function, including that of
a function in two or more variables. In this section we will discuss the notion of the
differentiability of a function of several variables.
The Rolle’s Theorem states that if we let f(x) be a differentiable function defined over the
closed interval [ a, b ], with a < b and that f(a) = f(b), then there is at least one c where
a < c < b such that f ’ (c) = 0.
There are several ways to introduce this concept and the way we have chosen is
designed to
.illustrate the similarities between differentiation of functions of one variable and
differentiation of functions of several variables.
We begin with a function of one variable,

y =
f(x).
If f is differentiable, then
f’(x) = 𝑑𝑦 = lim ∆ 𝑦
. Then,
Variable
One
𝑑𝑥 ∆𝑥→0 ∆𝑥
if we define the new function 𝜖( ∆𝑥) by

∆𝑦
𝜖( ∆𝑥) = − f ‘(x), we have
∆𝑥
lim ∈ (∆𝑥) = lim ( − 𝑓 (𝑥) ) = lim

− 𝑓 ′ (𝑥)
∆𝑥→0 ∆𝑥→0 ∆𝑥 ∆𝑥→0 ∆𝑥
𝑓 ′(𝑥) − 𝑓 ′(𝑥) = 0.
Multiplying both sides by ∆𝑥, and rearranging terms, we have
∆𝒚 = 𝑓 ′(𝑥) ∆𝑥 + 𝜖( ∆𝑥) ∆𝑥
Finally, since
∆𝒚 = 𝑓 (𝑥 + ∆𝑥 ) − f ( x ), we obtain
𝑓 (𝑥 + ∆𝑥 ) − f ( x ) = 𝑓 ′(𝑥) ∆𝑥 + 𝜖( ∆𝑥) ∆𝑥
Let f be a function of two variables which is defined in a
neighborhood of a point Then, F is differentiable at a number x if there is a function L
(x) and a function g( x) such that
𝑓 (𝑥 + ∆𝑥 ) − f ( x ) = L(x) ∆𝑥 + g( ∆ 𝑥 ), where
lim [ 𝑔( ∆𝑥 )/∆𝑥] = 0
∆𝑥→0
Let us now show how this new, one variable definition of differentiability
can be extended to functions of several variables. First, let us introduce some
condensed notation. Since a point ( x, y ) is a vector in ℜ2 , we shall write (as we have
done before) 𝒙 = ( x, y ). Then, if z = f( x, y ), we can simply write
z = f(x).
Variable
One
Similarly, if w = f( x, y, z ), we may write w = f(x) , where x is the

vector ( x, y, z ). With this notation, we may use the symbol 𝚫𝒙 to denote the
vector ( 𝚫𝒙, 𝚫𝒚 ) in ℜ2 , or ( 𝚫𝒙, 𝚫𝒚, 𝚫𝒛 ) in ℜ3 .
Definition. Differentiability and the Gradient. Let f be a function of two variables

which is defined in a neighborhood of a point 𝒙 = ( x, y ). Let 𝚫𝒙 = ( 𝚫𝒙,
𝚫𝒚 ) . Then, f is differentiable
at 𝒙 if there are a vector-valued function L(x) and a function g such
that f ( x + 𝚫𝒙) – f(x) = L(x) ∙ ∆𝒙 + g ( ∆𝒙 ).
where
𝒈 ( ∆𝒙 )
𝐥𝐢𝐦 = 0.
∆𝒙 →𝟎 | ∆ 𝐱 |
The function L is called the gradient of f, denoted by 𝛁𝒇.
Example 1. Let f(x, y) = 3x – 4y + 2. Show that f is differentiable and calculate 𝛁𝒇.
Solution: f ( x + ∆𝒙 , y + ∆𝒚) – f(x, y) = [ 3(x + ∆𝒙) – 4(y + ∆𝒚) + 2 ] – [ 3x – 4y + 2 ]
= 3x + 3 ∆𝒙 – 4y −4 ∆𝒚 + 2 – 3x + 4y − 2
= 3 ∆𝒙 − 4 ∆𝒚.
Thus, f1 = 3, f2 = − 4 and g(∆𝒙, ∆𝒚 ) = 0, so that

𝛁𝒇 = 3 i – 4j , a constant vector function.
Example 2. Let f(x, y) = xy. Show that f is differentiable and

calculate 𝛁𝒇. Solution:
f ( x + ∆𝒙 , y + ∆𝒚) – f(x, y) = ( x + ∆𝒙 ) ( y + ∆𝒚) − xy
= xy + y ∆𝒙 + x ∆𝒚 + ∆𝒙 ∆𝒚 – xy
= y ∆𝒙 + x ∆𝒚 + ∆𝒙 ∆𝒚
Thus, we may take
f1 (x, y) = y, f2 ( x, y) = x, and g(∆𝒙, ∆𝒚 ) = ∆𝒙 ∆𝒚.
To show that f is differentiable, we must show that
𝒈 ( ∆𝒙, ∆𝒚 ) ∆𝒙, ∆𝒚
𝐥𝐢𝐦 = 𝐥𝐢𝐦 = 0. But,
∆𝒙 →𝟎 | ∆ 𝐱 |∆𝒙 →𝟎 | ∆ 𝐱 |
Variable
One
| ∆𝒙 | = √∆𝒙𝟐 + ∆𝒚𝟐. So, we must show that
∆𝒙, ∆𝒚
𝐥𝐢𝐦
(∆𝒙,∆ 𝒚) →(𝟎,𝟎) √ ∆𝒙𝟐+ ∆𝒚𝟐 = 0. This follows from the fact that
𝟐 ∆𝒚| √ ∆𝒙𝟐 +∆𝒚𝟐 √ ∆𝒙𝟐 +∆𝒚𝟐

|∆𝒙
+∆𝒚𝟐
≤ √ ∆𝒙𝟐 +∆𝒚𝟐
= √ ∆ 𝒙𝟐 + ∆
√∆𝒙𝟐 𝒚
which approaches 0 as (∆𝒙, ∆𝒚) → ( 0,

0 ). Thus, the function f is differentiable and
𝛁𝒇( 𝒙, 𝒚) = yi + xj .
Based on our first set of activities, what didabout

you notice
it?
_________________________________________________
CONGRATULATIONS!
.
Lesson 2. Additional Theorems on Differentiability and Continuity of Gradients.
The next theorem shows us how we can simplify the calculations of gradients.
Theorem 1. Let f, fx , fy be defined and continuous in a neighborhood of x = ( x,

y).
Then, f is differentiable at x and
𝛁𝒇(𝒙) = 𝒇𝒙(𝒙)𝒊 + 𝒇𝒚(𝒙)𝐣
Theorem 2. If f is differentiable at 𝒙𝟎 = ( 𝒙𝟎, 𝒚𝟎), then f is continuous at 𝒙𝟎.
Theorem 3. Let f and g be differentiable in a neighborhood of x = ( x, y ). Then, for

every scalar
Variable
One
∝, ∝ 𝒇, and f + g are differentiable at x and

( i ) 𝛁( ∝ 𝒇) = ∝ 𝛁𝒇
( ii ) 𝛁( 𝒇 + 𝒈) = 𝛁𝒇 + 𝛁𝒈
Example 1. Let f( x, y, z) = xy 2z3. Show that f is differentiable at any point
𝑥0. Calculat𝑒 𝛁𝒇 and find 𝛁𝒇( 3, −1, 2 )
Solution: 𝜕𝑓/𝜕𝑥 = y2 z3 , 𝜕𝑓/𝜕𝑦 = 2xyz3 , 𝜕𝑓/𝜕𝑧 = 3xy2z2.
Since 𝒇, 𝜕𝑓/𝜕𝑥 , 𝜕𝑓/𝜕𝑦 , and 𝜕𝑓/𝜕𝑧 are all continuous , we know

that
f is differentiable and that
∇𝑓 = y2z3 i + 2xyz3 j + 3xy2z2
k. and
𝛁𝒇( 3, −1, 2 ) = 𝟖𝒊 − 48 j + 36 k.
Mean Value Theorem: Let f be continuous on [ a, b ] and differentiable on ( a, b

). Then, there is a number c in ( a, b ) such that
f(b) − f(a) = f ‘ (c) ( b – a ).
Activity: Answer the following:
1. Calculate the gradient of the given function. Then, evaluate the gradient at the given
point.
a.f( x, y, z ) = xyz; ( 1, 2, 3)
b.f(x, y, z) = xy2 + y2z3 : ( 2, 3, −1)
2. Let f( x, y) = x2y2. Show by using the definition, that f is differentiable at any point in
R2.
Variable
One
LET’S BEGIN!
Lesson 1. Partial Derivative of Functions.
In the last module we discussed the conditions for continuity of a function. In this section
we will show one of the simple ways a function of several variables can be differentiated.
Let us consider a function, say, z = f( x, y ). If we keep one of the variables, for example, y,
fixed, then f can be treated as a function of x only and we can calculate the derivative, if it
exists, of the function with respect to x. This new function is called the partial derivative of
f with respect to x and is denoted by 𝛛𝒇/𝛛𝒙, read as
“partial”.
Definition 1. Let z = f( x, y ). Then,

( i ) the partial derivative of f with respect to x is the function
𝜕𝑧 𝜕𝑓 𝑓(𝑥+∆𝑥, 𝑦)−𝑓(𝑥,𝑦)
= = lim .
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑥 ∆𝑥→0 ∆𝑥
𝜕𝑓 is defined at every point ( x, y ) in the domain of f such that
the limit exists.
𝜕𝑥
( ii ) the partial derivative of f with respect to y is the function
𝜕𝑧 𝜕𝑓 𝑓(𝑥, 𝑦+∆𝑦)−𝑓(𝑥,𝑦)
= = lim .
𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑦 ∆𝑦→0 ∆𝑦
𝜕𝑓 is defined at every point ( x, y ) in the domain of f such that

the limit exists.
𝜕𝑦
Variable
One
Example 1. Let z = f( x, y ) = 𝑥2𝑦 + sin 𝑥𝑦2. Calculate 𝜕𝑓

.
𝜕𝑥
Solution: Treating y as if it were constant, we have
𝝏𝒇 = 𝜕 (𝑥
2
𝑦 + sin 𝑥𝑦2) = 𝜕
𝑥2𝑦 + 𝜕
sin 𝑥𝑦2 =
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑥
= 2xy + y2 cos xy2.
Note: 1. The definitions allow us to calculate partial derivatives in the same

way we calculate ordinary derivatives by allowing only one variable to
vary.
2.The partial derivatives 𝜕𝑓/𝜕𝑥 and 𝜕𝑓/𝜕𝑦 give us the rate of change of f as each of the
variables x and y change with the other one held fixed.
3.It should be emphasized that while the functions 𝜕𝑓/𝜕𝑥 and 𝜕𝑓/𝜕𝑦 are computed with
one of the variables held constant, each is a function of both variables.
𝜕𝑧
Example 2. Let z = ( x/y ) sin(x y ). Calculate 𝜕𝑧/𝜕𝑥 and
2 3
.
𝜕𝑦
Solution: Let us apply the product rule of differentiation.
a. 𝝏𝒛 = 𝒙 𝝏 [ 𝒔𝒊𝒏 ( 𝒙𝟐𝒚𝟑)] + ( 𝝏 (𝒙)) 𝒔𝒊𝒏 (𝒙𝟐𝒚𝟑) .

𝝏𝒙 𝒚 𝝏𝒙 𝝏𝒙 𝒚
= 𝑥 [ cos (𝒙𝟐𝒚𝟑)[ 2xy3 ] + 𝟏

𝒔𝒊𝒏(𝒙𝟐𝒚𝟑). Simplifying, we
have
𝑦 𝒚
= 2𝑥2𝑦2 cos(𝑥2𝑦3) + 𝟏
𝒔𝒊𝒏(𝒙𝟐𝒚𝟑).
𝒚
Variable
One
So, 𝝏𝒛/𝝏𝒙 of z = ( x/y ) sin(x2y3) =
= 2𝑥2𝑦2 cos(𝑥2𝑦3) + 𝟏
𝒔𝒊𝒏(𝒙𝟐𝒚𝟑).
𝒚
b. 𝝏𝒛 = 𝒙𝝏 [ 𝒔𝒊𝒏 ( 𝒙𝟐𝒚𝟑)] + ( 𝝏 (𝒙 )) 𝒔𝒊𝒏 (𝒙𝟐𝒚𝟑) .

𝝏𝒚 𝒚 𝝏𝒚 𝝏𝒚 𝒚
= 𝑦 𝑥 [ cos (𝒙𝟐𝒚𝟑)[ 3x2y2 ] − 𝒚

𝒙
𝟐 𝒔𝒊𝒏(𝒙𝟐𝒚𝟑). Simplifying, we
have
= 3𝑥3𝑦 cos(𝑥2𝑦3) − 𝒚
𝒙
𝟐 𝒔𝒊𝒏(𝒙𝟐𝒚𝟑).
So, 𝝏𝒛/𝝏𝒚 of z = ( x/y ) sin(x2y3) =
= 3𝑥3𝑦 cos(𝑥2𝑦3) − 𝒚
𝒙
𝟐 𝒔𝒊𝒏(𝒙𝟐𝒚𝟑).
Variable
One
Refer to the definition and the examples to get the partial derivative of the
following:
1. Let f(x, y) = √𝒙 + 𝒚𝟐 . Calculate 𝜕𝑧/𝜕𝑥 and 𝜕𝑧

.
𝜕𝑦
( Hint: Change the given to its exponential form )
𝟒
𝜕𝑧
2. Let f(x, y) = (𝟏 + 𝒙𝟐 + 𝒚𝟓 )𝟑. Calculate 𝜕𝑧/𝜕𝑥 and .
𝜕𝑦
_________________________________________________
CONGRATULATIONS!
.
Lesson 2. Geometric Interpretation of Partial Derivative.

Variable
One
Geometric interpretations of the partial derivatives of a function of two variables are similar
to those of a function of one variable. The graph of a function f of two variables is a surface
having equation z = f(x, y). If y is held constant, say y = 𝑦0, then z = f(x, 𝑦0 ) Is an
equation of the trace of this surface in the plane
y = 𝑦0 . The curve can be represented by the
two
equations,
𝑦 = 𝑦0 and z = f( x, y) because the

curve is the intersection of these two surfaces.
Then, 𝐷1𝑓(𝑥0, 𝑦0) is the slope of the

tangent line to the curve given by the equations
𝑥 = 𝑥0 and z = f( x, y) at the point
𝑃0( 𝑥0, 𝑦0, 𝑓(𝑥0, 𝑦0)) in the plane y = 𝑦0 .
In an analogous way,
𝐷2𝑓(𝑥0, 𝑦0) represents the slope of the
tangent line to the curve having the
equations
𝑥 = 𝑥0 and z = f( x, y) at the point 𝑃0 in the plane 𝑥 = 𝑥0 . Refer to the figure.
Example 1. Find the slope of the tangent line to the curve of intersection of the surface
𝟏
𝒛 = √ 𝟐𝟒𝒙−𝟐 − 𝟐𝒚𝟐 with the plane y = 2 at the point ( 2, 2,
𝟐
Solution: The required slope of the tangent line is the value of 𝜕𝑧/𝜕𝑥 at the point
( 2, 2,
−𝑥
𝜕𝑧/𝜕𝑥 = . So, at ( 2, 2, ),
𝜕𝑧
−2
= 2√12
𝜕𝑥
.
Variable
One
Because every derivative is a measure of a rate of change, a partial derivative

can be so interpreted. If f is a function of the two variables x and y, the partial
derivative of f with respect to x at the point 𝑃0( 𝑥0, 𝑦0) , gives the instantaneous rate
of change, at P0 of f(x, y) per unit change in x.
Example 2. Using the formula for volume of a cone, find the

formula for a. rate of change of the volume with respect to
radius.
b. rate of change of the volume with respect to height,
Solution: The volume of a cone of radius r and height h is given by

𝟐
𝟏 𝒉 . Then,
V= 𝝅𝒓
𝟑
a.the rate of change of V with respect to r ( with h fixed ) is given by

2
𝜕𝑉 𝜕 ℎ)
𝜕𝑟 = 𝑉𝑟 = 𝜕𝑟 ( 𝜋𝑟
= 2𝜋𝑟ℎ
b.the rate of change of the volume V with respect to height, ( with r fixed ) is given by
2
𝜕𝑉 𝜕 ℎ)
𝜕ℎ = 𝑉ℎ = 𝜕ℎ ( 𝜋𝑟
= 𝜋𝑟2.
Let us have an example of finding partial derivatives of functions of three variables.
Definition 2. Let w = f( x, y, z ) be defined in a neighborhood of the point

( x, y, z). Then,
( i ) the partial derivative of f with respect to x is the function
Variable
One
𝜕𝑤 = 𝜕𝑓 = 𝑓(𝑥) = lim 𝑓 (𝑥+∆𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧)−𝑓(𝑥,𝑦,𝑧).

𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑥 ∆𝑥→0 ∆𝑥
𝜕𝑓
= f(x) is defined at every point ( x, y, z ) in the domain of f at which the
limit exists.
𝜕𝑥
( ii ) the partial derivative of f with respect to y is the function
𝜕𝑤 = 𝜕𝑓 = 𝑓(𝑦) = lim
𝑓
(𝑥, 𝑦+∆𝑦, 𝑧)−𝑓(𝑥,𝑦,𝑧)

.
𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑦 ∆𝑦→0 ∆𝑦
𝜕𝑓
= f(y) is defined at every point ( x, y, z ) in the domain of f at which the
limit exists.
𝜕𝑦
( iii ) the partial derivative of f with respect to z is the function
𝜕𝑤 = 𝜕𝑓 = 𝑓(𝑧) = lim
𝑓
(𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧+∆ 𝑧)−𝑓(𝑥,𝑦,𝑧)

.
𝜕𝑧 𝜕𝑧 ∆𝑦→0 ∆𝑧
𝜕𝑓
= f(z) is defined at every point ( x, y, z ) in the domain of f at which the
limit exists.
𝜕𝑧
Example 3. Given: w = f( x, y, z) = xz + 𝒆𝒚 𝒛 𝟐
Calculate : a. 𝜕𝑤/𝜕𝑥 , b. 𝜕𝑤/𝜕𝑦 , c. 𝜕𝑤/𝜕𝑧
Solution: a. To calculate 𝜕𝑤/𝜕𝑥, we have to fix y and z. Then,
𝜕𝑤/𝜕𝑥 = 𝜕𝑓𝜕𝑥 = f(x) = z + 𝜕𝑥 𝜕 𝒆𝒚𝟐𝒛 𝟐√𝒙𝒚

𝟏 𝝏
𝟐𝒛𝟑 𝝏𝒙 ( 𝒙𝒚𝟐𝒛𝟑)
𝑦2𝑧3 𝑦2𝑧3
= z + 0 +2√ 𝑥𝑦 2𝑧3 = 𝑧 + 2√𝑥𝑦2𝑧3.
Activity :
Variable
One
Answer the following:
Given: w = f( x, y, z) = xz + 𝒆𝒚𝟐𝒛
Calculate :
a. 𝜕𝑤/𝜕𝑦
b. 𝜕𝑤/𝜕𝑧

Variable
One
LET’S BEGIN!
Lesson 1. Differentiation of Functions of Two Variables.
In mathematics, a partial derivative of a function of several variables is its derivative with respect
to one of those variables, with the others held constant (as opposed to the total derivative, in
which all variables are allowed to vary).
The process of differentiation can be applied several times in succession, leading in

particular to the second derivative f″ of the function f, which is just the derivative of
the derivative of f′. The second derivative often has a useful physical interpretation.
However, this is often ask, “Does the order of partial derivatives matter?”. For most
applications (often in physics and engineering), the answer is no. Generally in such
contexts, the mixed partial derivatives are continuous at a given point, and this
ensures that the order of taking the mixed partial derivatives at this point does not
matter.
We have seen that if y = f(x), then

𝒅𝒇 𝒅𝟐𝒇 𝒅 𝒅𝒇
(
y’ = 𝒅𝒙 and y” = 𝒅𝒙𝟐 = 𝒅𝒙 𝒅𝒙 ).
This means the second derivative of f is the derivative of the first derivative of f.
Analogously, if z = f(x, y), then, we can differentiate each of the two “first” partial
derivatives 𝜕𝑓/𝜕𝑥, and 𝜕𝑓/𝜕𝑦 with respect to both x and y to obtain four second
partial derivatives as follows:
i. Differentiate twice with respect to x:
𝜕2𝑧 𝜕2𝑓 𝜕 𝜕𝑓 2 = 𝜕𝑥2 = 𝑓𝑥 𝑥

= 𝜕𝑥 (𝜕𝑥).
𝜕𝑥
ii. Differentiate first with respect to x and then with respect to y:
𝜕2𝑧 𝜕2𝑓 𝜕 𝜕𝑓
(
𝜕𝑦𝜕𝑥 = 𝜕𝑦𝜕𝑥 = 𝑓𝑥 𝑦 = 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑥 ).
Variable
One
iii.Differentiate first with respect to y and then with respect to x:
𝜕2𝑧 𝜕2𝑓 𝜕 𝜕𝑓
(
𝜕𝑥𝜕𝑦 = 𝜕𝑥𝜕𝑦 = 𝑓𝑦 𝑥 = 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 ).
iv.Differentiate twice with respect to y:
𝜕2𝑧 𝜕2𝑓 𝜕 𝜕𝑓
𝜕𝑦2 = 𝜕𝑦2 = 𝑓𝑦 𝑦 = 𝜕𝑦 (𝜕𝑦).
Example 1. Let z = f( x, y ) = 𝑥3𝑦2 − 𝑥𝑦5. Calculate the four second partial derivatives.
Solution: We have 𝑓𝑥 = 3𝑥2𝑦2 − 𝑦5 and 𝑓𝑦 = 2𝑥3𝑦 − 5𝑥𝑦4. Then,
2
𝜕
( i ) 𝑓𝑥 𝑥 = 𝜕𝑥 ( 𝑓𝑥 ) = 6x𝑦
2
𝜕 𝑦 − 5𝑦4.
( ii ) 𝑓𝑥 𝑦 = 𝜕𝑦 ( 𝑓𝑥 ) = 6𝑥
2
𝜕 𝑦 − 5𝑦4; and
( iii ) 𝑓 𝑦𝑥 = 𝜕𝑥 ( 𝑓𝑦 ) = 6𝑥
3
𝜕 − 20𝑥𝑦3.
( iv ) 𝑓 𝑦𝑦 = 𝜕𝑦 ( 𝑓𝑦 ) = 2𝑥
Example 2. Let z = ( f x, y ) = sin xy 3 . Calculate the four second partial derivatives of f

.
Solution: We have 𝑓𝑥 = 𝑦3𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥𝑦3 and 𝑓𝑦 = 3𝑥𝑦2 cos 𝑥𝑦3. Then,
( i ) 𝑓𝑥 𝑥 = −𝑦6 sin 𝑥 𝑦3
( ii ) 𝑓𝑥 𝑦 = 𝑦3( −3𝑥𝑦2 sin 𝑥 𝑦3) + 3𝑦2 cos 𝑥𝑦3.= −3𝑥𝑦5 sin 𝑥 𝑦3 + 3𝑦2 cos 𝑥𝑦3
Variable
One
( iii ) 𝑓 𝑦𝑥 = (3x𝑦2)( −𝑦3 sin 𝑥 𝑦3) + 3𝑦2 cos 𝑥𝑦3.= −3𝑥𝑦5 sin 𝑥 𝑦3 + 3𝑦2 cos 𝑥𝑦3
(iv)𝑓 𝑦𝑦 = (3x𝑦2)( −3𝑥𝑦2 sin 𝑥 𝑦3) + 6𝑥𝑦 cos 𝑥𝑦3.= −9𝑥2𝑦4 sin 𝑥 𝑦3 + 6𝑥𝑦 cos 𝑥𝑦3
Notice that in the given examples 𝑓𝑥 𝑦 = 𝑓 𝑦𝑥 . Let us consider the next

theorems.
Theorem 1. Suppose that 𝒇, 𝒇𝒙, 𝒇𝒚, 𝑓𝑥 𝑦 and 𝑓 𝑦𝑥 are all continuous at (𝑥0, 𝑦0). Then,
𝒇𝒙𝒚(𝒙𝟎, 𝒚𝟎) = 𝒇𝒚𝒙(𝒙𝟎, 𝒚𝟎) .
This result is often referred to as the equality of mixed partials.
Refer to the definition and the examples to get the partial derivative of the following:
1. Given f(x,y) = 𝓮𝒙𝒔𝒊𝒏 𝒚 + 𝒍𝒏 𝒙𝒚. Find :

a. 𝑓𝑥 𝑥
b.𝑓𝑥 𝑦
c. 𝑓 𝑦𝑥
d.𝑓 𝑦𝑦
2. Let f(x, y) = 𝒙𝟒𝒚𝟔 − 𝒙𝟑𝒚𝟓

a. 𝑓𝑥 𝑥
b.𝑓𝑥 𝑦
Variable
One
c. 𝑓 𝑦𝑥
d.𝑓 𝑦𝑦
Based on our first set of activities,

what did you notice about it?
_________________________________________________
CONGRATULATIONS!
.
Lesson 2. Differentiation of Functions of Three Variables.
The definition of second partial derivatives and the theorem on the equality of
mixed partials is extended to functions of three variables.
If w = f(x, y, z ) then we have the nine second partial derivatives ( assuming that they
exist).
𝜕2𝑓 𝜕 𝜕𝑓 𝜕2𝑓 𝜕 𝜕𝑓 𝜕2𝑓 𝜕 𝜕𝑓

𝜕𝑥 2 = 𝑓𝑥 𝑥 = 𝜕𝑥 (𝜕𝑥) ; 𝜕𝑦𝜕𝑥 = 𝑓𝑥 𝑦 = 𝜕𝑦 (𝜕𝑥) ; 𝜕𝑥𝜕𝑧 = 𝑓𝑥 𝑧 = 𝜕𝑦
(𝜕𝑧) .
𝜕2𝑓 𝜕 𝜕𝑓 𝜕2𝑓 𝜕 𝜕𝑓 𝜕2𝑓 𝜕 𝜕𝑓

𝜕𝑥𝜕𝑦 = 𝑓𝑦 𝑥 = 𝜕𝑥 (𝜕𝑦) ; 𝜕𝑦 2 = 𝑓𝑦 𝑦 = 𝜕𝑦 (𝜕𝑦) ; 𝜕𝑦𝜕𝑧 =
𝑓𝑦 𝑧 = 𝜕𝑦 (𝜕𝑧) .
𝜕2𝑓 𝜕 𝜕𝑓 𝜕2𝑓 𝜕 𝜕𝑓 𝜕2𝑓 𝜕 𝜕𝑓

𝜕𝑥𝜕𝑧 = 𝑓 𝑧𝑥 = 𝜕𝑦 (𝜕𝑧) ; 𝜕𝑥𝜕𝑧 = 𝑓 𝑧𝑦 = 𝜕𝑦 (𝜕𝑧) ; 𝜕𝑧2 = 𝑓𝑧 𝑧 = 𝜕𝑧
(𝜕𝑧).
Variable
One
Theorem 2. If 𝒇, 𝒇𝒙, 𝒇𝒚, 𝑓𝑧 , and all six mixed partials are continuous at a point (
𝑥0, 𝑦0, 𝑧0), then at that point
𝑓𝑥𝑦 = 𝑓𝑦𝑥 ,
𝑓𝑥𝑧 = 𝑓𝑧𝑥 ,
𝑓𝑦𝑧 = 𝑓𝑧𝑦
Example 1. Let f( x, y, z) = 𝒙𝒚𝟑 − 𝒛𝒙𝟓 + 𝒙𝟐𝒚𝒛. Calculate all nine second partial
derivatives and show that all three pairs of mixed partials are equal.
Solution:
𝒇𝒙 = 𝒚𝟑 − 𝟓𝒛𝒙𝟒 + 𝟐𝒙𝒚𝒛 ,
𝒇𝒚 = 𝟑𝒙𝒚𝟐 + 𝒙𝟐𝒛 and
𝒇𝒛 = − 𝒙 + 𝒙 𝒚.
𝟓 𝟐
Then, 𝒇𝒙𝒙 = − 𝟐𝟎𝒛𝒙𝟑 + 𝟐𝒚𝒛

𝟑
𝝏 − 𝟓𝒛𝒙𝟒 + 𝟐𝒙𝒚𝒛 ) = 𝟑𝒚𝟐 + 𝟐𝒙𝒛 ,
𝒇𝒙𝒚 = 𝝏𝒚 ( 𝒚
𝟐
𝝏 + 𝒙𝟐𝒛 ) = 𝟑𝒚𝟐 + 𝟐𝒙𝒛 ,
𝒇𝒚𝒙 = 𝝏𝒙 ( 𝟑𝒙𝒚
𝝏
𝒇𝒙𝒛 = 𝝏𝒛 (𝒚𝟑 − 𝟓𝒛𝒙𝟒 + 𝟐𝒙𝒚𝒛 ) = −𝟓𝒙𝟒 + 𝟐𝒙𝒚
𝟓
𝝏 + 𝒙𝟐𝒚 ) = − 𝟓𝒙𝟒 + 𝟐𝒙𝒚.
𝒇𝒛𝒙 = 𝝏𝒙 ( − 𝒙
𝟐
𝝏 + 𝒙𝟐𝒛) = 𝒙𝟐
𝒇𝒚𝒛 = 𝝏𝒛 ( 𝟑𝒙𝒚
𝟓
𝝏 + 𝒙𝟐𝒚) = 𝒙𝟐.
𝒇𝒛𝒚 = 𝝏𝒛 (− 𝒙
Example 2. Let z = x2 – y2 + xy . Evaluate the six first and second partial derivatives
at ( - ½ , ½ ) and interpret the results.
Solution:
𝑓𝑥( 𝑥, 𝑦 ) = 2𝑥 + 𝑦
𝑓𝑦 ( 𝑥, 𝑦) = −2𝑦 + 𝑥
𝑓𝑥𝑥 ( 𝑥, 𝑦) = 2
Variable
One
𝑓𝑦𝑦 ( 𝑥, 𝑦) = −2
𝑓𝑥𝑦 (𝑥, 𝑦) = 1
𝑓𝑦𝑥( 𝑥, 𝑦) = 1
So, 𝑓𝑥 ( − , ) = 2( -1/2 ) + ½ = - ½ . This means the slope of the tangent line at ( -

½ , ½ , - ¼ ) is - ½ . Moving from this point parallel to the x;axis, the instantaneous rate
of change is – ½ .
𝑓𝑦 ( − , ) = − 2( ½ ) + ( - ½ ) = - 1 + - ½ = − .
This means the slope of the tangent line at the point in the
direction of y is – 3/2 .
Moving from this point parallel to the y-axis, the instantaneous rate of change is – 3/2.
Activity :
Answer the following: For each of the following, find 𝒇𝒙, 𝒇𝒚, 𝑓𝑧, 𝒇𝒙𝒛, 𝒇𝒚𝒛, and 𝒇𝒛𝒛,
1. f( x, y, z ) = x2 y3 z4 + x2 y2 + x3 z3 + y4 z4
2. f( x, y, z ) = x sin ( yz )
Variable
One
LET’S BEGIN!
Lesson 1. Composition of Functions.

In mathematics, a function is a rule which relates a given set of inputs to a set of possible
outputs. The important point to note about a function is that, each input is related to exactly
one output. The process of naming functions is known as function notation. The most
commonly used function notation symbols include: “f(x) = …”, “g(x) = …”, or “h(x) = …,”.
In this section, we will recall what composite functions are and how they are solved. If we
are given two functions, we can create another function by composing one function into the
other. The steps required to perform this operation are similar to when any function is
solved for any given value. Such functions are called composite functions.
A composite function is generally a function that is written inside another function.

Composition of a function is done by substituting one function into another function. For
example, f [g (x)] is the composite function of f (x) and g (x). The composite function f [g (x)]
is read as “f of g of x”. The function g (x) is called an inner function and the function f (x) is
called an outer function. Hence, we can also read f [g (x)] as “the function g is the inner
function of the outer function f”.
Solving a composite function means, finding the composition of two functions.

We use a small circle ( ) for the composition of a function. Here are the steps on how to
solve a composite function:
 Rewrite the composition in a different form.
For example
(f g) (x) = f [g (x)]
(f g) (x + 1) = f [g (x + 1)]
(f g) (x²) = f [g (x²)]
• Substitute the variable x that is in the outside function with the inside
function.
Variable
One
• Simplify the function.
Example 1. Given the functions f (x) = x2 + 6 and g (x) = 2x – 1, find (f g) (x).
Solution: Substitute x with 2x – 1 in the function f(x) = x2 + 6.
(f g) (x) = (2x – 1)2 + 6 = (2x – 1) (2x – 1) + 6

Apply FOIL:
= 4x2 – 4x + 1 + 6
So, (f g) (x) = 4x2 – 4x + 7
Example 2. Given the functions g (x) = 2x – 1 and f (x) = x2 + 6, find (g f) (x).
Solution:
Substitute x with x2 + 6 in the function g (x) = 2x – 1
(g f) (x) = 2(x2 + 6) – 1. Use the distributive property to remove

the parentheses.
= 2x2 + 12 – 1
= 2x2 + 11
Activity: Use the definition and the examples to answer the following:
1. If f(x) = 3x2 – 2 and g(x) = 5 – 4x , find

a. f o g b. g o f
2. If f [ g(x) ] = ( 2x – 1 )2 and f(x) = x2 , find g(x).

Variable
One
_________________________________________________
CONGRATULATIONS!
.
Lesson 2. The Chain Rule.
In this section, we will discuss the chain rule for functions of two and three variables.
In calculus, the chain rule is a formula to compute the derivative of a

composite function. It tells us how to find the derivative of a composite function.
The chain rule states that the derivative of f(g(x)) is f'(g(x))⋅g'(x). In other
words, it helps us differentiate *composite functions*.
Sin(x²), for example, is a composite function because it can be constructed
as f(g(x)) for f(x) = sin(x) and g(x) = x².
Here are the steps for using the chain rule:
Step 1. Identify the inner function and rewrite the outer function replacing the inner function
by the variable u.
Step 2. Take the derivative of both functions.
Step 3. Substitute the derivatives and the original expression for the variable u into
the Chain
Rule and simplify.
Example 1. Let z = f(x,y) = xy2. Let x = cos t and y = sin t. Calculate dz/dt
Solution 1:
𝑑𝑧 𝑑𝑧 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑧 𝑑𝑦
= ∙ + ∙ = y2( −sin t ) + 2xy( cos t) 𝑑𝑡 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑡 𝑑𝑦 𝑑𝑡
= sin 2t ( −sin t) + 2(cos t)( sin t) ( cos t)
Variable
One
= 2 sin t cos2t – sin3t .
Solution 2: Since z = xy2, it can be written as z = cos t ∙ sin2t . So,

𝒅𝒛
= cos t ∙ 2sin t cos t + sin2 t ( −𝒔𝒊𝒏 𝒕)
𝒅𝒕
= 2 sint cos 2
t − sin3 t Example 2. Given z = f( x, y)
2 2
= 4x + 3y , x = x(t) = sin t , y = y(t) = cos t.
Use the chain rule to find dz / dt
Solution: To use the chain rule, we need four

quantities: dz/dx , dz / dy , dx / dt, dy / dt
• dz/dx = 8x
• dx/dt = cos t
• dz/dy = 6y
• dy/dt = − sin t
𝑑𝑧 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑧 𝑑𝑦
Substituting in dz/dt = ∙ + ∙
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑡 𝑑𝑦 𝑑𝑡
= ( 8x) ( cos t) + ( 6y )( −sin t)

= 8x cos t − 6y sin t . Substituting the values,
or dz/dt = 8 sint cost – 6 cos t sint = 2 sint cos t.

Variable
One
Activity : Use the chain rule to find dz/dt given
z = f(x,y) = √𝑥2 − 𝑦2, x = x(t) = ℯ2𝑡, y = y(t) = ℯ−𝑡
Get the
following: 
dz/dx
• dx/dt
• dz/dy  dy/dt
_________________________________________________
CONGRATULATIONS!
.
Higher order partial derivatives of a function of n variables have definitions that are
analogous to the definitions of higher order partial derivatives of a function of two variables.
If f is a function of n variables, there may be n 2 second partial derivatives of f at a
particular point. That is, for a function of three variables, if all the second higher order
partial derivatives exist, there are nine of them: 𝑓11 , : 𝑓12 , : 𝑓13 , : 𝑓21 , : 𝑓22 : :
𝑓23 : : 𝑓31: 𝑓32 : 𝑓33
Variable
One
Theorem: Suppose that f is a function of two variables x and y defined on an open

disk B ( 𝑥0, 𝑦0) ; r ) and 𝑓𝑥, 𝑓𝑦, 𝑓𝑥𝑦, and 𝑓𝑦𝑥 are continuous on B. Then,
𝑓𝑥𝑦 (𝑥0, 𝑦0 ) = 𝑓𝑦𝑥 (𝑥0, 𝑦0 ).
Example 3. Suppose u = f(x, y), x = F( r, s ), and y = G( r, s ), and assume

f( x, y ) = f(y, x). Show by using the Chain Rule that
𝜕 2𝑢
𝜕𝑟 2 = 𝑓𝑥𝑥(𝑥, 𝑦)[𝐹𝑟(𝑟, 𝑠)]2 + 2 𝑓𝑥𝑦(𝑥, 𝑦)𝐹𝑟(𝑟, 𝑠)𝐺𝑟(𝑟, 𝑠) + 𝑓𝑦𝑦(𝑥, 𝑦)[𝐺𝑟(𝑟, 𝑠)]2
+ 𝑓𝑥(𝑥, 𝑦)𝐹𝑟𝑟(𝑟, 𝑠) + 𝑓𝑦(𝑥, 𝑦)𝐺𝑟𝑟(𝑟, 𝑠)
Solution: From the Chain Rule Theorem

𝝏𝒖
𝝏𝒓 = 𝑓𝑥(𝑥, 𝑦)𝐹𝑟(𝑟, 𝑠) + 𝑓𝑦(𝑥, 𝑦)𝐺𝑟(𝑟, 𝑠).
Taking the partial derivative again with respect to r, and using

the formula for the derivative of a product and the chain rule, we obtain
𝜕2𝑢
𝜕𝑟2 = [ 𝑓𝑥𝑥(𝑥, 𝑦)[𝐹𝑟(𝑟, 𝑠)] + 𝑓𝑥𝑦(𝑥, 𝑦)𝐹𝑟(𝑟, 𝑠)𝐺𝑟(𝑟, 𝑠) +
+ 𝑓𝑥(𝑥, 𝑦)𝐹𝑟𝑟(𝑟, 𝑠) + 𝑓𝑦𝑥 (𝑥, 𝑦)𝐹𝑟(𝑟, 𝑠) + 𝑓𝑦𝑦(𝑥, 𝑦)𝐺𝑟(𝑟, 𝑠) + 𝑓𝑦(𝑥, 𝑦)𝐺𝑟𝑟(𝑟, 𝑠)
Multiplying and combining terms, and using the fact that 𝑓𝑥𝑦(𝑥, 𝑦) and 𝑓𝑦𝑥(𝑥, 𝑦) are
equal, we get
𝜕 2𝑢 2
𝜕𝑟 2 + 2𝑓𝑥𝑦(𝑥, 𝑦)𝐹𝑟(𝑟, 𝑠)𝐺𝑟(𝑟, 𝑠) + 𝑓𝑦𝑦(𝑥, 𝑦)[𝐺𝑟(𝑟, 𝑠)]2
= [ 𝑓𝑥𝑥(𝑥, 𝑦)[𝐹𝑟(𝑟, 𝑠)]
+ 𝑓𝑥(𝑥, 𝑦)𝐹𝑟𝑟(𝑟. 𝑠) + 𝑓𝑦(𝑥, 𝑦)𝐺𝑟𝑟(𝑟, 𝑠) which is what we wish to show.
Variable
One

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Calculus 3 Page 3 of 15

Limits of Functions of More Than

IV. LESSON PROPER WEEK 7

Lesson 1. Limits of Continuous Functions of Two Variables.

Let ( 𝑥0, 𝑦0 ) be a point in ℜ2. What do we mean by the equation

Since ( x, y ) and ( 𝑥0, 𝑦0 ) are vectors in ℜ2, then

| ( 𝑥, 𝑦 ) − ( 𝑥0, 𝑦0 ) | = | ( 𝑥 − 𝑥0, 𝑦 − 𝑦0 ) | = √(𝑥 − 𝑥0)2 + (𝑦 − 𝑦0)2 = r;

is (𝒙 − 𝒙𝟎)𝟐 + (𝒚 − 𝒚𝟎)𝟐 = 𝒓𝟐.

With these definitions, it is easy to define a limit of a function of two variables.

Definition 2. ( Definition of a limit ). Let 𝒇(𝒙, 𝒚) be defined in a neighborhood of ( 𝑥0, 𝑦0)

if for ever number 𝝐 > 0, there is a number 𝜹 > 0 such that

Example 1. We apply the definition of a limit to prove that lim ( 2𝑥 + 3𝑦 )

such that | 𝟐𝒙 + 𝟑𝒚 − 𝟏𝟏 | < 𝝐 if 𝟎 < √(𝒙 − 𝟏)𝟐 + (𝒚 − 𝟑)𝟐 < 𝜹.

From the triangle inequality, and working backward to find a suitable

| 𝟐𝒙 + 𝟑𝒚 − 𝟏𝟏 | = | 𝟐𝒙 − 𝟐 + 𝟑𝒚 − 𝟗 | ≤ |𝟐𝒙 − 𝟐| + |𝟑𝒚 − 𝟗| = 𝟐|𝒙 − 𝟏| + 𝟑|𝒚 − 𝟑|.

Now, | 𝒙 − 𝟏 | ≤ √(𝒙 − 𝟏)𝟐 + (𝒚 − 𝟑)𝟐 , why ? and

| 𝒚 − 𝟑 | ≤ √(𝒙 − 𝟏)𝟐 + (𝒚 − 𝟑)𝟐 . Thus, it follows that if

0 < √(𝒙 − 𝟏)𝟐 + (𝒚 − 𝟑)𝟐 ˂ 𝜹, then 2|𝒙 − 𝟏| + 𝟑|𝒚 − 𝟑| < 2 𝜹 + 3 𝜹.

This means that a suitable choice for 𝜹 is 5 𝜹 = 𝝐 , that is , 5 𝜹 = 5 𝝐/𝟓 = 𝝐

With this 𝛿, we have the following argument:

0 < √(𝒙 − 𝟏)𝟐 + (𝒚 − 𝟑)𝟐 ˂ 𝜹 = 2|𝒙 − 𝟏| + 𝟑|𝒚 − 𝟑| ≤ 5 𝜹

true, that is lim ( 2𝑥 + 3𝑦 ) = 11.

Example 2. Using the theorems, find the lim (3𝑥2 + 𝑦).

Solution: lim ( 3𝑥2 + 𝑦) = 3( 2 )2 + 3 = 15.

Definition 3. If a function f of two or three variables is discontinuous at the point ( xo ,

not removable, then it is an essential discontinuity.

Activity: Answer the following: 1. Use the definition and the

theorem on limit to get the lim ( 5𝑥 + 2𝑦 ).

2. Use the theorem to find :

c. lim ( 4𝑥3 − 2𝑦4 )

Using the definitions, as well as the theorems of limit of a function in ℜ2 , we could

( 𝑥0, 𝑦0) as an accumulation point,

lim 𝑓(𝑥, 𝑦) exists and always has the value 𝐿.

Solution: The function f is defined at all points except in ℜ2 except at (0,

lim 𝑓(𝑥, 𝑦) (𝑃 in S2) = lim 𝑓(𝑥, 𝑥) =

Solution: lim (3𝑥2 − 𝑦 + 3𝑧) = 3(2)2 – 3 + 3(1)

𝑥4− 4𝑦2 −4𝑦2

(𝑥,𝑦lim)→(0,𝑦) 𝑥2+2𝑦2. = 2𝑦2 = − 2.

Since −2 ≠ 0, then the limit does not exist.

𝑥2− 𝑦2 ( 𝑥+𝑦)( 𝑥−𝑦)

Answer the following:

IV. LESSON PROPER WEEK 8

Lesson 1. Differentiability of Functions.

We begin with a function of one variable,

if we define the new function 𝜖( ∆𝑥) by

lim ∈ (∆𝑥) = lim ( − 𝑓 (𝑥) ) = lim

Multiplying both sides by ∆𝑥, and rearranging terms, we have

Similarly, if w = f( x, y, z ), we may write w = f(x) , where x is the

Definition. Differentiability and the Gradient. Let f be a function of two variables

The function L is called the gradient of f, denoted by 𝛁𝒇.

Example 1. Let f(x, y) = 3x – 4y + 2. Show that f is differentiable and calculate 𝛁𝒇.

Solution: f ( x + ∆𝒙 , y + ∆𝒚) – f(x, y) = [ 3(x + ∆𝒙) – 4(y + ∆𝒚) + 2 ] – [ 3x – 4y + 2 ]

Thus, f1 = 3, f2 = − 4 and g(∆𝒙, ∆𝒚 ) = 0, so that

Example 2. Let f(x, y) = xy. Show that f is differentiable and

| ∆𝒙 | = √∆𝒙𝟐 + ∆𝒚𝟐. So, we must show that

𝟐 ∆𝒚| √ ∆𝒙𝟐 +∆𝒚𝟐 √ ∆𝒙𝟐 +∆𝒚𝟐

which approaches 0 as (∆𝒙, ∆𝒚) → ( 0,

Based on our first set of activities, what didabout

Lesson 2. Additional Theorems on Differentiability and Continuity of Gradients.