The domain of a multivariable function

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the domain of a multivariable function, specifically focusing on the function log(xy²) + x²y. Participants explore the conditions under which the expression is defined and positive, considering various cases and interpretations of the function's notation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses difficulty in finding the domain and proposes a set of inequalities to describe it.
  • Another participant suggests that the domain can be described by the set V = {(x,y) ∈ ℝ² | xy(x+y) > 0} and outlines the conditions under which a product is positive.
  • There is a mention of needing to solve four systems of inequalities to find the domain, with a suggestion to take the union of the solution sets.
  • A question is raised about the conditions for ab > 0, leading to a challenge regarding the validity of one of the proposed cases.
  • Clarification is provided regarding the ambiguity in the function's notation, with two interpretations being discussed: log(xy²) + x²y and log(xy² + x²y).
  • One participant outlines the conditions for the positivity of the product xy(x+y) and describes the geometric implications of the inequalities in the coordinate plane.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the need to analyze multiple cases to determine the domain, but there is disagreement regarding the correct interpretation of the function and the validity of certain inequalities. The discussion remains unresolved on some aspects, particularly the interpretation of the function's notation.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations regarding the clarity of the function's notation, which affects the understanding of the domain. The discussion also highlights the dependence on specific conditions for the inequalities presented.

DottZakapa
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domain of multivariable function
hey there
I'm struggling on finding the domain of the following function

log (xy2)+x2y)

I then do

xy(y+x)>0

but then i don't know what to do with xy

one attempt

\begin{cases}
y+x>0\\
x>0\\
y>0
\end{cases} union
\begin{cases}
y+x<0\\
x<0\\
y<0 \end{cases}

but this doesn't lead to the correct solution
 
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Indeed, you have to describe the set

$$V=\{(x,y) \in \mathbb{R}^2 \mid xy(x+y) > 0\}$$

When is a product ##abc > 0##. Exactly in the following cases:

##a,b,c > 0##
##a,b < 0, c > 0##
##a,c < 0, b > 0##
##b,c < 0, a > 0##

so you have to consider 4 cases (by symmetry, actually only 3).

Note that the second case you gave is wrong. Then the product will be ##<0## and you need ##> 0##.
 
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so there is a total of 4 systems to be solved right? in fact it works
thanks
 
DottZakapa said:
so there is a total of 4 systems to be solved right? in fact it works
thanks

Yes, and then you have to take the union of the four solution sets. Maybe you can write the union in the end a little nicer. I did not try it myself though.
 
what if you have
ab>0 ?
is
a,b>0
a>0,b<0
a<0, b<0
 
If a>0, b<0, how could ab>0 be true?
 
First the function in your first post, log(xy^2)+ x^2y), has two right parentheses and only one left parenthesis so is ambiguous. Do you mean log(xy^2)+ x^2y or log(xy^2+ x^2y)? The domain for the first is "x&gt; 0, y\ne 0". The domain for the second is the set of all x, y such that xy^2+ x^2y= xy(x+ y)&gt; 0 The product of three numbers is positive if all three numbers are positive or if one is positive and the other two negative. Of course if x and y are both positive so is x+ y so the other possibilities are
(1) x is positive, y and x+y negative. That is, y< -x.
(2) y is positive, x and x+y negative. That is, x< -y.

In terms of sets, "x and y positive" is the first quadrant.

y= -x, with x> 0, is the "half-line" in the fourth quadrant from the origin at 45 degrees to the x-axis. y< -x is the region in the fourth quadrant below that line.

x= -y, with y> 0, is the "half-line" in the second quadrant from the origin at 45 degrees to the x-axis. x< -y is the region in the second quadrant below that line.
 

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