Chapter 14: Partial Derivatives

Vinh Nguyen

De Anza College

Vinh Nguyen (De Anza College) Chapter 14: Partial Derivatives 1 / 11

Section 14.4: Tangent Planes and
Linear Approximations

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Tangent Planes
Suppose a surface S has equation z = f (x, y ), where f has continuous
first partial derivatives, and let P(x0 , y0 , z0 ) be a point on S. As in Section
14.3, let C1 and C2 be the curves obtained by intersecting the vertical
planes y = y0 and x = x0 with the surface S. Then the point P lies on
both C1 and C2 .

Vinh Nguyen (De Anza College) Chapter 14: Partial Derivatives 3 / 11

Tangent Planes
Suppose a surface S has equation z = f (x, y ), where f has continuous
first partial derivatives, and let P(x0 , y0 , z0 ) be a point on S. As in Section
14.3, let C1 and C2 be the curves obtained by intersecting the vertical
planes y = y0 and x = x0 with the surface S. Then the point P lies on
both C1 and C2 . . Let T1 and T2 be the tangent lines to the curves C1 and
C2 at the point P. Then the tangent plane to the surface S at the point
P is defined to be the plane that contains both tangent lines T1 and T2 .

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Tangent Planes

Equation of a Tangent Plane

Suppose f has continuous partial dervatives. An equation of the tangent
plane to the surface z = f (x, y ) at the point P(x0 , y0 , z0 ) is

z − z0 = fx (x0 , y0 )(x − x0 ) + fy (x0 , y0 )(y − y0 )

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Tangent Planes

Equation of a Tangent Plane

Suppose f has continuous partial dervatives. An equation of the tangent
plane to the surface z = f (x, y ) at the point P(x0 , y0 , z0 ) is

z − z0 = fx (x0 , y0 )(x − x0 ) + fy (x0 , y0 )(y − y0 )

Example
Find the tangent plane to the elliptic paraboloid z = 2x 2 + y 2 at the point
(1, 1, 3)

Vinh Nguyen (De Anza College) Chapter 14: Partial Derivatives 4 / 11

Tangent Planes

Equation of a Tangent Plane

Suppose f has continuous partial dervatives. An equation of the tangent
plane to the surface z = f (x, y ) at the point P(x0 , y0 , z0 ) is

z − z0 = fx (x0 , y0 )(x − x0 ) + fy (x0 , y0 )(y − y0 )

Example
Find the tangent plane to the elliptic paraboloid z = 2x 2 + y 2 at the point
(1, 1, 3)

z = 4x + 2y − 3

Vinh Nguyen (De Anza College) Chapter 14: Partial Derivatives 4 / 11

Linear Approximations

In general, an equation of the tangent plane to the graph of a function f

of two variables at the point (a, b, f (a, b)) is

z = f (a, b) + fx (a, b)(x − a) + fy (a, b)(y − b)

Vinh Nguyen (De Anza College) Chapter 14: Partial Derivatives 5 / 11

Linear Approximations

In general, an equation of the tangent plane to the graph of a function f

of two variables at the point (a, b, f (a, b)) is

z = f (a, b) + fx (a, b)(x − a) + fy (a, b)(y − b)

The linear function whose graph is this tangent plane, namely

L(x, y ) = f (a, b) + +fx (a, b)(x − a) + fy (a, b)(y − b)

is called the linearization of f at (a, b).

Vinh Nguyen (De Anza College) Chapter 14: Partial Derivatives 5 / 11

Linear Approximations

In general, an equation of the tangent plane to the graph of a function f

of two variables at the point (a, b, f (a, b)) is

z = f (a, b) + fx (a, b)(x − a) + fy (a, b)(y − b)

The linear function whose graph is this tangent plane, namely

L(x, y ) = f (a, b) + +fx (a, b)(x − a) + fy (a, b)(y − b)

is called the linearization of f at (a, b). The approximation

f (x, y ) ≈ f (a, b) + fx (a, b)(x − a) + fy (a, b)(y − b)

is called the linear approximation or the tangent plane approximation

of f at (a, b)

Vinh Nguyen (De Anza College) Chapter 14: Partial Derivatives 5 / 11

Differentiable

Definition
If z = f (x, y ), then f is differentiable at (a, b) if ∆z can be expressed in
the form.

∆z = fx (a, b)∆x + fy (a, b)∆y + ϵ1 ∆x + ϵ2 ∆y

where ϵ1 and ϵ2 are functions of ∆x and δy such that ϵ1 and ϵ2 → 0 as

(∆x, ∆y ) → (0, 0)

Vinh Nguyen (De Anza College) Chapter 14: Partial Derivatives 6 / 11

Differentiable

Definition
If z = f (x, y ), then f is differentiable at (a, b) if ∆z can be expressed in
the form.

∆z = fx (a, b)∆x + fy (a, b)∆y + ϵ1 ∆x + ϵ2 ∆y

where ϵ1 and ϵ2 are functions of ∆x and δy such that ϵ1 and ϵ2 → 0 as

(∆x, ∆y ) → (0, 0)

This definition says that a differentiable function is one for which the
linear approximation is a good approximation when (x, y ) is near (a, b).

Vinh Nguyen (De Anza College) Chapter 14: Partial Derivatives 6 / 11

Differentiable

Definition
If z = f (x, y ), then f is differentiable at (a, b) if ∆z can be expressed in
the form.

∆z = fx (a, b)∆x + fy (a, b)∆y + ϵ1 ∆x + ϵ2 ∆y

where ϵ1 and ϵ2 are functions of ∆x and δy such that ϵ1 and ϵ2 → 0 as

(∆x, ∆y ) → (0, 0)

This definition says that a differentiable function is one for which the
linear approximation is a good approximation when (x, y ) is near (a, b).
It’s difficult to use this definition directly to check the differentiability of a
function, but the next theorem provides a convenient sufficient condition
for differentiability.

Vinh Nguyen (De Anza College) Chapter 14: Partial Derivatives 6 / 11

Differentiable

Theorem
If the partial derivatives fx and fy exist near (a, b) and are continuous at
(a, b), then f is differentiable at (a, b).

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Differentiable

Theorem
If the partial derivatives fx and fy exist near (a, b) and are continuous at
(a, b), then f is differentiable at (a, b).

Example
Show that f (x, y ) = xe xy is differentiable at (1, 0) and find its linearization
there. Then use it to approximate f (1, 1, −0.1)

Vinh Nguyen (De Anza College) Chapter 14: Partial Derivatives 7 / 11

Differentiable

Theorem
If the partial derivatives fx and fy exist near (a, b) and are continuous at
(a, b), then f is differentiable at (a, b).

Example
Show that f (x, y ) = xe xy is differentiable at (1, 0) and find its linearization
there. Then use it to approximate f (1, 1, −0.1)

fx (x, y ) = e xy + xye xy fy (x, y ) = x 2 e xy

fx (1, 0) = 1 fy (1, 0) = 1

Vinh Nguyen (De Anza College) Chapter 14: Partial Derivatives 7 / 11

Differentiable

Theorem
If the partial derivatives fx and fy exist near (a, b) and are continuous at
(a, b), then f is differentiable at (a, b).

Example
Show that f (x, y ) = xe xy is differentiable at (1, 0) and find its linearization
there. Then use it to approximate f (1, 1, −0.1)

fx (x, y ) = e xy + xye xy fy (x, y ) = x 2 e xy

fx (1, 0) = 1 fy (1, 0) = 1
Both fx and fy are continuous functions, so f is differentiable by theorem.
The linearization is

L(x, y ) = f (1, 0) + fx (1, 0)(x − 1) + fy (1, 0)(y − 0) = x + y

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Differentiable

The corresponding linear approximation is

f (x, y ) ≈ x + y

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Differentiable

The corresponding linear approximation is

f (x, y ) ≈ x + y

e xy ≈ x + y

Vinh Nguyen (De Anza College) Chapter 14: Partial Derivatives 8 / 11

Differentiable

The corresponding linear approximation is

f (x, y ) ≈ x + y

e xy ≈ x + y
So, f (1.1, −0.1) ≈ 1.1 − 0.1 = 1

Vinh Nguyen (De Anza College) Chapter 14: Partial Derivatives 8 / 11

Differentiable

The corresponding linear approximation is

f (x, y ) ≈ x + y

e xy ≈ x + y
So, f (1.1, −0.1) ≈ 1.1 − 0.1 = 1
Compare this with the actual value of
f (1.1, −0.1) = 1.1e (1.1·−0.1) ≈ 0.98542

Vinh Nguyen (De Anza College) Chapter 14: Partial Derivatives 8 / 11

Differentials
For a differentiable function of two variables, z = f (x, y ), we define the
differentials dx and dy to be independent variables; that is, they can be
given any values.

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Differentials
For a differentiable function of two variables, z = f (x, y ), we define the
differentials dx and dy to be independent variables; that is, they can be
given any values.
Then the differential dz, also called the total differential, is defined by
∂z ∂z
dz = fx (x, y )dx + fy (x, y )dy = dx + dy
∂x ∂y

Vinh Nguyen (De Anza College) Chapter 14: Partial Derivatives 9 / 11

Differentials
For a differentiable function of two variables, z = f (x, y ), we define the
differentials dx and dy to be independent variables; that is, they can be
given any values.
Then the differential dz, also called the total differential, is defined by
∂z ∂z
dz = fx (x, y )dx + fy (x, y )dy = dx + dy
∂x ∂y
If we take dx = ∆x = x − a and dy = ∆y = y − b in the equation above,
then the differential of z is
dz = fx (a, b)(x − a) + fy (a, b)(y − b)

Vinh Nguyen (De Anza College) Chapter 14: Partial Derivatives 9 / 11

Differentials
For a differentiable function of two variables, z = f (x, y ), we define the
differentials dx and dy to be independent variables; that is, they can be
given any values.
Then the differential dz, also called the total differential, is defined by
∂z ∂z
dz = fx (x, y )dx + fy (x, y )dy = dx + dy
∂x ∂y
If we take dx = ∆x = x − a and dy = ∆y = y − b in the equation above,
then the differential of z is
dz = fx (a, b)(x − a) + fy (a, b)(y − b)
if we add f (a, b) by both sides.
dz + f (a, b) = fx (a, b)(x − a) + fy (a, b)(y − b) + f (a, b)

Vinh Nguyen (De Anza College) Chapter 14: Partial Derivatives 9 / 11

Differentials
For a differentiable function of two variables, z = f (x, y ), we define the
differentials dx and dy to be independent variables; that is, they can be
given any values.
Then the differential dz, also called the total differential, is defined by
∂z ∂z
dz = fx (x, y )dx + fy (x, y )dy = dx + dy
∂x ∂y
If we take dx = ∆x = x − a and dy = ∆y = y − b in the equation above,
then the differential of z is
dz = fx (a, b)(x − a) + fy (a, b)(y − b)
if we add f (a, b) by both sides.
dz + f (a, b) = fx (a, b)(x − a) + fy (a, b)(y − b) + f (a, b)

dz + f (a, b) = f (x, y )
Vinh Nguyen (De Anza College) Chapter 14: Partial Derivatives 9 / 11
Example 3
Example
Suppose z = f (x, y ) = x 2 + 3xy − y 2
1 Find the differential dz
2 If x changes from 2 to 2.05 and y changes from 3 to 2.96, compare
the values of ∆z and dz

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Example 3
Example
Suppose z = f (x, y ) = x 2 + 3xy − y 2
1 Find the differential dz
2 If x changes from 2 to 2.05 and y changes from 3 to 2.96, compare
the values of ∆z and dz
From definition,
∂z ∂z
dz = dx + dy
∂x ∂y

Vinh Nguyen (De Anza College) Chapter 14: Partial Derivatives 10 / 11

Example 3
Example
Suppose z = f (x, y ) = x 2 + 3xy − y 2
1 Find the differential dz
2 If x changes from 2 to 2.05 and y changes from 3 to 2.96, compare
the values of ∆z and dz
From definition,
∂z ∂z
dz = dx + dy
∂x ∂y

dz = (2x + 2y )dx + (3x − 2y )dy

Vinh Nguyen (De Anza College) Chapter 14: Partial Derivatives 10 / 11

Example 3
Example
Suppose z = f (x, y ) = x 2 + 3xy − y 2
1 Find the differential dz
2 If x changes from 2 to 2.05 and y changes from 3 to 2.96, compare
the values of ∆z and dz
From definition,
∂z ∂z
dz = dx + dy
∂x ∂y

dz = (2x + 2y )dx + (3x − 2y )dy

Putting x = 2, dx = ∆x = 0.05, y = 3, dy = ∆y = −0.04, we get
dz = [2(2) + 3(3)]0.05 + [3(2) − 2(3)](−0.04) = 0.65

Vinh Nguyen (De Anza College) Chapter 14: Partial Derivatives 10 / 11

Example 3
Example
Suppose z = f (x, y ) = x 2 + 3xy − y 2
1 Find the differential dz
2 If x changes from 2 to 2.05 and y changes from 3 to 2.96, compare
the values of ∆z and dz
From definition,
∂z ∂z
dz = dx + dy
∂x ∂y

dz = (2x + 2y )dx + (3x − 2y )dy

Putting x = 2, dx = ∆x = 0.05, y = 3, dy = ∆y = −0.04, we get
dz = [2(2) + 3(3)]0.05 + [3(2) − 2(3)](−0.04) = 0.65
The increment of z is
∆z = f (2.05, 2.96) − f (2, 3) = 0.6449
Vinh Nguyen (De Anza College) Chapter 14: Partial Derivatives 10 / 11
Functions of Three or More Variables

Linear approximations, differentiability, and differentials can be defined in a

similar manner for functions of more than two variables.

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Functions of Three or More Variables

Linear approximations, differentiability, and differentials can be defined in a

similar manner for functions of more than two variables.
The linear approximation is

f (x, y , z) ≈ f (a, b, c)+fx (a, b, c)(x −a)+fy (a, b, c)(y −b)+fz (a, b, c)(z−c)

and the linearization L(x, y , z) is the right side of this expression.

Vinh Nguyen (De Anza College) Chapter 14: Partial Derivatives 11 / 11

Functions of Three or More Variables

Linear approximations, differentiability, and differentials can be defined in a

similar manner for functions of more than two variables.
The linear approximation is

f (x, y , z) ≈ f (a, b, c)+fx (a, b, c)(x −a)+fy (a, b, c)(y −b)+fz (a, b, c)(z−c)

and the linearization L(x, y , z) is the right side of this expression.

If w = f (x, y , z), then the increment of w is

∆w = f (x + ∆x, y + ∆y , z + ∆z) − f (x, y , z)

Vinh Nguyen (De Anza College) Chapter 14: Partial Derivatives 11 / 11

Functions of Three or More Variables

Linear approximations, differentiability, and differentials can be defined in a

similar manner for functions of more than two variables.
The linear approximation is

f (x, y , z) ≈ f (a, b, c)+fx (a, b, c)(x −a)+fy (a, b, c)(y −b)+fz (a, b, c)(z−c)

and the linearization L(x, y , z) is the right side of this expression.

If w = f (x, y , z), then the increment of w is

∆w = f (x + ∆x, y + ∆y , z + ∆z) − f (x, y , z)

The differential dw is defined in terms of the differentials dx, dy and dz

of the independent variables by
∂w ∂w ∂w
dw = dx + dy + dz
∂x ∂y ∂z

Vinh Nguyen (De Anza College) Chapter 14: Partial Derivatives 11 / 11