Thi-Qar University / College of Engineering

Petroleum and Gas Engineering Department

Mathematics III / Second Class

4 Functions of Several Variables:

Many functions depend on more than one independent variable. The function
𝑽 = 𝝅𝒓𝟐 𝒉 calculates the volume of a right circular cylinder from its radius and height. The
function 𝒇(𝒙, 𝒚) = 𝒙𝟐 + 𝒚𝟐 calculates the height of the paraboloid 𝒛 = 𝒙𝟐 + 𝒚𝟐 above the
point 𝑷(𝒙, 𝒚) from the two coordinates of P. The temperature T of a point on Earth’s surface
depends on its latitude x and longitude y, express by written 𝑻 = 𝒇(𝒙, 𝒚). In this section, we
defined functions of more than one independent variable and discuss ways to graph them.
Real-valued functions of several independent real variables are defined much the way
you would imagine from the single-variable case. The domains are sets of ordered pairs
(triples, quadruples, n-tuples) of real numbers, and the ranges are sets of real numbers of the
kind we have worked with all along.

Partial Derivatives:
Partial derivatives are the derivatives we get when we hold constant all but one of
the independent variable in a function and differentiate with respect to that one.

Partial Derivatives of a Function of two Variables:

The partial derivative of 𝒇(𝒙, 𝒚) with respect to x at the point (𝒙𝒐 , 𝒚𝒐 ) is

𝝏𝒇 𝒇(𝒙𝒐 + 𝒉, 𝒚𝒐 ) − 𝒇(𝒙𝒐 , 𝒚𝒐 )
| = 𝐥𝐢𝐦
𝝏𝒙 (𝒙𝒐 ,𝒚𝒐 ) 𝒉→𝟎 𝒉

provided the limit exists.

An equivalent expression for the partial derivative is

𝒅
𝒇(𝒙, 𝒚𝒐 )|
𝒅𝒙 𝒙=𝒙𝒐

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The slope of the curve 𝒛 = 𝒇(𝒙, 𝒚𝒐 ) at the point 𝑷(𝒙𝒐 , 𝒚𝒐 , 𝒇(𝒙𝒐 , 𝒚𝒐 )) in the plane
𝒚 = 𝒚𝒐 is the value of the partial derivative of f with respect to x at (𝒙𝒐 , 𝒚𝒐 ). The tangent
line to the curve at P is the line in the plane 𝒚 = 𝒚𝒐 that passes through P with this slope.
The partial derivative 𝝏𝒇⁄𝝏𝒙 at (𝒙𝒐 , 𝒚𝒐 ) gives the rate of change of f with respect to x when
y is held fixed at the value 𝒚𝒐 . This is the rate of change of f in the direction of i at (𝒙𝒐 , 𝒚𝒐 ).
The notation for a partial derivative depends on what we want to emphasize:

𝝏𝒇
(𝒙𝒐 , 𝒚𝒐 ) or 𝒇𝒙 (𝒙𝒐 , 𝒚𝒐 ) “Partial derivative of f with respect to x at (𝒙𝒐 , 𝒚𝒐 )” or “f
𝝏𝒙
sub x at (𝒙𝒐 , 𝒚𝒐 ) ”. Convenient for stressing the point
(𝒙𝒐 , 𝒚𝒐 ).

𝝏𝒛 “Partial derivative of z with respect to x at (𝒙𝒐 , 𝒚𝒐 ) ”.

|
𝝏𝒙 (𝒙𝒐 ,𝒚𝒐 ) Common in science and engineering when you are dealing
with variables and do not mention the function explicitly.

𝝏𝒇 𝝏𝒛 “Partial derivative of f (or z) with respect to x”. Convenient

𝒇𝒙 , , 𝒛𝒙 , or
𝝏𝒙 𝝏𝒙
when you regard the partial derivative as a function in its
own right.

The definition of the partial derivative of 𝒇(𝒙, 𝒚) with respect to y at a point (𝒙𝒐 , 𝒚𝒐 )
is similar to the definition of the partial derivative of f with respect to x. We hold x fixed at
the value 𝒙𝒐 and take the ordinary derivative of 𝒇(𝒙𝒐 , 𝒚) with respect to y at 𝒚𝒐 .

The partial derivative of 𝒇(𝒙, 𝒚) with respect to y at the point (𝒙𝒐 , 𝒚𝒐 ) is

𝝏𝒇 𝒅 𝒇(𝒙𝒐 , 𝒚𝒐 + 𝒉) − 𝒇(𝒙𝒐 , 𝒚𝒐 )
| = 𝒇(𝒙𝒐 , 𝒚)| = 𝐥𝐢𝐦
𝝏𝒚 (𝒙 𝒅𝒚 𝒉→𝟎 𝒉
𝒐 ,𝒚𝒐 ) 𝒚=𝒚 𝒐

provided the limit exists.

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Petroleum and Gas Engineering Department
Mathematics III / Second Class

The slope of the curve 𝒛 = 𝒇(𝒙𝒐 , 𝒚) at the point 𝑷(𝒙𝒐 , 𝒚𝒐 , 𝒇(𝒙𝒐 , 𝒚𝒐 )) in the vertical
plane 𝒙 = 𝒙𝒐 (Figure 4.1) is the partial derivative of f with respect to y at (𝒙𝒐 , 𝒚𝒐 ) . The
tangent line to the curve at P is the line in the plane 𝒙 = 𝒙𝒐 that passes through P with this
slope. The partial derivative gives the rate of change of f with respect to y at (𝒙𝒐 , 𝒚𝒐 ) when
x is held fixed at the value 𝒙𝒐 . This is the rate of change of f in the direction of j at (𝒙𝒐 , 𝒚𝒐 ).

Figure (4.1): The intersection of the plane 𝑥 = 𝑥𝑜 with the surface 𝑧 = 𝑓(𝑥, 𝑦), viewed from above
the first quadrant of the xy-plane.

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Mathematics III / Second Class

The partial derivative with respect to y is denoted the same way as the partial
derivative with respect to x:
𝝏𝒇 𝝏𝒇
(𝒙 , 𝒚 ), 𝒇𝒚 (𝒙𝒐 , 𝒚𝒐 ) , , 𝒇𝒚
𝝏𝒚 𝒐 𝒐 𝝏𝒚
Notice that we now have two tangent lines associated with the surface 𝒛 = 𝒇(𝒙, 𝒚) at
the point 𝑷(𝒙𝒐 , 𝒚𝒐 , 𝒇(𝒙𝒐 , 𝒚𝒐 )) (Figure 4.2). Is the plane they determine tangent to the surface
at P? We will see that it is, but we have to learn more about partial derivatives before we can
find out why.

Figure (4.2): The intersection of the plane 𝑦 = 𝑦𝑜 with the surface 𝑧 = 𝑓(𝑥, 𝑦) and the intersection
of the plane 𝑥 = 𝑥𝑜 with the surface 𝑧 = 𝑓 (𝑥, 𝑦) combined. The tangent lines at the point
(𝑥𝑜 , 𝑦𝑜 , 𝑓 (𝑥𝑜 , 𝑦𝑜 )) determine a plane that, in this picture at least, appears to be tangent to the surface.

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 Thi-Qar University / College of Engineering
Petroleum and Gas Engineering Department
Mathematics III / Second Class

𝝏𝒇 𝝏𝒇
Sample Problem 4/1: Find the values of 𝝏𝒙 and 𝝏𝒚 at the point (4, −5) if:
𝑓(𝑥, 𝑦) = 𝑥 2 + 3𝑥𝑦 + 𝑦 − 1
Solution.
𝝏𝒇
To find , we treat y as a constant and differentiate with respect to x:
𝝏𝒙

𝜕𝑓 𝜕 2
= (𝑥 + 3𝑥𝑦 + 𝑦 − 1) = 2𝑥 + 3𝑦
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑥
𝝏𝒇
The value of at (4, −5) is:
𝝏𝒙

= 2(4) + 3(−5) = −7
𝝏𝒇
To find , we treat x as a constant and differentiate with respect to y:
𝝏𝒚

𝜕𝑓 𝜕 2
= (𝑥 + 3𝑥𝑦 + 𝑦 − 1) = 3𝑥 + 1
𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑦
𝝏𝒇
The value of at (4, −5) is:
𝝏𝒚

= 3(4) + 1 = 13

𝝏𝒇
Sample Problem 4/2: Find the values of 𝝏𝒚 if 𝑓(𝑥, 𝑦) = 𝑦 sin 𝑥𝑦

Solution.
We treat x as a constant and f as a product of y and 𝐬𝐢𝐧 𝒙𝒚:
𝜕𝑓 𝜕 𝜕 𝜕
= (𝑦 sin 𝑥𝑦) = 𝑦 (sin 𝑥𝑦) + (sin 𝑥𝑦) (𝑦)
𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑦
𝜕
= 𝑦 cos 𝑥𝑦 (𝑥𝑦) + (sin 𝑥𝑦)
𝜕𝑦
= 𝑥𝑦 cos 𝑥𝑦 + (sin 𝑥𝑦)

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Petroleum and Gas Engineering Department
Mathematics III / Second Class
2𝑦
Sample Problem 4/3: Find 𝒇𝒙 and 𝒇𝒚 if 𝑓(𝑥, 𝑦) = 𝑦+cos 𝑥

Solution.
We treat f as a quotient. With y held constant, we get:
𝜕 𝜕
𝜕 2𝑦 (𝑦 + cos 𝑥 ) (2𝑦) − (2𝑦) (𝑦 + cos 𝑥 )
𝑓𝑥 = ( )= 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑥
𝜕𝑥 𝑦 + cos 𝑥 (𝑦 + cos 𝑥 ) 2

(𝑦 + cos 𝑥 )(0) − 2𝑦(− sin 𝑥 ) 2𝑦 sin 𝑥

= =
(𝑦 + cos 𝑥 )2 (𝑦 + cos 𝑥 )2
With x held constant, we get:
𝜕 𝜕
𝜕 2𝑦 (𝑦 + cos 𝑥 ) (2𝑦) − (2𝑦) (𝑦 + cos 𝑥 )
𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑦
𝑓𝑦 = ( )=
𝜕𝑦 𝑦 + cos 𝑥 (𝑦 + cos 𝑥 ) 2

(𝑦 + cos 𝑥 )(2) − 2𝑦(1) 2𝑦 + 2 cos 𝑥 − 2𝑦 2 cos 𝑥

= = =
(𝑦 + cos 𝑥 )2 (𝑦 + cos 𝑥 )2 (𝑦 + cos 𝑥 )2

𝝏𝒇 𝝏𝒇
Sample Problem 4/4: Find 𝝏𝒙 and 𝝏𝒚 if 𝑓(𝑥, 𝑦) = (2𝑥 − 3𝑦)3

Solution.
𝜕𝑓 𝜕
= (2𝑥 − 3𝑦)3 = 3(2𝑥 − 3𝑦)2 (2) = 6(2𝑥 − 3𝑦)2
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑥
𝜕𝑓 𝜕
= (2𝑥 − 3𝑦)3 = 3(2𝑥 − 3𝑦)2 (−3) = −9(2𝑥 − 3𝑦)2
𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑦

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Petroleum and Gas Engineering Department
Mathematics III / Second Class

Partial Derivatives of a Function of More Than Two Variables:

The definitions of the partial derivatives of functions of more than two independent
variables are like the definitions for functions of two variables. They are ordinary derivatives
with respect to one variable, taken while the other independent variables are held constant.

Sample Problem 4/5: Find 𝝏𝒛⁄𝝏𝒙 for 𝑦𝑧 − ln 𝑧 = 𝑥 + 𝑦

Solution.
We differentiate both sides of the equation with respect to x, holding y constant and
treating z as a differentiable function of x:
𝜕 𝜕 𝜕 𝜕
(𝑦𝑧) − (ln 𝑧) = (𝑥 ) + (𝑦 )
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑥
𝜕𝑧 1 𝜕𝑧 𝜕𝑧 𝑧
𝑦 − =1⟹ =
𝜕𝑥 𝑧 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑥 𝑦𝑧 − 1

𝝏𝒇
Sample Problem 4/6: Find 𝝏𝒛 if 𝑓 (𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧) = 𝑥 sin(𝑦 + 3𝑧)
Solution.
𝜕𝑓 𝜕 𝜕 𝜕
= [𝑥 sin(𝑦 + 3𝑧)] = 𝑥 sin(𝑦 + 3𝑧) = 𝑥 cos(𝑦 + 3𝑧) (𝑦 + 3𝑧)
𝜕𝑧 𝜕𝑧 𝜕𝑧 𝜕𝑧
= 𝑥 cos(𝑦 + 3𝑧) (3) = 3𝑥 cos(𝑦 + 3𝑧)

Sample Problem 4/7: Find 𝒇𝒙 , 𝒇𝒚 and 𝒇𝒛 if 𝑓(𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧) = 𝑥𝑦 + 𝑦𝑧 + 𝑥𝑧

Solution.
𝜕
𝑓𝑥 = (𝑥𝑦 + 𝑦𝑧 + 𝑥𝑧) = 𝑦 + 𝑧
𝜕𝑥
𝜕
𝑓𝑦 = (𝑥𝑦 + 𝑦𝑧 + 𝑥𝑧) = 𝑥 + 𝑧
𝜕𝑦
𝜕
𝑓𝑧 = (𝑥𝑦 + 𝑦𝑧 + 𝑥𝑧) = 𝑦 + 𝑥
𝜕𝑧

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Petroleum and Gas Engineering Department
Mathematics III / Second Class

Sample Problem 4/8: The plane 𝑥 = 1 intersects the paraboloid 𝑧 = 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 in a

parabola. Find the slope of the tangent to the parabola at (1,2,5) (Figure 4.3).

Figure (4.3): The tangent to the curve of intersection of the plane 𝑥 = 1 and surface 𝑧 = 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2
at the point (1,2,5).
Solution.
The slope is the value of the partial derivative 𝜕𝑧⁄𝜕𝑦 at (1, 2):
𝜕𝑧 𝜕 2
| = (𝑥 + 𝑦2 )| = 2𝑦|(1,2) = 2(2) = 4
𝜕𝑦 (1,2) 𝜕𝑦 (1,2)

As a check, we can treat the parabola as the graph of the single-variable function
𝑧 = (1)2 + 𝑦 2 = 1 + 𝑦 2 in the plane 𝑥 = 1 and ask for the slope at 𝑦 = 2. The slope,
calculated now as an ordinary derivative, is:
𝑑𝑧 𝑑
| = (1 + 𝑦2 )| = 2𝑦|𝑦=2 = 2(2) = 4
𝑑𝑦 𝑦=2 𝑑𝑦 𝑦=2

H.W: Find 𝝏𝒇⁄𝝏𝒙 and 𝝏𝒇⁄𝝏𝒚 for the functions:

1. 𝒇(𝒙, 𝒚) = (𝒙𝒚 − 𝟏)𝟐 2. 𝒇(𝒙, 𝒚) = 𝒙𝟐 − 𝒙𝒚 + 𝒚𝟐
𝒙
3. 𝒇(𝒙, 𝒚) = (𝒙𝟐 − 𝟏)(𝒚 + 𝟐) 4. 𝒇(𝒙, 𝒚) = (𝒙𝟐
+𝒚𝟐 )

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Petroleum and Gas Engineering Department
Mathematics III / Second Class

Second Order Partial Derivatives:

When we differential a function 𝒇(𝒙, 𝒚) twice, we produce its second – order
derivative. These derivatives are usually denoted by:

𝜕2𝑓 𝜕 𝜕𝑓 𝜕2𝑓 𝜕 𝜕𝑓
= ( ) = 𝑓𝑥𝑥 = ( ) = 𝑓𝑦𝑦
𝜕𝑥 2 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 2 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑦

𝜕2𝑓 𝜕 𝜕𝑓 𝜕2𝑓 𝜕 𝜕𝑓
= ( ) = 𝑓𝑦𝑥 = ( ) = 𝑓𝑥𝑦
𝜕𝑥𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑦𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑥

𝝏𝟐 𝒇 𝝏𝟐 𝒇 𝝏𝟐 𝒇 𝝏𝟐 𝒇
Sample Problem 4/9: If 𝑓(𝑥, 𝑦) = 𝑥 2 𝑦 3 + 𝑥 4 𝑦 find 𝝏𝒙𝟐 , 𝝏𝒚𝟐 , 𝝏𝒙𝝏𝒚 and 𝝏𝒚𝝏𝒙

Solution.
𝜕𝑓 𝜕 2 3 𝜕𝑓 𝜕 2 3
= (𝑥 𝑦 + 𝑥 4 𝑦) = 2𝑥𝑦 3 + 4𝑥 3 𝑦 = (𝑥 𝑦 + 𝑥 4 𝑦) = 3𝑥 2 𝑦 2 + 𝑥 4
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑦

𝜕2𝑓 𝜕 𝜕𝑓 𝜕
= ( ) = (2𝑥𝑦 3 + 4𝑥 3 𝑦) = 2𝑦 3 + 12𝑥 2 𝑦
𝜕𝑥 2 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑥

𝜕2𝑓 𝜕 𝜕𝑓 𝜕
2
= ( ) = (3𝑥 2 𝑦 2 + 𝑥 4 ) = 6𝑥 2 𝑦
𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑦

𝜕2𝑓 𝜕 𝜕𝑓 𝜕
= ( )= (3𝑥 2 𝑦 2 + 𝑥 4 ) = 6𝑥𝑦 2 + 4𝑥 3
𝜕𝑥𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑥

𝜕2𝑓 𝜕 𝜕𝑓 𝜕
= ( )= (2𝑥𝑦 3 + 4𝑥 3 𝑦) = 6𝑥𝑦 2 + 4𝑥 3
𝜕𝑦𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦

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Petroleum and Gas Engineering Department
Mathematics III / Second Class

Sample Problem 4/10: Find 𝒇𝒙𝒙 , 𝒇𝒚𝒚 , 𝒇𝒚𝒙 and 𝒇𝒙𝒚 if 𝑓(𝑥, 𝑦) = 𝑥 cos 𝑦 + 𝑦𝑒 𝑥
Solution.
𝜕𝑓 𝜕 𝜕𝑓 𝜕
= (𝑥 cos 𝑦 + 𝑦𝑒 𝑥 ) = cos 𝑦 + 𝑦𝑒 𝑥 = (𝑥 cos 𝑦 + 𝑦𝑒 𝑥 ) = −𝑥 sin 𝑦 + 𝑒 𝑥
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑦

𝜕2𝑓 𝜕 𝜕𝑓 𝜕
𝑓𝑥𝑥 = 2 = ( )= (cos 𝑦 + 𝑦𝑒 𝑥 ) = 𝑦𝑒 𝑥
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑥

𝜕2𝑓 𝜕 𝜕𝑓 𝜕
𝑓𝑦𝑦 = 2= ( )= (−𝑥 sin 𝑦 + 𝑒 𝑥 ) = −𝑥 cos 𝑦
𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑦

𝜕2𝑓 𝜕 𝜕𝑓 𝜕
𝑓𝑦𝑥 = = ( )= (−𝑥 sin 𝑦 + 𝑒 𝑥 ) = − sin 𝑦 + 𝑒 𝑥
𝜕𝑥𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑥

𝜕2𝑓 𝜕 𝜕𝑓 𝜕
𝑓𝑥𝑦 = = ( )= (cos 𝑦 + 𝑦𝑒 𝑥 ) = − sin 𝑦 + 𝑒 𝑥
𝜕𝑦𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦

H.W: Find 𝒇𝒙𝒙 , 𝒇𝒚𝒚 , 𝒇𝒚𝒙 and 𝒇𝒙𝒚 if 𝑓(𝑥, 𝑦) = 𝑥 + 𝑦 + 𝑥𝑦

The Mixed Derivative Theorem:

If 𝒇(𝒙, 𝒚) and its partial derivatives 𝒇𝒙 , 𝒇𝒚 , 𝒇𝒙𝒚 and 𝒇𝒚𝒙 are defined throughout an
open region containing a point (a, b) and are all continuous at (a, b), then:
𝑓𝑥𝑦 (𝑎, 𝑏) = 𝑓𝑦𝑥 (𝑎, 𝑏)

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𝑒𝑦
Sample Problem 4/11: Find 𝝏𝟐 𝒘⁄𝝏𝒙𝝏𝒚 if 𝑤 = 𝑥𝑦 + 𝑦2+1

Solution.
The symbol 𝝏𝟐 𝒘⁄𝝏𝒙𝝏𝒚 tells us to differentiate first with respect to y and the with
respect to x. If we postpone the differentiation with respect to y and differentiate first with
respect to x, however, we get the answer more quickly. In two steps:
𝜕𝑤 𝜕2𝑤
=𝑦 𝑎𝑛𝑑 =1
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑥𝜕𝑦
If we differentiate first with respect to y, we obtain 𝝏𝟐 𝒘⁄𝝏𝒙𝝏𝒚 = 𝟏 as well.

Partial Derivatives of Higher Order:

Although we will deal mostly with first and second – order partial derivatives, because
these appear the most frequently in applications, there is no theoretical limit to how many
times we can differentiate a function as long as the derivatives involved exist. Thus, we get
third and fourth – order derivatives by symbols like:
𝜕3𝑓 𝜕4𝑓
= 𝑓𝑦𝑦𝑥 = 𝑓𝑦𝑦𝑥𝑥
𝜕𝑥𝜕𝑦 2 𝜕𝑥 2 𝜕𝑦 2

Sample Problem 4/12: Find 𝒇𝒚𝒙𝒚𝒛 if 𝑓(𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧) = 1 − 2𝑥𝑦 2 𝑧 + 𝑥 2 𝑦

Solution.
We first differentiate with respect to variable y, then x, then y again, and finally with
respect to z:
𝑓𝑦 = −4𝑥𝑦𝑧 + 𝑥 2
𝑓𝑦𝑥 = −4𝑦𝑧 + 2𝑥
𝑓𝑦𝑥𝑦 = −4𝑧
𝑓𝑦𝑥𝑦𝑧 = −4

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 Thi-Qar University / College of Engineering
Petroleum and Gas Engineering Department
Mathematics III / Second Class

The Chain Rule:

The Chain Rule for functions of a single variable said that when 𝒘 = 𝒇(𝒙) was a
differentiable function of x and 𝒙 = 𝒈(𝒕) was a differentiable function of t, w became a
differentiable function of t and 𝒅𝒘⁄𝒅𝒕 could be calculated with the formula:
𝑑𝑤 𝑑𝑤 𝑑𝑥
=
𝑑𝑡 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑡
For functions of two or more variables the Chain Rule has several forms. The form
depends on how many variables are involved, once we account for the presence of additional
variables.

The Chain Rule for Functions of Two Variables:

The Chain Rule formula for function 𝒘 = 𝒇(𝒙, 𝒚) when 𝒙 = 𝒙(𝒕) and 𝒚 = 𝒚(𝒕) are
both differentiable functions of t is given in the following theorem:
If 𝒘 = 𝒇(𝒙, 𝒚) has continuous partial derivatives 𝒇𝒙 and 𝒇𝒚 and if 𝒙 = 𝒙(𝒕) , 𝒚 = 𝒚(𝒕)
are differentiable functions of t, then the composite 𝒘 = 𝒇(𝒙(𝒕), 𝒚(𝒕)) is a differentiable
function of t and

𝒅𝒇
= 𝒇𝒙 (𝒙(𝒕), 𝒚(𝒕)). 𝒙′ (𝒕) + 𝒇𝒚 (𝒙(𝒕), 𝒚(𝒕)). 𝒚′ (𝒕)
𝒅𝒕
or
𝒅𝒘 𝝏𝒇 𝒅𝒙 𝝏𝒇 𝒅𝒚
= +
𝒅𝒕 𝝏𝒙 𝒅𝒕 𝝏𝒚 𝒅𝒕

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Mathematics III / Second Class

Sample Problem 4/13: Use the Chain Rule to find the derivation of 𝑤 = 𝑥𝑦 with respect
𝝅
to t along the path 𝑥 = cos 𝑡, 𝑦 = sin 𝑡. What is the derivative’s value at 𝒕 = ?
𝟐

Solution.
𝒅𝒘
We apply the Chain Rule to find as follows:
𝒅𝒕

𝑑𝑤 𝜕𝑤 𝑑𝑥 𝜕𝑤 𝑑𝑦 𝜕(𝑥𝑦) 𝑑 𝜕(𝑥𝑦) 𝑑
= + = . (cos 𝑡) + . (sin 𝑡)
𝑑𝑡 𝜕𝑥 𝑑𝑡 𝜕𝑦 𝑑𝑡 𝜕𝑥 𝑑𝑡 𝜕𝑦 𝑑𝑡
= (𝑦)(− sin 𝑡) + (𝑥 )(cos 𝑡) = (sin 𝑡)(− sin 𝑡) + (cos 𝑡)(cos 𝑡)
= − sin2 𝑡 + cos2 𝑡 = cos 2𝑡
In this example, we can check the result with a more direct calculation. As a function
of t:
1 𝑑𝑤 𝑑 1 1
𝑤 = 𝑥𝑦 = cos 𝑡 sin 𝑡 = sin 2𝑡 ⟹ = ( sin 2𝑡) = . 2 cos 2𝑡 = cos 2𝑡
2 𝑑𝑡 𝑑𝑡 2 2
At the given value of t:
𝑑𝑤 𝜋
( ) 𝜋 = cos (2. ) = cos 𝜋 = −1
𝑑𝑡 𝑡= 2
2

Sample Problem 4/14: Use the Chain Rule to find the derivation of 𝑤 = 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 with
respect to 𝒕 along the path 𝑥 = cos 𝑡, 𝑦 = sin 𝑡.
Solution.
𝒅𝒘
We apply the Chain Rule to find as follows:
𝒅𝒕

𝑑𝑤 𝜕𝑤 𝑑𝑥 𝜕𝑤 𝑑𝑦 𝜕 2 𝑑 𝜕 2 𝑑
= + = (𝑥 + 𝑦 2 ). (cos 𝑡) + (𝑥 + 𝑦 2 ). (sin 𝑡)
𝑑𝑡 𝜕𝑥 𝑑𝑡 𝜕𝑦 𝑑𝑡 𝜕𝑥 𝑑𝑡 𝜕𝑦 𝑑𝑡
= (2𝑥 )(− sin 𝑡) + (2𝑦)(cos 𝑡) = (2 cos 𝑡)(− sin 𝑡) + (2 sin 𝑡)(cos 𝑡)
= −2 cos 𝑡 sin 𝑡 + 2 sin 𝑡 cos 𝑡 = 0
For Check:
𝑑𝑤
𝑤 = 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 = cos2 𝑡 + sin2 𝑡 = 1 ⟹ =0
𝑑𝑡

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 Thi-Qar University / College of Engineering
Petroleum and Gas Engineering Department
Mathematics III / Second Class

The Chain Rule for Functions of Three Variables:

If 𝒘 = 𝒇(𝒙, 𝒚, 𝒛) is differentiable and x, y and z are differentiable functions of t, then
w is a differentiable function of t and:
𝒅𝒘 𝝏𝒇 𝒅𝒙 𝝏𝒇 𝒅𝒚 𝝏𝒇 𝒅𝒛
= + +
𝒅𝒕 𝝏𝒙 𝒅𝒕 𝝏𝒚 𝒅𝒕 𝝏𝒛 𝒅𝒕

𝒅𝒘
Sample Problem 4/15: Use the Chain Rule to find the derivate ( 𝒅𝒕 ) of 𝑤 = 𝑥𝑦 + 𝑧 with
𝒅𝒘
𝑥 = cos 𝑡, 𝑦 = sin 𝑡, 𝑧 = 𝑡, and determine the value of ( ) at 𝑡 = 0.
𝒅𝒕

Solution.
𝑑𝑤 𝜕𝑤 𝑑𝑥 𝜕𝑤 𝑑𝑦 𝜕𝑤 𝑑𝑧
= + +
𝑑𝑡 𝜕𝑥 𝑑𝑡 𝜕𝑦 𝑑𝑡 𝜕𝑧 𝑑𝑡
𝜕 𝑑 𝜕 𝑑 𝜕 𝑑
= (𝑥𝑦 + 𝑧). (cos 𝑡) + (𝑥𝑦 + 𝑧). (sin 𝑡) + (𝑥𝑦 + 𝑧). (𝑡)
𝜕𝑥 𝑑𝑡 𝜕𝑦 𝑑𝑡 𝜕𝑧 𝑑𝑡
= (𝑦)(− sin 𝑡) + (𝑥 )(cos 𝑡) + (1)(1) = (sin 𝑡)(− sin 𝑡) + (cos 𝑡)(cos 𝑡) + 1
= − sin2 𝑡 + cos2 𝑡 + 1 = cos 2𝑡 + 1
At the given value of t:
𝑑𝑤
( ) = cos(0) + 1 = 2
𝑑𝑡 𝑡=0

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 Thi-Qar University / College of Engineering
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Mathematics III / Second Class

Functions Defined on Surfaces:

If we are interested in the temperature 𝒘 = 𝒇(𝒙, 𝒚, 𝒛) at points (x, y, z) on a globe in
space, we might prefer to think of x, y, and z as functions of the variables r and s that give
the points’ longitudes and latitudes. If 𝒙 = 𝒈(𝒓, 𝒔), 𝒚 = 𝒉(𝒓, 𝒔), and 𝒛 = 𝒌(𝒓, 𝒔), we could
then express the temperature as a function of r and s with the composite function:
𝑤 = 𝑓(𝑔(𝑟, 𝑠), ℎ(𝑟, 𝑠), 𝑘(𝑟, 𝑠))
Under the right conditions, w would have partial derivatives with respect to both r and
s that could be calculated in the following way.

Suppose that 𝒘 = 𝒇(𝒙, 𝒚, 𝒛) , 𝒙 = 𝒈(𝒓, 𝒔) , 𝒚 = 𝒉(𝒓, 𝒔) , and 𝒛 = 𝒌(𝒓, 𝒔) . If all four

functions are differentiable, then w has partial derivatives with respect to r and s, given
by the formulas

𝝏𝒘 𝝏𝒘 𝝏𝒙 𝝏𝒘 𝝏𝒚 𝝏𝒘 𝝏𝒛
= + +
𝝏𝒓 𝝏𝒙 𝝏𝒓 𝝏𝒚 𝝏𝒓 𝝏𝒛 𝝏𝒓

𝝏𝒘 𝝏𝒘 𝝏𝒙 𝝏𝒘 𝝏𝒚 𝝏𝒘 𝝏𝒛
= + +
𝝏𝒔 𝝏𝒙 𝝏𝒔 𝝏𝒚 𝝏𝒔 𝝏𝒛 𝝏𝒔

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Mathematics III / Second Class

If ƒ is a function of two variables instead of three, each equation becomes

correspondingly one term shorter.

If 𝒘 = 𝒇(𝒙, 𝒚), 𝒙 = 𝒈(𝒓, 𝒔), and 𝒚 = 𝒉(𝒓, 𝒔), then

𝝏𝒘 𝝏𝒘 𝝏𝒙 𝝏𝒘 𝝏𝒚 𝝏𝒘 𝝏𝒘 𝝏𝒙 𝝏𝒘 𝝏𝒚
= + and = +
𝝏𝒓 𝝏𝒙 𝝏𝒓 𝝏𝒚 𝝏𝒓 𝝏𝒔 𝝏𝒙 𝝏𝒔 𝝏𝒚 𝝏𝒔

If ƒ is a function of x alone, our equations become even simpler.

If 𝒘 = 𝒇(𝒙) and 𝒙 = 𝒈(𝒓, 𝒔), then

𝝏𝒘 𝒅𝒘 𝝏𝒙 𝝏𝒘 𝒅𝒘 𝝏𝒙
= and =
𝝏𝒓 𝒅𝒙 𝝏𝒓 𝝏𝒔 𝒅𝒙 𝝏𝒔

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 Thi-Qar University / College of Engineering
Petroleum and Gas Engineering Department
Mathematics III / Second Class

𝝏𝒘 𝝏𝒘
Sample Problem 4/16: Find 𝝏𝒓 and 𝝏𝒓
in terms of r and s if:
𝑟
𝑤 = 𝑥 + 2𝑦 + 𝑧 2 , 𝑥= , 𝑦 = 𝑟 2 + ln 𝑠 , 𝑧 = 2𝑟
𝑠
Solution.
𝜕𝑤 𝜕𝑤 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑤 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑤 𝜕𝑧
= + +
𝜕𝑟 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑟 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑟 𝜕𝑧 𝜕𝑟

1 1 1
= (1) ( ) + (2)(2𝑟) + (2𝑧)(2) = + 4𝑟 + (4𝑟)(2) = + 12𝑟
𝑠 𝑠 𝑠

𝜕𝑤 𝜕𝑤 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑤 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑤 𝜕𝑧
= + +
𝜕𝑠 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑠 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑠 𝜕𝑧 𝜕𝑠

𝑟 1 𝑟 2 2 𝑟
= (1) (− ) + ( 2) ( ) + ( 2𝑧 )( 0) = − + + 0 = −
𝑠2 𝑠 𝑠2 𝑠 𝑠 𝑠2

𝝏𝒘 𝝏𝒘
Sample Problem 4/17: Find 𝝏𝒓 and 𝝏𝒓
in terms of r and s if:

𝑤 = 𝑥2 + 𝑦2 , 𝑥 =𝑟−𝑠, 𝑦 =𝑟+𝑠
Solution.
𝜕𝑤 𝜕𝑤 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑤 𝜕𝑦
= +
𝜕𝑟 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑟 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑟

= (2𝑥 )(1) + (2𝑦)(1) = 2𝑥 + 2𝑦 = 2(𝑟 − 𝑠) + 2(𝑟 + 𝑠) = 4𝑟

𝜕𝑤 𝜕𝑤 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑤 𝜕𝑦
= +
𝜕𝑠 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑠 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑠

= (2𝑥 )(−1) + (2𝑦)(1) = 2𝑦 − 2𝑥 = 2(𝑟 + 𝑠) − 2(𝑟 − 𝑠) = 4𝑠

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 Thi-Qar University / College of Engineering
Petroleum and Gas Engineering Department
Mathematics III / Second Class

Implicit Differentiation Revisited:

Suppose that:
1. The function 𝑭(𝒙, 𝒚) is differentiable and
2. The equation 𝑭(𝒙, 𝒚) = 𝟎 defines y implicitly as a differentiable function of x, say
𝒚 = 𝒉(𝒙).
Since 𝑤 = 𝑭(𝒙, 𝒚) = 𝟎 , the derivative 𝒅𝒘⁄𝒅𝒙 must be zero. Computing the
derivative from the Chain Rule shown below, we find

From the definition of the Chain Rule for functions of two variables with 𝒕 = 𝒙 and
𝒇 = 𝑭:
𝑑𝑤 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑦 𝑑𝑦
0= = 𝐹𝑥 + 𝐹𝑦 = 𝐹𝑥 . 1 + 𝐹𝑦 .
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥

If 𝑭𝒚 = 𝝏𝒘⁄𝝏𝒚 ≠ 𝟎, we can solve this equation for 𝒅𝒚⁄𝒅𝒙 to get:

𝑑𝑦 𝐹𝑥
=−
𝑑𝑥 𝐹𝑦

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 Thi-Qar University / College of Engineering
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This relationship gives a surprisingly simple shortcut to finding derivatives of

implicitly defined functions, which we state here as a theorem.

Suppose that 𝑭(𝒙, 𝒚) is differentiable and that the equation 𝑭(𝒙, 𝒚) = 𝟎 defines y as a
differentiable function of x. Then at any point where 𝑭𝒚 ≠ 𝟎,

𝒅𝒚 𝑭𝒙
=−
𝒅𝒙 𝑭𝒚

Sample Problem 4/18: Use a formula for implicit differentiation to find 𝒅𝒚⁄𝒅𝒙 if:
𝑦 2 − 𝑥 2 − sin 𝑥𝑦 = 0
Solution.
Take 𝐹 (𝑥, 𝑦) = 𝑦 2 − 𝑥 2 − sin 𝑥𝑦 then:

𝑑𝑦 𝐹𝑥
=−
𝑑𝑥 𝐹𝑦

−2𝑥 − 𝑦 cos 𝑥𝑦
=−
2𝑦 − 𝑥 cos 𝑥𝑦

2𝑥 + 𝑦 cos 𝑥𝑦
=
2𝑦 − 𝑥 cos 𝑥𝑦

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 Thi-Qar University / College of Engineering
Petroleum and Gas Engineering Department
Mathematics III / Second Class

Directional Derivatives and Gradient Vectors:

Suppose that the function 𝒇(𝒙, 𝒚) is defined throughout a region R in the xy-plane,
that 𝑷𝒐 (𝒙𝒐 , 𝒚𝒐 ) is a point in R, and that 𝐮 = 𝒖𝟏 𝒊 + 𝒖𝟐 𝒋 is a unit vector. Then the equations
𝑥 = 𝑥𝑜 + 𝑠𝑢1 , 𝑦 = 𝑦𝑜 + 𝑠𝑢2
parametrize the line through 𝑷𝒐 parallel to u. If the parameter s measures arc length from 𝑷𝒐
in the direction of u, we find the rate of change of ƒ at 𝑷𝒐 in the direction of u by calculating
𝒅𝒇⁄𝒅𝒔 at 𝑷𝒐 (Figure 4.4).

Figure (4.4): The rate of change of ƒ in the direction of u at a point 𝑃𝑜 is the rate at which ƒ changes
along this line at 𝑃𝑜 .

The derivative of ƒ at 𝑷𝒐 (𝒙𝒐 , 𝒚𝒐 ) in the direction of the unit vector 𝐮 = 𝒖𝟏 𝒊 + 𝒖𝟐 𝒋 is the

number
𝒅𝒇 𝒇(𝒙𝒐 + 𝒔𝒖𝟏 , 𝒚𝒐 + 𝒔𝒖𝟐 ) − 𝒇(𝒙𝒐 , 𝒚𝒐 )
( ) = 𝐥𝐢𝐦
𝒅𝒔 𝐮,𝑷𝒐 𝒔→𝟎 𝒔

provided the limit exists.

The directional derivative is also denoted by
(𝐷𝑢 𝑓)𝑷𝒐
“The derivation of f at 𝑷𝒐 in the direction of u”

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 Thi-Qar University / College of Engineering
Petroleum and Gas Engineering Department
Mathematics III / Second Class

Sample Problem 4/19: Find the derivative of 𝑓(𝑥, 𝑦) = 𝑥 2 + 𝑥𝑦 at 𝑃𝑜 (1,2) in the

1 1
direction of the unit vector u = ( ) i + ( ) j.
√2 √2

Solution.
𝑑𝑓 𝑓 (𝑥𝑜 + 𝑠𝑢1 , 𝑦𝑜 + 𝑠𝑢2 ) − 𝑓(𝑥𝑜 , 𝑦𝑜 )
( ) = lim
𝑑𝑠 u,𝑃𝑜 𝑠→0 𝑠
1 1
𝑓 (1 + 𝑠. , 2 + 𝑠. ) − 𝑓(1,2)
= lim √2 √2
𝑠→0 𝑠
𝑠 2 𝑠 𝑠
(1 + ) + (1 + ) (2 + ) − [(1)2 + (1)(2)]
= lim √2 √2 √2
𝑠→0 𝑠
2𝑠 𝑠 2 3𝑠 𝑠 2 5𝑠
(1 + + ) + (2 + + )−3 + 𝑠2
√2 2 √2 2 2 5 5
= lim = lim √ = lim ( + 𝑠) =
𝑠→0 𝑠 𝑠→0 𝑠 𝑠→0 √2 √2
The rate of change of 𝑓(𝑥, 𝑦) = 𝑥 2 + 𝑥𝑦 at 𝑃𝑜 (1,2) in the direction of the unit vector
1 1
u = ( ) i + ( ) j is 5⁄√2.
√2 √2

Gradient Vectors:
The gradient vector (gradient) of 𝒇(𝒙, 𝒚) at a point 𝑷𝒐 (𝒙𝒐 , 𝒚𝒐 ) is the vector

𝝏𝒇 𝝏𝒇
𝛁𝒇 = 𝐢+ 𝐣
𝝏𝒙 𝝏𝒚

obtained by the evaluating the partial derivatives of f at 𝑷𝒐 .

The notation 𝛁𝒇 is read “grad f ” as well as “gradient of f ” and “del f ”. The symbol
𝛁 by itself is read “del”. Another notation for the gradient is grad f, read the way it is written.

If 𝒇(𝒙, 𝒚) is differentiable in an open region containing 𝑷𝒐 (𝒙𝒐 , 𝒚𝒐 ), then

𝒅𝒇
( ) = (𝛁𝒇)𝑷𝒐 . 𝐮
𝒅𝒔 𝐮,𝑷𝒐

the dot product of the gradient f at 𝑷𝒐 and u.

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Petroleum and Gas Engineering Department
Mathematics III / Second Class

Sample Problem 4/20: Find the derivative of 𝑓(𝑥, 𝑦) = 𝑥𝑒 𝑦 + cos(𝑥𝑦) at the point
(2,0) in the direction of v = 3i − 4j.
Solution.
The direction of v is the unit vector obtained by dividing v by its length:
v 3 4
u= = i− j
|v| 5 5
The partial derivatives of ƒ are everywhere continuous and at (2, 0) are given by:
𝑓𝑥 (2,0) = [𝑒 𝑦 − 𝑦 sin(𝑥𝑦)](2,0) = 𝑒 0 − 0 = 1
𝑓𝑦 (2,0) = [𝑥𝑒 𝑦 − 𝑥 sin(𝑥𝑦)](2,0) = 2𝑒 0 − 0 = 2
The gradient of ƒ at (2, 0) is:
∇𝑓|(2,0) = 𝑓𝑥 (2,0)i + 𝑓𝑦 (2,0)j = i + 2j
(Figure 4.5). The derivative of ƒ at (2, 0) in the direction of v is therefore:
(𝐷u 𝑓)|(2,0) = ∇𝑓|(2,0) . u
3 4 3 8
= (i + 2j). ( i − j) = − = −1
5 5 5 5

Figure (4.5): Picture ∇𝑓 as a vector in the domain of f. In the case of 𝑓 (𝑥, 𝑦) = 𝑥𝑒 𝑦 + cos(𝑥𝑦), the
domain is the entire plane. The rate at which f changes at (2,0) in the direction u = (3⁄5)i − (4⁄5)j
is ∇𝑓. u = −1.

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 Thi-Qar University / College of Engineering
Petroleum and Gas Engineering Department
Mathematics III / Second Class

Properties of the Directional Derivative 𝑫𝐮 𝒇 = 𝛁𝒇. 𝐮 = |𝛁𝒇| 𝐜𝐨𝐬 𝜽

1. The function ƒ increases most rapidly when 𝐜𝐨𝐬 𝜽 = 𝟏 or when u is the direction of
𝛁𝒇. That is at each point P in its domain, f increases most rapidly in the direction of
the gradient vector 𝛁𝒇 at P. The derivative in this direction is
𝑫𝐮 𝒇 = |𝛁𝒇| 𝐜𝐨𝐬(𝟎) = |𝛁𝒇|
2. Similarly, ƒ decreases most rapidly in the direction of −𝛁𝒇. The derivative in this
direction is
𝑫𝐮 𝒇 = |𝛁𝒇| 𝐜𝐨𝐬(𝝅) = −|𝛁𝒇|
3. Any direction u orthogonal to a gradient 𝛁𝒇 ≠ 𝟎 is a direction of zero change in f
because θ then equals 𝝅⁄𝟐 and
𝑫𝐮 𝒇 = |𝛁𝒇| 𝐜𝐨𝐬(𝝅⁄𝟐) = |𝛁𝒇|. 𝟎 = 𝟎
𝑥2 𝑦2
Sample Problem 4/21: Find the direction in which 𝑓(𝑥, 𝑦) = ( 2 ) + ( 2 )
a) Increases most rapidly at the point (1,1).
b) Decreases most rapidly at (1,1).
c) What are the directions of zero change in ƒ at (1,1)?
Solution.
a) The function increases most rapidly in the direction of 𝛁𝒇 at (1,1). The gradient there
is:
(∇𝑓)(1,1) = (𝑥i + 𝑦j)(1,1) = i + j
Its direction is:
i+j i+j 1 1
u= = = i+ j
|i + j| √(1)2 + (1)2 √2 √2
b) The function decreases most rapidly in the direction of −𝛁𝒇 at (1,1), which is:
1 1
−u = − i− j
√2 √2
c) The directions of zero change at (1,1) are the directions orthogonal to 𝛁𝒇:
1 1 1 1
n=− i+ j and −n= i− j
√2 √2 √2 √2
as shown in (Figure 4.6).

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 Thi-Qar University / College of Engineering
Petroleum and Gas Engineering Department
Mathematics III / Second Class

Figure (4.6): The direction in which 𝑓(𝑥, 𝑦) = (𝑥 2 ⁄2) + (𝑦 2 ⁄2) increases most rapidly at (1,1) is
the direction of ∇𝑓|(1,1) = i + j. It corresponds to the direction of steepest ascent on the surface at
(1,1,1).
Gradients and Tangents to Level Curves:
At every point (𝒙𝒐 , 𝒚𝒐 ) in the domain of a differentiable function 𝒇(𝒙, 𝒚), the gradient of
f is normal to the level curve through (𝒙𝒐 , 𝒚𝒐 ) (Figure 4.7).

Figure (4.7): The gradient of a differentiable function of two variables at a point is always normal
to the function’s level curve through that point.

The equations for tangent lines to level curves could be found. They are the lines
normal to the gradients. The line through a point 𝑷𝒐 (𝒙𝒐 , 𝒚𝒐 ) normal to a vector
𝐍 = 𝑨𝐢 + 𝑩𝐣 has the equation
𝐴(𝑥 − 𝑥𝑜 ) + 𝐵(𝑦 − 𝑦𝑜 ) = 0
If N is the gradient (𝛁𝒇)(𝒙𝒐 ,𝒚𝒐 ) = 𝒇𝒙 (𝒙𝒐 , 𝒚𝒐 )𝐢 + 𝒇𝒚 (𝒙𝒐 , 𝒚𝒐 )𝐣 , the equation is the
tangent line given by
𝑓𝑥 (𝑥𝑜 , 𝑦𝑜 )(𝑥 − 𝑥𝑜 ) + 𝑓𝑦 (𝑥𝑜 , 𝑦𝑜 )(𝑦 − 𝑦𝑜 ) = 0

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 Thi-Qar University / College of Engineering
Petroleum and Gas Engineering Department
Mathematics III / Second Class

𝑥2
Sample Problem 4/22: Find an equation for the tangent to the ellipse + 𝑦2 = 2
4

(Figure 4.8) at the point (−2,1).

Figure (4.8): We can find the tangent to the ellipse (𝑥 2 ⁄4) + 𝑦 2 = 2 by treating the ellipse as a
level curve of the function 𝑓 (𝑥, 𝑦) = (𝑥 2 ⁄4) + 𝑦 2 .
Solution.
The ellipse is a level curve of the function:
𝑥2
𝑓 (𝑥, 𝑦) = + 𝑦2
4

The gradient of f at (−2,1) is:

𝑥
∇𝑓|(−2,1) = ( i + 2𝑦j) = −i + 2j
2 (−2,1)

The tangent is the line:

(−1)(𝑥 + 2) + (2)(𝑦 − 1) = 0

𝑥 − 2𝑦 = −4

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