.

Definition. Given a function w = f (x, y, z), or w = f (x, y) and a point P(a, b, c) or

P(a, b) in the domain of f , We call that f is continuous at P if

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.
Definition. Given a function w = f (x, y, z), or w = f (x, y) and a point P(a, b, c) or
P(a, b) in the domain of f , We call that f is continuous at P if
lim f (Q) = f (P).
. P
Q

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.
Definition. Given a function w = f (x, y, z), or w = f (x, y) and a point P(a, b, c) or
P(a, b) in the domain of f , We call that f is continuous at P if
lim f (Q) = f (P).
. P
Q

.
Definition. Let z = f (x, y) or w = f (x, y, z) defined on a domain D in R2 or R3
respectively.
. f is called continuous on D, if

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.
Definition. Given a function w = f (x, y, z), or w = f (x, y) and a point P(a, b, c) or
P(a, b) in the domain of f , We call that f is continuous at P if
lim f (Q) = f (P).
. P
Q

.
Definition. Let z = f (x, y) or w = f (x, y, z) defined on a domain D in R2 or R3
respectively.
. f is called continuous on D, if f is continuous at every points of D.

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.
Definition. Given a function w = f (x, y, z), or w = f (x, y) and a point P(a, b, c) or
P(a, b) in the domain of f , We call that f is continuous at P if
lim f (Q) = f (P).
. P
Q

.
Definition. Let z = f (x, y) or w = f (x, y, z) defined on a domain D in R2 or R3
respectively.
. f is called continuous on D, if f is continuous at every points of D.

It follows from the laws of limits that polynomial functions of n variables are
continuous on Rn .

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.
1
Example z(x, y) = x2 + y2 , w(x, y) = x2 +y2
, Discuss the set of points on which
the
. given function is continuous.
Solution. (i) z(x, y) = x2 + y2 is continuous on R2 , as it is a polynomial.

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.
1
Example z(x, y) = x2 + y2 , w(x, y) = x2 +y2
, Discuss the set of points on which
the
. given function is continuous.
Solution. (i) z(x, y) = x2 + y2 is continuous on R2 , as it is a polynomial.
(ii) w(x, y) = x2 +1 y2 is continuous only on R2 \ {(0, 0)}. No matter which value
w(0, 0) takes, the function w is continuous at (0, 0) as the limit of w as (x, y)
approaches to (0, 0) does not exist.

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.
1
Example z(x, y) = x2 + y2 , w(x, y) = x2 +y2
, Discuss the set of points on which
the
. given function is continuous.
Solution. (i) z(x, y) = x2 + y2 is continuous on R2 , as it is a polynomial.
(ii) w(x, y) = x2 +1 y2 is continuous only on R2 \ {(0, 0)}. No matter which value
w(0, 0) takes, the function w is continuous at (0, 0) as the limit of w as (x, y)
approaches to (0, 0) does not exist.

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.
Proposition Let w = f (x, y) or f (x, y, z) be continuous function on its domain
D Rn (n = 1 or 2 with range R, and g is a scalar continuous function defined
.on R. Then the composite function g f is

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.
Proposition Let w = f (x, y) or f (x, y, z) be continuous function on its domain
D Rn (n = 1 or 2 with range R, and g is a scalar continuous function defined
.on R. Then the composite function g f is continuous on D.
Proof.

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.
Proposition Let w = f (x, y) or f (x, y, z) be continuous function on its domain
D Rn (n = 1 or 2 with range R, and g is a scalar continuous function defined
.on R. Then the composite function g f is continuous on D.
Proof. It follows from the previous proposition about the proposition about the
limit of composite function.
.
sin( x2 +y2 )
Example Prove that the functions z = sin(x2 + y2 ); and s(x, y) = 2 2 ,
x +y
and
. s(0, 0) = 1, are continuous on R2 .

Solution. (i) One knows that polynomial w(x, y) = x2 + y2 is a continuous

function on Rn . It follows from the proposition above that the composite
function z = sin w(x, y) = sin(x2 + y2 ) is continuous on R2 .
(ii) One can check that lim s(x, y) = 1, so if one defines s(0, 0) = 0, then
(x,y)(0,0)
s is continuous at (0, 0), in this case, s is continuous on R2 .

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. Partial Derivatives and Their Applications
.
Definition. Given a function w = f (x, y, z), the partial derivative of a function f
with respect to x at the point P(a, b, c), is defined to be the limit

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. Partial Derivatives and Their Applications
.
Definition. Given a function w = f (x, y, z), the partial derivative of a function f
with respect to x at the point P(a, b, c), is defined to be the limit
f
fx (a, b, c) = (a, b, c) =
. x

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. Partial Derivatives and Their Applications
.
Definition. Given a function w = f (x, y, z), the partial derivative of a function f
with respect to x at the point P(a, b, c), is defined to be the limit
f f (a + h, b, c) f (a, b, c)
fx (a, b, c) = (a, b, c) = lim .
. x h 0 h

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. Partial Derivatives and Their Applications
.
Definition. Given a function w = f (x, y, z), the partial derivative of a function f
with respect to x at the point P(a, b, c), is defined to be the limit
f f (a + h, b, c) f (a, b, c)
fx (a, b, c) = (a, b, c) = lim .
. x h 0 h

In fact, we freeze the variables y and z as we only take the limit as in the
one-variable case.

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. Partial Derivatives and Their Applications
.
Definition. Given a function w = f (x, y, z), the partial derivative of a function f
with respect to x at the point P(a, b, c), is defined to be the limit
f f (a + h, b, c) f (a, b, c)
fx (a, b, c) = (a, b, c) = lim .
. x h 0 h

In fact, we freeze the variables y and z as we only take the limit as in the
one-variable case. Similarly, we can define the partial derivative of
w = f (x, y, z) with respect to y, or to z at the point P(a, b, c) as follows
.

f f (a, b + h, c) f (a, b, c)
fy (a, b, c) = (a, b, c) = lim ,
y h0 h
f f (a, b, c + h) f (a, b, c)
fz (a, b, c) = (a, b, c) = lim .
. z h0 h

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.
Geometric interpretation of fx (a, b)
.
Consider the curve Cx by slicing the graph G(f ) in
space of z = f (x, y) with the plane y = b, this curve
is parameterized as follows:

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.
Geometric interpretation of fx (a, b)
.
Consider the curve Cx by slicing the graph G(f ) in
space of z = f (x, y) with the plane y = b, this curve
is parameterized as follows:
Cx = { (x, b, f (x, b)) | x is a free variable such that
.points (x, b) lies in the domain(f ) }.
Ignoring the presence of the variable y, we have a
planar graph of Cx in the xz-plane.

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.
Geometric interpretation of fx (a, b)
.
Consider the curve Cx by slicing the graph G(f ) in
space of z = f (x, y) with the plane y = b, this curve
is parameterized as follows:
Cx = { (x, b, f (x, b)) | x is a free variable such that
.points (x, b) lies in the domain(f ) }.
Ignoring the presence of the variable y, we have a
planar graph of Cx in the xz-plane.So you can talk
about the slope of the tangent line to Cx at point
(a, f (a, b)) in the xz-plane.

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.
Geometric interpretation of fx (a, b)
.
Consider the curve Cx by slicing the graph G(f ) in
space of z = f (x, y) with the plane y = b, this curve
is parameterized as follows:
Cx = { (x, b, f (x, b)) | x is a free variable such that
.points (x, b) lies in the domain(f ) }.
Ignoring the presence of the variable y, we have a
planar graph of Cx in the xz-plane.So you can talk
about the slope of the tangent line to Cx at point
(a, f (a, b)) in the xz-plane.In this way, the slope mea-
sures the rate of change of function value f (x, b) with
respect to the variable x alone.

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.
Geometric interpretation of fx (a, b)
.
Consider the curve Cx by slicing the graph G(f ) in
space of z = f (x, y) with the plane y = b, this curve
is parameterized as follows:
Cx = { (x, b, f (x, b)) | x is a free variable such that
.points (x, b) lies in the domain(f ) }.
Ignoring the presence of the variable y, we have a
planar graph of Cx in the xz-plane.So you can talk
about the slope of the tangent line to Cx at point
(a, f (a, b)) in the xz-plane.In this way, the slope mea-
sures the rate of change of function value f (x, b) with
respect to the variable x alone. Such a value gives
the partial derivative of the function f (x, y) with re-
spect to x at the point (a, b).

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.
Example.
. Let z = z(x, y) = sin(x + y2 ), find zx and zy .
sin( )
Solution. First think of composite function x 7 x + y2 7 sin(x + y2 ), and
then apply chain rule as follows:
z
zx (x, y) = x = x ( sin(x + y2 ) ) =

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.
Example.
. Let z = z(x, y) = sin(x + y2 ), find zx and zy .
sin( )
Solution. First think of composite function x 7 x + y2 7 sin(x + y2 ), and
then apply chain rule as follows:
z
zx (x, y) = x = x ( sin(x + y2 ) ) = cos(x + y2 ) x ( x + y2 )
=

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.
Example.
. Let z = z(x, y) = sin(x + y2 ), find zx and zy .
sin( )
Solution. First think of composite function x 7 x + y2 7 sin(x + y2 ), and
then apply chain rule as follows:
z
zx (x, y) = x = x ( sin(x + y2 ) ) = cos(x + y2 ) x ( x + y2 )
= cos(x + y ) (1) = cos(x + y ), and
2 2

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.
Example.
. Let z = z(x, y) = sin(x + y2 ), find zx and zy .
sin( )
Solution. First think of composite function x 7 x + y2 7 sin(x + y2 ), and
then apply chain rule as follows:
z
zx (x, y) = x = x ( sin(x + y2 ) ) = cos(x + y2 ) x ( x + y2 )
= cos(x + y ) (1) = cos(x + y ), and
2 2
z
zy (x, y) = y = y ( sin(x + y2 ) ) =

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.
Example.
. Let z = z(x, y) = sin(x + y2 ), find zx and zy .
sin( )
Solution. First think of composite function x 7 x + y2 7 sin(x + y2 ), and
then apply chain rule as follows:
z
zx (x, y) = x = x ( sin(x + y2 ) ) = cos(x + y2 ) x ( x + y2 )
= cos(x + y ) (1) = cos(x + y ), and
2 2
z
zy (x, y) = y = y ( sin(x + y2 ) ) = cos(x + y2 ) y ( x + y2 )
=

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.
Example.
. Let z = z(x, y) = sin(x + y2 ), find zx and zy .
sin( )
Solution. First think of composite function x 7 x + y2 7 sin(x + y2 ), and
then apply chain rule as follows:
z
zx (x, y) = x = x ( sin(x + y2 ) ) = cos(x + y2 ) x ( x + y2 )
= cos(x + y ) (1) = cos(x + y ), and
2 2
z
zy (x, y) = y = y ( sin(x + y2 ) ) = cos(x + y2 ) y ( x + y2 )
= cos(x + y2 ) ( 2y ) = 2y cos(x + y2 ).
Remark. One should think of the partial derivatives zx and zy as a new function
of x and y, which will change according to the input vector (x, y).

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.
Example.
. If f (x, y) = exy ln y, find fx (2, y) and fy (2, y).
xy
Solution. (a) fx (x, y) = ln y x (e ) = ln y (yexy ) = y ln y exy , here we treat y
as a constant, and hence fx (2, y) = y ln y e2y .

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.
Example.
. If f (x, y) = exy ln y, find fx (2, y) and fy (2, y).
xy
Solution. (a) fx (x, y) = ln y x (e ) = ln y (yexy ) = y ln y exy , here we treat y
as a constant, and hence fx (2, y) = y ln y e2y .
(b) It follows from the product rule and chain rule that
xy
fy (x, y) = y (ln yexy ) = ey + ln y (xexy ), and hence
2y
fx (2, y) = ( ey + 2e2y ln y) = e2y ( 1y + 2 ln y).

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.
1 x2 u
Example. Let u(x, t) = exp( ), find .
. t 4t t

Solution.( By)product rule, we have

( )
u x2 x2
t = t
1
t
exp ( 4t ) + t exp ( 4t ) 1
t

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.
1 x2 u
Example. Let u(x, t) = exp( ), find .
. t 4t t

Solution.( By)product rule, we have( )

u x2 x2
t = t
1 exp ( 4t ) + t exp ( 4t ) 1t
t ( )
= 1 exp( x4t ) + 1 exp( x4t ) t x4t
2 2 2
2t t t

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.
1 x2 u
Example. Let u(x, t) = exp( ), find .
. t 4t t

Solution.( By)product rule, we have( )

u x2 x2
t = t
1 exp ( 4t ) + t exp ( 4t ) 1t
t ( )
= 1 exp( x4t ) + 1 exp( x4t ) t x4t
2 2 2
2t t t
2 2 x2
= 2t1t exp( x4t ) + 1
t
exp( x4t ) 4t2

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.
1 x2 u
Example. Let u(x, t) = exp( ), find .
. t 4t t

Solution.( By)product rule, we have( )

u x2 x2
t = t
1 exp ( 4t ) + t exp ( 4t ) 1t
t ( )
= 1 exp( x4t ) + 1 exp( x4t ) t x4t
2 2 2
2t t t
2 2 x2
= 2t1t exp( x4t ) + 1t exp( x4t ) 4t2
2
( 2 )
= 1t exp( x4t ) 4tx 2 2t1

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.
Definition. A curve in space is a vector-valued function given by
r(t)

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.
Definition. A curve in space is a vector-valued function given by
r(t) = (f (t), g(t), h(t)) = f (t)i + g(t)j + h(t)k,

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.
Definition. A curve in space is a vector-valued function given by
r(t) = (f (t), g(t), h(t)) = f (t)i + g(t)j + h(t)k, where the parameter t is real
number in an interval in R, and
.

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.
Definition. A curve in space is a vector-valued function given by
r(t) = (f (t), g(t), h(t)) = f (t)i + g(t)j + h(t)k, where the parameter t is real
number in an interval in R, and the functions f (t), g(t), h(t) are functions of one
.variable in t only.

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.
Definition. A curve in space is a vector-valued function given by
r(t) = (f (t), g(t), h(t)) = f (t)i + g(t)j + h(t)k, where the parameter t is real
number in an interval in R, and the functions f (t), g(t), h(t) are functions of one
.variable in t only.
If the functions f (t), g(t) and h(t) are differentiable functions, then

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.
Definition. A curve in space is a vector-valued function given by
r(t) = (f (t), g(t), h(t)) = f (t)i + g(t)j + h(t)k, where the parameter t is real
number in an interval in R, and the functions f (t), g(t), h(t) are functions of one
.variable in t only.
If the functions f (t), g(t) and h(t) are differentiable functions, then we call the
curve r(t) a differentiable curve.

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.
Definition. A curve in space is a vector-valued function given by
r(t) = (f (t), g(t), h(t)) = f (t)i + g(t)j + h(t)k, where the parameter t is real
number in an interval in R, and the functions f (t), g(t), h(t) are functions of one
.variable in t only.
If the functions f (t), g(t) and h(t) are differentiable functions, then we call the
curve r(t) a differentiable curve.
.
Example 1. The diagram on the left is a sketch of the (space) curve given by
. 1 : r(t) = (cos t, sin t, t), where t R.
C

C1 : r(t) = (cos t, sin t, t) C2 : r(t) = (t, 2t, cos t)

.

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.
Definition. A curve in space is a vector-valued function given by
r(t) = (f (t), g(t), h(t)) = f (t)i + g(t)j + h(t)k, where the parameter t is real
number in an interval in R, and the functions f (t), g(t), h(t) are functions of one
.variable in t only.
If the functions f (t), g(t) and h(t) are differentiable functions, then we call the
curve r(t) a differentiable curve.
.
Example 1. The diagram on the left is a sketch of the (space) curve given by
. 1 : r(t) = (cos t, sin t, t), where t R.
C

C1 : r(t) = (cos t, sin t, t) C2 : r(t) = (t, 2t, cos t)

.
Example 2. The diagram on the right is a sketch of the (space) curve given by
C2 : r(t) = (t, 2t, cos t), where t R.
The
. curve C2 is contained in the plane y = 2x.
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.
Definition. A tangent vector of a differentiable curve r(t) = (f (t), g(t), h(t)) is
.given by

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.
Definition. A tangent vector of a differentiable curve r(t) = (f (t), g(t), h(t)) is

.given by v(t) = r (t) = (f (t), g (t), h (t)).

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.
Definition. A tangent vector of a differentiable curve r(t) = (f (t), g(t), h(t)) is

.given by v(t) = r (t) = (f (t), g (t), h (t)).

.
Definition. The equation of the tangent line to the curve r(t) at P(a, b, c) = r(t0 )
xa yb zc
is given by (t )
= = .
. x 0 y ( t 0 ) z ( t0 )

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.
Example. Which of the following vectors is the tangent to the curve
C : r(t) = (sin t, cos t, 2 sin t + 2 cos t) at some point(s):
. i + j B. i j 2k C. i + j 2k D. i j 2k
A.

The answer is D.
Solution. Let r (t) = (cos t, sin t, 2 cos t 2 sin t) = (a, b, c), one knows that
2a + 2b = c. In particular, A, B and C are not the correct answers. It remains to
check if there are some solutions in t, in the equation
(1, 1, 2) = (cos t, sin t, 2 cos t 2 sin t). We know that
2 = 2 (sin2 t + cos2 t) = (1)2 + ( 2
1) = 2, thus one can choose the
following solution, for example, = 2, and t = 3 4 .

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.
Definition. Let S be a curved surfaces in space. The tangent plane of the
surface S at a point P on S is the plane passing through P and is normal to the
tangent
. vector at P of any differentiable curve on S passing through P.

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.
Tangent Plane to Graph of z = f (x, y)
.
Let G = G(f ) be the graph of z = f (x, y) in space, let P(a, b, f (a, b)) be a point
on G. By slicing the graph G with planes 1 : y = b, and 2 : x = a, one has
two curves Cx : r1 (t) = ( t, b, f (t, b) ) where t is in an interval containing a, and
C
. y : r2 (t) = ( a, t, f (a, t) ) where t is in an interval containing b.

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.
Tangent Plane to Graph of z = f (x, y)
.
Let G = G(f ) be the graph of z = f (x, y) in space, let P(a, b, f (a, b)) be a point
on G. By slicing the graph G with planes 1 : y = b, and 2 : x = a, one has
two curves Cx : r1 (t) = ( t, b, f (t, b) ) where t is in an interval containing a, and
C
. y : r2 (t) = ( a, t, f (a, t) ) where t is in an interval containing b.

Both curves lie on the graph surface of f passing through P, and they gives out
two tangent vectors r1 (a) = ( 1, 0, fx (a, b) ), and r2 (b) = ( 0, 1, fy (a, b) ). Let N is
the normal direction of the tangent plane of S at P, then it follows from the
definition of the tangent plane that the direction N is

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.
Tangent Plane to Graph of z = f (x, y)
.
Let G = G(f ) be the graph of z = f (x, y) in space, let P(a, b, f (a, b)) be a point
on G. By slicing the graph G with planes 1 : y = b, and 2 : x = a, one has
two curves Cx : r1 (t) = ( t, b, f (t, b) ) where t is in an interval I containing a, and
C
. y : r2 (t) = ( a, t, f (a, t) ) where t is in an interval J containing b.
Both curves lie on the graph surface of f passing through P, and they gives out
two tangent vectors r1 (a) = ( 1, 0, fx (a, b) ), and r2 (b) = ( 0, 1, fy (a, b) ). Let N is
the normal direction of the tangent plane of S at P, then it follows from the
definition of the tangent plane that the direction N is
 
 i j k 
 
r1 (a) r2 (b) =  1 0 fx (a, b)  = (fx (a, b), fy (a, b), 1).
 0 1 f (a, b) 
y

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.
Definition. Let S be the graph of a function z = f (x, y) of two variables, then the
equation of the tangent plane of the surface S at the point P(a, b, f (a, b)) is

fx (a, b)(x a) + fy (a, b)(y b)(z c) = 0.

In this case, the normal direction of the tangent plane is given by

. N = (fx (a, b), fy (a, b), 1).

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.
Example. Prove that the equation of the tangent plane of sphere
S : x2 + y2 + z2 = R2 at P(a, b, c) on S, with abc = 0, is given by
2
.ax + by + cz = R .

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.
Example. Prove that the equation of the tangent plane of sphere
S : x2 + y2 + z2 = R2 at P(a, b, c) on S, with abc = 0, is given by
2
.ax + by + cz = R .
Proof. As abc = 0, rewrite the equation of
the sphere (implicit function) as a
function of two variables as z = f (x, y) = R2 x2 y2 around the point
f [ 2 ]
P(a, b) on xy-plane. Then by chain rule, (x, y) = (R x2 y2 )1/2
x x

. . . . . .

Matb 200 in 2013-2014

.
Example. Prove that the equation of the tangent plane of sphere
S : x2 + y2 + z2 = R2 at P(a, b, c) on S, with abc = 0, is given by
2
.ax + by + cz = R .
Proof. As abc = 0, rewrite the equation of the sphere (implicit function) as a
function of two variables as z = f (x, y) = R2 x2 y2 around the point
f [ 2 ]
P(a, b) on xy-plane. Then by chain rule, (x, y) = (R x2 y2 )1/2
x x
1 2 2 1/21 2x
= (R x y )
2
(R x y ) =
2 2 2
2 x 2 R2 x2 y2

. . . . . .

Matb 200 in 2013-2014

.
Example. Prove that the equation of the tangent plane of sphere
S : x2 + y2 + z2 = R2 at P(a, b, c) on S, with abc = 0, is given by
2
.ax + by + cz = R .
Proof. As abc = 0, rewrite the equation of the sphere (implicit function) as a
function of two variables as z = f (x, y) = R2 x2 y2 around the point
f [ 2 ]
P(a, b) on xy-plane. Then by chain rule, (x, y) = (R x2 y2 )1/2
x x
1 2 2 1/21 2x
= (R x y )
2
(R x y ) =
2 2 2
2 x 2 R2 x2 y2
x
= =
R x2 y2
2

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Matb 200 in 2013-2014

.
Example. Prove that the equation of the tangent plane of sphere
S : x2 + y2 + z2 = R2 at P(a, b, c) on S, with abc = 0, is given by
2
.ax + by + cz = R .
Proof. As abc = 0, rewrite the equation of the sphere (implicit function) as a
function of two variables as z = f (x, y) = R2 x2 y2 around the point
f [ 2 ]
P(a, b) on xy-plane. Then by chain rule, (x, y) = (R x2 y2 )1/2
x x
1 2 2 1/21 2x
= (R x y )
2
(R x y ) =
2 2 2
2 x 2 R2 x2 y2
x x
= = ,
R x y
2 2 2 z

. . . . . .

Matb 200 in 2013-2014

.
Example. Prove that the equation of the tangent plane of sphere
S : x2 + y2 + z2 = R2 at P(a, b, c) on S, with abc = 0, is given by
2
.ax + by + cz = R .
Proof. As abc = 0, rewrite the equation of the sphere (implicit function) as a
function of two variables as z = f (x, y) = R2 x2 y2 around the point
f [ 2 ]
P(a, b) on xy-plane. Then by chain rule, (x, y) = (R x2 y2 )1/2
x x
1 2 2 1/21 2x
= (R x y ) 2
(R x y ) =
2 2 2
2 x 2 R2 x2 y2
x x f y y
= = , (x, y) = = . Since abc = 0,
R x y
2 2 2 z y R x y
2 2 2 z
fx , fy are finite at (a, b).

. . . . . .

Matb 200 in 2013-2014

.
Example. Prove that the equation of the tangent plane of sphere
S : x2 + y2 + z2 = R2 at P(a, b, c) on S, with abc = 0, is given by
2
.ax + by + cz = R .
Proof. As abc = 0, rewrite the equation of the sphere (implicit function) as a
function of two variables as z = f (x, y) = R2 x2 y2 around the point
f [ 2 ]
P(a, b) on xy-plane. Then by chain rule, (x, y) = (R x2 y2 )1/2
x x
1 2 2 1/21 2x
= (R x y ) 2
(R x y ) =
2 2 2
2 x 2 R2 x2 y2
x x f y y
= = , (x, y) = = . Since abc = 0,
R x y
2 2 2 z y R x y
2 2 2 z
fx , fy are finite at (a, b). Then the normal vector to the tangent plane is
N(a, b, c) = (fx (a, b), fy (a, b), 1) = ( ac , bc , 1).

. . . . . .

Matb 200 in 2013-2014

.
Example. Prove that the equation of the tangent plane of sphere
S : x2 + y2 + z2 = R2 at P(a, b, c) on S, with abc = 0, is given by
2
.ax + by + cz = R .
Proof. As abc = 0, rewrite the equation of the sphere (implicit function) as a
function of two variables as z = f (x, y) = R2 x2 y2 around the point
f [ 2 ]
P(a, b) on xy-plane. Then by chain rule, (x, y) = (R x2 y2 )1/2
x x
1 2 2 1/21 2x
= (R x y ) 2
(R x y ) =
2 2 2
2 x 2 R2 x2 y2
x x f y y
= = , (x, y) = = . Since abc = 0,
R x y
2 2 2 z y R x y
2 2 2 z
fx , fy are finite at (a, b). Then the normal vector to the tangent plane is
N(a, b, c) = (fx (a, b), fy (a, b), 1) = ( ac , bc , 1). The equation of is
a(xa)b(yb)
0 = ( ac , bc , 1) (x a, y b, z c) = c + (z c), i.e.
ax + by + cz = a2 + b2 + c2 = R2 .

. . . . . .

Matb 200 in 2013-2014

.
Example. Let C : r(t) = x(t)i + y(t)j + z(t)k be a differentiable curve on
sphere S : x2 + y2 + z2 = R2 . Let P(a, b, c) = r(0) be a pint on S. Prove that the
tangent
. vector v(0) = r (0) of C at P is normal to the vector N = (a, b, c).

. . . . . .

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.
Example. Let C : r(t) = x(t)i + y(t)j + z(t)k be a differentiable curve on
sphere S : x2 + y2 + z2 = R2 . Let P(a, b, c) = r(0) be a pint on S. Prove that the
tangent
. vector v(0) = r (0) of C at P is normal to the vector N = (a, b, c).

Proof. As the curve C lies on S, so the coordinates of any point

r(t) = (x(t), y(t), z(t)) lies on S for any t, it follows that
x(t)2 + y(t)2 + z(t)2 = R2 . As r(t) pass the point P, so r(0) = (a, b, c). Then we
differentiate this identity with respect to t, and obtain the following
2x(t)x (t) + 2y(t)y (t) + 2z(t)z (t) = 0 for all t.
Rewrite the condition with dot product and let t = 0, we have 0 =
(x (0), y (0), z (0)) (x(0), y(0), z(0) ) = r (0) r(0) = r (0) (a, b, c) = v(0) N.

. . . . . .

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.
Example. Find the equation of the plane tangent to the graph of
x2 + y2
f (x, y) = at (x0 , y0 ) = (1, 2).
. xy

. . . . . .

Matb 200 in 2013-2014

.
Example. Find the equation of the plane tangent to the graph of
x2 + y2
f (x, y) = at (x0 , y0 ) = (1, 2).
. xy

Solution. The partial derivatives of f with respect to x and y are

2x xy (x2 + y2 ) y x2 y y3 x2 y2
fx (x, y) = = = , and similarly,
(xy)2 (xy)2 x2 y
y2 x2
fy (x, y) = . Hence the normal direction of the tangent plane is given by
xy2
N = (fx (1, 2), fy (1, 2), 1) = ( 32 , 34 , 1), and the equation of the tangent
plane is given by 0 = 23 (x 1) + 34 (y 2) (z 52 ), i.e. 6x 3y + 4z = 10.

. . . . . .

Matb 200 in 2013-2014

.
Example. Find an equation of the tangent plane to the surface z = x2 y3 at
the
. point (2, 1, 3).

. . . . . .

Matb 200 in 2013-2014

.
Higher Order Partial Derivatives
.
Let w = f (x, y) or w = f (x, y, z) be a scalar function defined on an open
domain U in Rn (n = 2 or 3). If the partial derivatives of f exist, for example,
fx , fy , , then one considers them as scalar functions defined in the same
domain U, and hence can consider to differentiate the new functions with
.respect to the independent variables.
( )
f fx
If w = f (x, y), and the limit x x = x exists, then we set

. . . . . .

Matb 200 in 2013-2014

.
Higher Order Partial Derivatives
.
Let w = f (x, y) or w = f (x, y, z) be a scalar function defined on an open
domain U in Rn (n = 2 or 3). If the partial derivatives of f exist, for example,
fx , fy , , then one considers them as scalar functions defined in the same
domain U, and hence can consider to differentiate the new functions with
.respect to the independent variables.
( )
f fx
If w = f (x, y), and the limit x x = x exists, then we set
. ( )
2 f f
fxx (x, y) = (fx )x (x, y) = 2 := .
x x x

.
. . . . . .

Matb 200 in 2013-2014

.
Higher Order Partial Derivatives
.
Let w = f (x, y) or w = f (x, y, z) be a scalar function defined on an open
domain U in Rn (n = 2 or 3). If the partial derivatives of f exist, for example,
fx , fy , , then one considers them as scalar functions defined in the same
domain U, and hence can consider to differentiate the new functions with
.respect to the independent variables.
( )
f fx
If w = f (x, y), and the limit x x = x exists, then we set
. ( )
2 f f
fxx (x, y) = (fx )x (x, y) = 2 := .
x x x
Similarly, we define the other ones(as follows:
)
2 f f
fyy (x, y) = (fy )y (x, y) = 2 := ,
y y y

.
. . . . . .

Matb 200 in 2013-2014

.
Higher Order Partial Derivatives
.
Let w = f (x, y) or w = f (x, y, z) be a scalar function defined on an open
domain U in Rn (n = 2 or 3). If the partial derivatives of f exist, for example,
fx , fy , , then one considers them as scalar functions defined in the same
domain U, and hence can consider to differentiate the new functions with
.respect to the independent variables.
( )
f fx
If w = f (x, y), and the limit x x = x exists, then we set
. ( )
2 f f
fxx (x, y) = (fx )x (x, y) = 2 := .
x x x
Similarly, we define the other ones(as follows:
)
2 f f
fyy (x, y) = (fy )y (x, y) = 2 := ,
y y y
( )
2 f f
fxy (x, y) = (fx )y (x, y) = = ,
yx y x

.
. . . . . .

Matb 200 in 2013-2014

.
Higher Order Partial Derivatives
.
Let w = f (x, y) or w = f (x, y, z) be a scalar function defined on an open
domain U in Rn (n = 2 or 3). If the partial derivatives of f exist, for example,
fx , fy , , then one considers them as scalar functions defined in the same
domain U, and hence can consider to differentiate the new functions with
.respect to the independent variables.
( )
f fx
If w = f (x, y), and the limit x x = x exists, then we set
. ( )
2 f f
fxx (x, y) = (fx )x (x, y) = 2 := .
x x x
Similarly, we define the other ones(as follows:
)
2 f f
fyy (x, y) = (fy )y (x, y) = 2 := ,
y y y
( )
2 f f
fxy (x, y) = (fx )y (x, y) = = ,
yx y x
( )
2 f f
fyx (x, y) = (fy )x (x, y) = = .
. xy x y
. . . . . .

Matb 200 in 2013-2014

.
Higher Order Partial Derivatives
.
Let w = f (x, y) or w = f (x, y, z) be a scalar function defined on an open
domain U in Rn (n = 2 or 3). If the partial derivatives of f exist, for example,
fx , fy , , then one considers them as scalar functions defined in the same
domain U, and hence can consider to differentiate the new functions with
.respect to the independent variables.
( )
f fx
If w = f (x, y), and the limit x x = x exists, then we set
. ( )
2 f f
fxx (x, y) = (fx )x (x, y) = 2 := .
x x x They are called second or-
Similarly, we define the other ones(as follows:
) der partial derivatives of f .
2 f f
fyy (x, y) = (fy )y (x, y) = 2 := ,
y y y
( )
2 f f
fxy (x, y) = (fx )y (x, y) = = ,
yx y x
( )
2 f f
fyx (x, y) = (fy )x (x, y) = = .
. xy x y
. . . . . .

Matb 200 in 2013-2014

.
Higher Order Partial Derivatives
.
Let w = f (x, y) or w = f (x, y, z) be a scalar function defined on an open
domain U in Rn (n = 2 or 3). If the partial derivatives of f exist, for example,
fx , fy , , then one considers them as scalar functions defined in the same
domain U, and hence can consider to differentiate the new functions with
.respect to the independent variables.
( )
f fx
If w = f (x, y), and the limit x x = x exists, then we set
. ( )
2 f f
fxx (x, y) = (fx )x (x, y) = 2 := .
x x x They are called second or-
Similarly, we define the other ones(as follows:
) der partial derivatives of f .
2 f f Of course, one can similarly
fyy (x, y) = (fy )y (x, y) = 2 := ,
y y y define the higher order par-
( )
2 f f tial derivatives,
fxy (x, y) = (fx )y (x, y) = = ,
yx y x
( )
2 f f
fyx (x, y) = (fy )x (x, y) = = .
. xy x y
. . . . . .

Matb 200 in 2013-2014

.
Higher Order Partial Derivatives
.
Let w = f (x, y) or w = f (x, y, z) be a scalar function defined on an open
domain U in Rn (n = 2 or 3). If the partial derivatives of f exist, for example,
fx , fy , , then one considers them as scalar functions defined in the same
domain U, and hence can consider to differentiate the new functions with
.respect to the independent variables.
( )
f fx
If w = f (x, y), and the limit x x = x exists, then we set
. ( )
2 f f
fxx (x, y) = (fx )x (x, y) = 2 := .
x x x They are called second or-
Similarly, we define the other ones(as follows:
) der partial derivatives of f .
2 f f Of course, one can similarly
fyy (x, y) = (fy )y (x, y) = 2 := ,
y y y define the higher order par-
( )
2 f f tial derivatives, such as fxyy
fxy (x, y) = (fx )y (x, y) = = ,
yx y x and fyxx etc.
( )
2 f f
fyx (x, y) = (fy )x (x, y) = = .
. xy x y
. . . . . .

Matb 200 in 2013-2014

.
n
Example.
. Let w = (x2 + y2 + z2 ) 2 , find wx and wxx .

Solution. First think of composite function

n
( )2 n
x 7 x2 + y2 + z2 7 (x2 + y2 + z2 ) 2 , and then apply chain rule as follows:
n
wx (x, y, z) = x ( (x2 + y2 + z2 ) 2 )
=

. . . . . .

Matb 200 in 2013-2014

.
n
Example.
. Let w = (x2 + y2 + z2 ) 2 , find wx and wxx .

Solution. First think of composite function

n
( )2 n
x 7 x2 + y2 + z2 7 (x2 + y2 + z2 ) 2 , and then apply chain rule as follows:
n
wx (x, y, z) = x ( (x2 + y2 + z2 ) 2 )
= n2 (x2 + y2 + z2 ) 2 1
n
x (x2 + y2 + z2 ) =

. . . . . .

Matb 200 in 2013-2014

.
n
Example.
. Let w = (x2 + y2 + z2 ) 2 , find wx and wxx .

Solution. First think of composite function

n
( )2 n
x 7 x2 + y2 + z2 7 (x2 + y2 + z2 ) 2 , and then apply chain rule as follows:
n
wx (x, y, z) = x ( (x2 + y2 + z2 ) 2 )
n2
= n2 (x2 + y2 + z2 ) 2 1 x
n
(x2 + y2 + z2 ) = nx(x2 + y2 + z2 ) 2 . Then it follows
from product rule that ( ) ( )
wxx (x, y, z) = (wx )x = x w
=
nx ( x2 + y2 + z2 ) n
2
2
x x

. . . . . .

Matb 200 in 2013-2014

.
n
Example.
. Let w = (x2 + y2 + z2 ) 2 , find wx and wxx .

Solution. First think of composite function

n
( )2 n
x 7 x2 + y2 + z2 7 (x2 + y2 + z2 ) 2 , and then apply chain rule as follows:
n
wx (x, y, z) = x ( (x2 + y2 + z2 ) 2 )
n2
= n2 (x2 + y2 + z2 ) 2 1 x
n
(x2 + y2 + z2 ) = nx(x2 + y2 + z2 ) 2 . Then it follows
from product rule that ( ) ( )
wxx (x, y, z) = (wx )x = x w
=
nx ( x2 + y2 + z2 ) n
2
2
x x
n2
( )
2 2
= n(x + y + z ) 2 2
+ nx x (x + y2 + z2 )(n2)/2
2

. . . . . .

Matb 200 in 2013-2014

.
n
Example.
. Let w = (x2 + y2 + z2 ) 2 , find wx and wxx .

Solution. First think of composite function

n
( )2 n
x 7 x2 + y2 + z2 7 (x2 + y2 + z2 ) 2 , and then apply chain rule as follows:
n
wx (x, y, z) = x ( (x2 + y2 + z2 ) 2 )
n2
= n2 (x2 + y2 + z2 ) 2 1 x
n
(x2 + y2 + z2 ) = nx(x2 + y2 + z2 ) 2 . Then it follows
from product rule that ( ) ( )
wxx (x, y, z) = (wx )x = x w
=
nx ( x2 + y2 + z2 ) n
2
2
x x
n2
( )
2 2
= n(x + y + z ) 2 2
+ nx x (x + y2 + z2 )(n2)/2
2

n2 n2 1
= n(x2 + y2 + z2 ) 2 + nx n2 2 (x2 + y2 + z2 ) 2
x (x
2 + y2 + z2 )
=

. . . . . .

Matb 200 in 2013-2014

.
n
Example.
. Let w = (x2 + y2 + z2 ) 2 , find wx and wxx .

Solution. First think of composite function

n
( )2 n
x 7 x2 + y2 + z2 7 (x2 + y2 + z2 ) 2 , and then apply chain rule as follows:
n
wx (x, y, z) = x ( (x2 + y2 + z2 ) 2 )
n2
= n2 (x2 + y2 + z2 ) 2 1 x
n
(x2 + y2 + z2 ) = nx(x2 + y2 + z2 ) 2 . Then it follows
from product rule that ( ) ( )
wxx (x, y, z) = (wx )x = x w
=
nx ( x2 + y2 + z2 ) n
2
2
x x
n2
( )
2 2
= n(x + y + z ) 2 2
+ nx x (x + y2 + z2 )(n2)/2
2

n2 n2 1
= n(x2 + y2 + z2 ) 2 + nx n2 2 (x2 + y2 + z2 ) 2
x (x
2 + y2 + z2 )
n2 n2 1
= n(x2 + y2 + z2 ) 2 + nx n2 2 (x2 + y2 + z2 ) 2 (2x)
=

. . . . . .

Matb 200 in 2013-2014

.
n
Example.
. Let w = (x2 + y2 + z2 ) 2 , find wx and wxx .

Solution. First think of composite function

n
( )2 n
x 7 x2 + y2 + z2 7 (x2 + y2 + z2 ) 2 , and then apply chain rule as follows:
n
wx (x, y, z) = x ( (x2 + y2 + z2 ) 2 )
n2
= n2 (x2 + y2 + z2 ) 2 1 x
n
(x2 + y2 + z2 ) = nx(x2 + y2 + z2 ) 2 . Then it follows
from product rule that ( ) ( )
wxx (x, y, z) = (wx )x = x w
=
nx ( x2 + y2 + z2 ) n
2
2
x x
n2
( )
2 2
= n(x + y + z ) 2 2
+ nx x (x + y2 + z2 )(n2)/2
2

n2 n2 1
= n(x2 + y2 + z2 ) 2 + nx n2 2 (x2 + y2 + z2 ) 2
x (x
2 + y2 + z2 )
n2 n2
= n(x2 + y2 + z2 ) 2 + nx n2 2 (x2 + y2 + z2 ) 2 1 (2x)
n2 n4
= n(x2 + y2 + z2 ) 2 + n(n 2)x2 (x2 + y2 + z2 ) 2
=

. . . . . .

Matb 200 in 2013-2014

.
n
Example.
. Let w = (x2 + y2 + z2 ) 2 , find wx and wxx .

Solution. First think of composite function

n
( )2 n
x 7 x2 + y2 + z2 7 (x2 + y2 + z2 ) 2 , and then apply chain rule as follows:
n
wx (x, y, z) = x ( (x2 + y2 + z2 ) 2 )
n2
= n2 (x2 + y2 + z2 ) 2 1 x
n
(x2 + y2 + z2 ) = nx(x2 + y2 + z2 ) 2 . Then it follows
from product rule that ( ) ( )
wxx (x, y, z) = (wx )x = x w
=
nx ( x2 + y2 + z2 ) n
2
2
x x
n2
( )
2 2
= n(x + y + z ) 2 2
+ nx x (x + y2 + z2 )(n2)/2
2

n2 n2 1
= n(x2 + y2 + z2 ) 2 + nx n2 2 (x2 + y2 + z2 ) 2
x (x
2 + y2 + z2 )
n2 n2
= n(x2 + y2 + z2 ) 2 + nx n2 2 (x2 + y2 + z2 ) 2 1 (2x)
n2 n4
= n(x2 + y2 + z2 ) 2 + n(n 2)x2 (x2 + y2 + z2 ) 2
n4 ( 2 )
= n(x2 + y2 + z2 ) 2 (x + y2 + z2 ) + (n 2)x2
=

. . . . . .

Matb 200 in 2013-2014

.
n
Example.
. Let w = (x2 + y2 + z2 ) 2 , find wx and wxx .

Solution. First think of composite function

n
( )2 n
x 7 x2 + y2 + z2 7 (x2 + y2 + z2 ) 2 , and then apply chain rule as follows:
n
wx (x, y, z) = x ( (x2 + y2 + z2 ) 2 )
n2
= n2 (x2 + y2 + z2 ) 2 1 x
n
(x2 + y2 + z2 ) = nx(x2 + y2 + z2 ) 2 . Then it follows
from product rule that ( ) ( )
wxx (x, y, z) = (wx )x = x w
=
nx ( x2 + y2 + z2 ) n
2
2
x x
n2
( )
2 2
= n(x + y + z ) 2 2
+ nx x (x + y2 + z2 )(n2)/2
2

n2 n2 1
= n(x2 + y2 + z2 ) 2 + nx n2 2 (x2 + y2 + z2 ) 2
x (x
2 + y2 + z2 )
n2 n2
= n(x2 + y2 + z2 ) 2 + nx n2 2 (x2 + y2 + z2 ) 2 1 (2x)
n2 n4
= n(x2 + y2 + z2 ) 2 + n(n 2)x2 (x2 + y2 + z2 ) 2
n4 ( 2 )
= n(x2 + y2 + z2 ) 2 (x + y2 + z2 ) + (n 2)x2
n4 ( )
= n(x2 + y2 + z2 ) 2 (n 1)x2 + y2 + z2 .

. . . . . .

Matb 200 in 2013-2014

. Mixed Partial Derivatives
Remark. As the mixed derivatives fxy and fyx are defined by taking partial
derivatives in different order,

. . . . . .

Matb 200 in 2013-2014

. Mixed Partial Derivatives
Remark. As the mixed derivatives fxy and fyx are defined by taking partial
derivatives in different order, there is no reason why these partial derivatives
coincide.

. . . . . .

Matb 200 in 2013-2014

. Mixed Partial Derivatives
Remark. As the mixed derivatives fxy and fyx are defined by taking partial
derivatives in different order, there is no reason why these partial derivatives
coincide.Although fxy and fyx are not necessarily equal, but we have the
following result.

. . . . . .

Matb 200 in 2013-2014

. Mixed Partial Derivatives
Remark. As the mixed derivatives fxy and fyx are defined by taking partial
derivatives in different order, there is no reason why these partial derivatives
coincide.Although fxy and fyx are not necessarily equal, but we have the
following result.
.
Proposition. If the mixed derivatives fxy and fyx are continuous on a circular
disk centered at the point (a, b), then

. fxy (a, b) = fyx (a, b).

. . . . . .

Matb 200 in 2013-2014

. Mixed Partial Derivatives
Remark. As the mixed derivatives fxy and fyx are defined by taking partial
derivatives in different order, there is no reason why these partial derivatives
coincide.Although fxy and fyx are not necessarily equal, but we have the
following result.
.
Proposition. If the mixed derivatives fxy and fyx are continuous on a circular
disk centered at the point (a, b), then

. fxy (a, b) = fyx (a, b).

Remarks.
(i) There are examples of function w = f (x, y) such fxy and fyx are continuous
merely at a point (a, b), and fxy (a, b) = fyx (a, b).
(ii) In most of the applications, we will tacitly assume that the mixed derivatives
are independent of the ordering of differentiations.

. . . . . .

Matb 200 in 2013-2014