Domain and range of multivariable functions

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the domain and range of the multivariable function f(x, y) = arccos(y − x²). Participants are exploring the implications of the function's constraints and the definitions of open/closed and bounded/unbounded domains.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the necessary conditions for the domain based on the properties of the arccos function and question the graphical interpretation of the domain and range. There are inquiries about the meanings of open/closed and bounded/unbounded in this context.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided insights into the domain requirements and the range of the arccos function, while others are seeking clarification on terminology and the correct notation for describing the domain. There is an ongoing exploration of the implications of the function's constraints.

Contextual Notes

There is uncertainty regarding the definitions of open/closed and bounded/unbounded domains, which some participants are encouraged to research further. Additionally, there is a mix-up in the notation used to describe the domain, indicating a need for clearer mathematical communication.

TheRedDevil18
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Homework Statement


Specify the domain and range of f(x, y) = arccos(y − x2). Indicate whether the domain is (i)
open or closed, and (ii) bounded or unbounded. Give a clear reason in each case.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution



y-x2 >= -1
y >= x2 -1

y-x2 <= 1
y <= x2 +1

I sketched it and found the region to be in between the two parabolas
Range:
[-1;infinity)

Domain:
[1;infinity) U [-1;-infinity)

I don't know if those are correct but I got them from the sketch

I don't know what (i) and (ii) means
 
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Recall from real single variate calculus the domain of the ##\text{arccos}(x)## function: ##x \in [-1, 1]##. Notice this is the range of the ##\text{cos}(x)## function.

So if ##D = \{ x \in \mathbb{R} \space | \space -1 \leq x \leq 1 \}##, the range can be deduced as ##R = \{ y \in \mathbb{R} \space | \space 0 \leq y \leq \pi \}##.

Most of this translates over to real multivariate calculus. That is, you require the domain to satisfy:

$$(y - x^2) \in [-1, 1]$$

So ##D = \{ (x, y) \in \mathbb{R^2} \space | \space -1 \leq y - x^2 \leq 1 \}##.

Can you deduce the range?

For (i) and (ii), what does it mean when the domain is open/closed, bounded/unbounded?
 
Zondrina said:
Recall from real single variate calculus the domain of the ##\text{arccos}(x)## function: ##x \in [-1, 1]##. Notice this is the range of the ##\text{cos}(x)## function.

So if ##D = \{ x \in \mathbb{R} \space | \space -1 \leq x \leq 1 \}##, the range can be deduced as ##R = \{ y \in \mathbb{R} \space | \space 0 \leq y \leq \pi \}##.

Most of this translates over to real multivariate calculus. That is, you require the domain to satisfy:

$$(y - x^2) \in [-1, 1]$$

So ##D = \{ (x, y) \in \mathbb{R^2} \space | \space -1 \leq y - x^2 \leq 1 \}##.

Can you deduce the range?

For (i) and (ii), what does it mean when the domain is open/closed, bounded/unbounded?

Is the range 0 <= z <= 180 ?, because if y-x^2 = 1, then the min value of z would be 0 and if y-x^2 had to equal -1 then the max value of z would be 180 so the range would be in between 0 and 180
 
TheRedDevil18 said:
Is the range 0 <= z <= 180 ?
You should be thinking in terms of real numbers (i.e., radians), not degrees. The range of the arccosine function is [0, ##\pi##].
TheRedDevil18 said:
, because if y-x^2 = 1, then the min value of z would be 0 and if y-x^2 had to equal -1 then the max value of z would be 180 so the range would be in between 0 and 180.
 
TheRedDevil18 said:
Domain:
[1;infinity) U [-1;-infinity)
I'm not sure if you were trying to specify a two-dimensional region here, but what you wrote corresponds to the union of two pieces of the number line.

The way you analyzed it graphically is fine. The notation you would use to describe that region is what Zondrina wrote.

I don't know what (i) and (ii) means
In math, it's crucial to know the precise definition of various terms as well as what they intuitively mean. If you don't know what a term means, you should look it up — that's the least you can do. If you already did this, you should have said so. If you can't make complete sense of the definition after reading about it, at least you'll have some idea of what it means. You can then ask a specific question about what's confusing you.
 

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