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Lec 12 Functions of Several Variables

The document discusses functions of several variables, specifically focusing on functions of two and three variables using examples such as airline ticket pricing and car rental costs. It explains how to represent these functions numerically, algebraically, and pictorially, and explores the relationships between independent and dependent variables. Additionally, it includes exercises to reinforce understanding of these concepts.

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3 views3 pages

Lec 12 Functions of Several Variables

The document discusses functions of several variables, specifically focusing on functions of two and three variables using examples such as airline ticket pricing and car rental costs. It explains how to represent these functions numerically, algebraically, and pictorially, and explores the relationships between independent and dependent variables. Additionally, it includes exercises to reinforce understanding of these concepts.

Uploaded by

tayyebshahzad12
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Functions of Several Variables

𝑧 = 𝑓(𝑥, 𝑦) → function of 2 variables (2 independent variables)

𝑤 = 𝑓(𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧) → function of 3 variables

Example

Consider an airline’s ticket pricing. To avoid flying planes with many empty seats, it
sells some tickets at full price and some at a discount. For a particular route, the airline’s
revenue R, earned in a given time period is determined by the number of full priced tickets, x,
and number of discounted tickets, y, sold.

We say that R is a function of x, y and we write:

𝑅 = 𝑓(𝑥, 𝑦) R is the dependent variable whereas, x and y are the independent variables.

 The collection of all possible inputs (𝑥, 𝑦) is called domain of 𝑓.


 We say a function is an increasing (decreasing) function of one of its variables if the
function increases (decreases) as that variable increases while the other independent
variables are held constant.

A function of two variables can be represented:

1. Numerically by table.
2. Algebraically by formula.
3. Pictorially by a contour diagram.

Function given Numerically:

𝑅 = 𝑓(𝑥, 𝑦)

y/x 100 200 300 400


200 75,000 110,000 145,000 180,000
400 115,000 150,000 185,000 220,000
600 155,000 190,000 225,000 260,000
800 195,000 230,000 265,000 300,000
1000 235,000 270,000 305,000 340,000

a) Find the value of 𝑓(300, 600) = 225,000 & interpret it.


𝑓(300, 600) = 225,000

The revenue from 300 full price tickets & 600 discounted tickets is $ 225,000.
b) Is f an increasing or decreasing function of x?
Increasing
c) Is f an increasing or decreasing function of y?
Increasing

Function given Algebraically:

R = 350 x + 200 y

Example 2

A car rental company charges $ 40 a day & 15 cents a mile for its cars.

a) Write a formula for the cost C, of renting a car as a function of the number of days
d, and the number of miles driven m.
Solution: 𝐶 = 𝑓(𝑑, 𝑚) = 40𝑑 + 0.15𝑚
b) If 𝐶 = 𝑓(𝑑, 𝑚). Find 𝑓(5, 300) and interpret it.
Solution: 𝑓(5, 300) = 40(5) + 0.15(300) = 245
It means if the car is rented for 5 days & is driven 300 miles then it costs $ 245.
c) Explain the significance of 𝑓(3, 𝑚) in terms of rental cost. Graph this function
with C as a function of m.
Solution: 𝑓(3, 𝑚) is the value of C for various values of m with d fixed at 3. In
other words, it’s the cost of renting a car for three days & driven for variable
number of miles.
Graph:
𝐶 = 𝑓( 3, 𝑚) C m/d 3
100 135
180 200 150
300 165
165 400 180
150

135

15

0 100 200 300 400 m

d) Explain the significance of 𝑓(𝑑, 100) in terms of rental car costs. Graph this
function with C as a function of d.
Do it yourself.
Exercise: 9.1 Q3 – Q5 from Applied Calculus

Question 9 (Ex. 9.1):

The total sales of a product ‘S’ can be expressed as a function of the price ‘P’ charged
for the product and amount ‘a’ spent on advertisement, so 𝑆 = 𝑓(𝑝, 𝑎).

a) Do you expect f to be an increasing or decreasing function of P?


b) Do you expect f to be an increasing or decreasing function of ‘a’, why?

Solution: Since, 𝑆 = 𝑓(𝑝, 𝑎)

a) 𝑆 = 𝑓(𝑝, $ 20)
As S is a function of P, i.e., ‘a’ = advertisement amount is fixed, we supposed it $
20. Now if the price of product increases, its sale decreases so ‘f’ is decreasing
function of ‘P’.
P↑  S↓
P↓  S↑
 ‘P’ and ‘S’ are inversely related.
 ‘f’ is decreasing function of ‘P’, while ‘a’ is fixed.
b) 𝑆 = 𝑓($20, 𝑎)
If we increase ‘a’ = the amount spent on advertisement we can expect ‘S’ to be
increasing.
a↑  S↑
a↓  S↓
 ‘a’ and ‘S’ are directly related.
 ‘f’ is an increasing function of ‘a’.

Practice Problems
Ex. 9.1: 3-5, 10, 11 from Applied Calculus

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