Function Composition: Understanding Multi-Var.

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the composition of functions in multiple variables, specifically focusing on the function f(x,y) = (xcosy, (x-y)/(y-x)). Participants are exploring how to express f(f(x,y)) and clarifying the implications of function composition in this context.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to understand how to write the composition of the function f with itself. There are questions about whether f can accept three variables and discussions about defining helper variables to simplify the composition.

Discussion Status

Several participants have provided insights into the composition process, with some suggesting the use of helper variables to clarify the expressions. There is a general sense of progress as participants share their interpretations and seek feedback on their formulations.

Contextual Notes

Some participants question the validity of using f with three variables, noting that the function is defined for two variables only. There are also humorous remarks about the complexity of the composition, indicating a light-hearted atmosphere amidst the confusion.

estro
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I have hard time understanding composition of functions in several variables.
Suppose [tex]f(x,y)=(xcosy,\frac {x-y}{y-x})[/tex], how should I write f(f(x,y))?
 
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Hi estro! :smile:

estro said:
I have hard time understanding composition of functions in several variables.
Suppose [tex]f(x,y)=(xcosy,\frac {x-y}{y-x})[/tex], how should I write f(f(x,y,z))?

I assume you mean f(f(x,y))?

Well, we have

[tex]f(f(x,y))=f(xcosy,\frac {x-y}{y-x})[/tex]

Can you work this out further?
 
estro said:
I have hard time understanding composition of functions in several variables.
Suppose [tex]f(x,y)=(xcosy,\frac {x-y}{y-x})[/tex], how should I write f(f(x,y,z))?

You can't. f maps R2 to R2, so f(x, y, z) has too many inputs. Did you mean f(f(x, y))?
 
micromass said:
Hi estro! :smile:



I assume you mean f(f(x,y))?

Well, we have

[tex]f(f(x,y))=f(xcosy,\frac {x-y}{y-x})[/tex]

Can you work this out further?

Thank you for the fast response, yes I mean f(f(x,y)). [fixed it in my first post]

So if i get it right: [tex]f(f(x,y))=((xcosy)cosy,\frac {x-\frac {x-y} {y-x}} {\frac {x-y} {y-x}-x})[/tex]

Please give me feedback...=)
 
estro said:
Thank you for the fast response, yes I mean f(f(x,y)). [fixed it in my first post]

So if i get it right: [tex]f(f(x,y))=((xcosy)cosy,\frac {x-\frac {x-y} {y-x}} {\frac {x-y} {y-x}-x})[/tex]

Please give me feedback...=)

Hmm, let me explain it differently:

[tex]f(f(x,y))=f(x\cos{y},\frac{x-y}{y-x})=(u\cos{v},\frac{u-v}{v-u})[/tex]

with

[tex]u=x\cos{y}~~\text{and}~~v=\frac{x-y}{y-x}[/tex]

Can you do it now?
 
Hi estro. :)

estro said:
I have hard time understanding composition of functions in several variables.
Suppose [tex]f(x,y)=(xcosy,\frac {x-y}{y-x})[/tex], how should I write f(f(x,y))?

Usually, when we have these confusing expressions, it pays to introduce helper variables.

Let's define:
[tex]u = x \cos y[/tex]
[tex]v = \frac {x-y}{y-x}[/tex]

Then
[tex]f(f(x,y)) = f(u,v) = (u \cos v,\frac {u-v}{v-u})[/tex]

Now substitute u and v ...EDIT: Wow, micromass just posted exactly what I just posted at the same time! :bugeye:
 
Last edited:
Thank you all guys, I think now I get it:

[tex]f(f(x,y))=(xcosycos(\frac {x-y}{y-z}), \frac {xcosy-\frac {x-y} {y-x}} {\frac {x-y}{y-x}-xcosy})[/tex]

It seems to me that this composition is violation of human rights...=)
 
estro said:
Thank you all guys, I think now I get it:

[tex]f(f(x,y))=(xcosycos(\frac {x-y}{y-z}), \frac {xcosy-\frac {x-y} {y-x}} {\frac {x-y}{y-x}-xcosy})[/tex]

It seems to me that this composition is violation of human rights...=)

Seems correct! :smile:
I'll warn the Geneva convention :biggrin:
 

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