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Multivariable calculus can be applied to analyze deterministic systems that have multiple degrees of freedom. Functions with independent variables corresponding to each of the degrees of freedom are often used to model these systems, and multivariable calculus provides tools for characterizing the system dynamics.
The image of a function f(x 1, x 2, …, x n) is the set of all values of f when the n-tuple (x 1, x 2, …, x n) runs in the whole domain of f.For a continuous (see below for a definition) real-valued function which has a connected domain, the image is either an interval or a single value.
Just as the definite integral of a positive function of one variable represents the area of the region between the graph of the function and the x-axis, the double integral of a positive function of two variables represents the volume of the region between the surface defined by the function (on the three-dimensional Cartesian plane where z = f(x, y)) and the plane which contains its domain. [1]
Formally, a function of n variables is a function whose domain is a set of n-tuples. [note 3] For example, multiplication of integers is a function of two variables, or bivariate function, whose domain is the set of all ordered pairs (2-tuples) of integers, and whose codomain is the set of
The absolute value of the Jacobian determinant at p gives us the factor by which the function f expands or shrinks volumes near p; this is why it occurs in the general substitution rule. The Jacobian determinant is used when making a change of variables when evaluating a multiple integral of a function over a region within its domain. To ...
Functions that maximize or minimize functionals may be found using the Euler–Lagrange equation of the calculus of variations. A simple example of such a problem is to find the curve of shortest length connecting two points. If there are no constraints, the solution is a straight line between the points. However, if the curve is constrained to ...
Multivalued functions of a complex variable have branch points. For example, for the nth root and logarithm functions, 0 is a branch point; for the arctangent function, the imaginary units i and −i are branch points. Using the branch points, these functions may be redefined to be single-valued functions, by restricting the range.
It is sometimes denoted by or , where f is the function. In layman's terms, the domain of a function can generally be thought of as "what x can be". [1] More precisely, given a function :, the domain of f is X. In modern mathematical language, the domain is part of the definition of a function rather than a property of it.