How to draw graphs and level curves?

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on how to draw graphs and level curves for the functions f(x,y,z) = 4x² + y² + 9z² and f(x,y,z) = xy + z². It clarifies that level curves, or more accurately level surfaces, can be represented by the equation 4x² + y² + 9z² = C for various constants C, resulting in ellipsoids in three-dimensional space. The challenge lies in visualizing these surfaces in a four-dimensional context, as traditional graphing methods are limited to two dimensions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of three-dimensional coordinate systems
  • Familiarity with level surfaces in multivariable calculus
  • Knowledge of ellipsoids and their equations
  • Basic graphing skills for visualizing mathematical functions
NEXT STEPS
  • Research how to graph level surfaces in three dimensions using software like MATLAB or Python's Matplotlib
  • Study the properties and equations of ellipsoids and other quadric surfaces
  • Learn about contour plots and their applications in visualizing functions of two variables
  • Explore techniques for reducing dimensionality in mathematical visualization
USEFUL FOR

Students in multivariable calculus, mathematicians, educators, and anyone interested in visualizing complex mathematical functions and surfaces.

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Homework Statement



f(x,y,z) = 4x^2 + y^2 + 9z^2

another one is xy+z^2

how do u draw level curves and graphs for these?

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


Just need somewhere to start

Thanks
 
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Use a computer ;)

But even then you need to work out exactly what you want to plot before you can start. You haven't provided that information: neither of the examples can be plotted with just the information provided.

By "level curve" do you mean "contour"?
In which case you need to decide which direction is "up" and what value to apply to f(x,y,z) - or the function has 4 axes.
 
maybe this will clear things up
 

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sory about flipped
 
OK - you are given ##f:\mathbb{R}^3\rightarrow \mathbb{R}, (x,y,z)\rightarrow f(x,y,z)##

the problem is to "sketch or describe the surfaces in ##\small \mathbb{R}^3## which correspond to the mapping. i.e. f(x,y,z) represent 3D surfaces ... sets of them. You should have, in an earlier part of the same text, examples of various types of 3D surfaces and their equations. Compare. i.e. what is the equation for a 3D ellipsoid?
 
x^2+y^2+z^2=1?
 
how do you exactly describe it?
 
x^2+y^2+z^2=1 would be "a unit radius sphere". That's it's description.

for: f(x,y,z)=x^2+y^2+z^2 ... the surfaces in R^3 would be described as "spheres".
 
  • #10
1LastTry said:

Homework Statement



f(x,y,z) = 4x^2 + y^2 + 9z^2

another one is xy+z^2
The problem with "drawing graphs" for these is that you need three orthogonal axes for the independent variables, x, y, and z, and an axes perpendicular to all of those for the function value, f. That is, you will need a four dimensional graph.

how do u draw level curves and graphs for these?
Level curves will help you reduce a dimension by treating the function value as a constant. That is, the level curves (more correctly "level surfaces") for for f(x,y,z)= 4x^2+ y^2+ 9z^2 will be the three dimensionl graphs 4x^2+ y^2+ 9z^2= C for different values of C. Those will be a number of ellipsoids, of different sizes, one inside the other.

An added problem here is that you will probably want to draw them on paper which is only two-dimensional!

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


Just need somewhere to start

Thanks
 

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