Re-scaling Functions under the Same Axes

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the plotting of two functions, ##f(x, y)## and ##g(px, qy)##, on the same graph, specifically in a 3D context. Participants explore how to represent these functions with respect to their axes and the implications of scaling the inputs of the second function.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that to plot ##g(px, qy)## on the same graph as ##f(x, y)##, the values for ##g## should be adjusted to ##\frac{x}{p}## and ##\frac{y}{q}##.
  • Another participant proposes defining a new function ##h(x, y)## to represent ##g(px, qy)##, arguing that this simplifies the plotting process by using dual scales on the axes.
  • Several participants seek clarification on whether the graph is indeed 3D, as the notation ##f(x, y)## implies a surface in three dimensions.
  • A participant questions the definition of the function ##g(px, qy)## and asks for clarification on whether it refers to a mapping from the original domain or a transformed domain.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no consensus on the best approach to plot the functions, and participants express differing views on the interpretation of the function definitions and the dimensionality of the graph.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not resolved the assumptions regarding the scaling of the axes and the implications of defining the function ##g## in different ways. The discussion remains open to interpretation and clarification.

ecastro
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Consider two functions ##f\left(x, y\right)## and ##g\left(px, qy\right)##, where ##p## and ##q## are known. How can I plot the two functions on the same graph (i.e. the same axes)? The function ##f\left(x, y\right)## will have axes with values ##x## and ##y##, while the other will have axes with values ##px## and ##qy##. Should the function ##g\left(px, qy\right)## have its ##x## and ##y## values as ##\frac{x}{p}## and ##\frac{y}{q}##, respectively?
 
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This is a 3D graph you are drawing, right?

Why not just plot the functions ##f(x,y)## and ##h(x,y)## where ##h## is defined by ##h(x,y)\equiv g(px,qy)##?

That's effectively what you'll be plotting anyway if you use dual scales on the x and y axes where the x-axis tick mark for ##x## for the ##f## graph is the same as for ##\frac{x}{p}## for the ##g## graph (and for y-axis ##y\to \frac{y}{q}##). Having two dual scales on two axes of a 3D graph is getting just a bit too busy.
 
I don't quite understand... Sorry. :confused:
 
Is it a 3D graph you are drawing? You describe your functions as ##f(x,y)##, which implies three dimensions, so that ##f(x,y)## is graphed as a curved surface whose height above the x-y plane is given by ##z=f(x,y)##. Is that what you are doing?

If not, then what are you trying to say when you write that you want to graph ##f(x,y)##?
 
andrewkirk said:
Is it a 3D graph you are drawing? You describe your functions as ##f(x,y)##, which implies three dimensions, so that ##f(x,y)## is graphed as a curved surface whose height above the x-y plane is given by ##z=f(y)##. Is that what you are doing?

If not, then what are you trying to say when you write that you want to graph ##f(x,y)##?

Yes, it's a 3D graph.
 
What do you mean by 'the function ##g(px,qy)##'? A function is a map from one set (the domain) to another (the range). In your case it looks like the domain is ##\mathbb{R}\times\mathbb{R}## (ie the set of all ordered pairs of real numbers) and the range is ##\mathbb{R}##. That much is clear.

But which of the following is the map that you want to graph?

1. The map that, for an element of the domain identified by the ordered pair of real numbers ##(u,v)##, maps to an element in the range that is the real number ##g(u,v)##;
OR
2. The map that, for an element of the domain identified by the ordered pair of real numbers ##(u,v)##, maps to an element in the range that is the real number ##g(pu,qv)##.
 

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