/*! This file is auto-generated */ .wp-block-button__link{color:#fff;background-color:#32373c;border-radius:9999px;box-shadow:none;text-decoration:none;padding:calc(.667em + 2px) calc(1.333em + 2px);font-size:1.125em}.wp-block-file__button{background:#32373c;color:#fff;text-decoration:none} Problem 33 Describe the level curves of the... [FREE SOLUTION] | 91Ó°ÊÓ

91Ó°ÊÓ

Describe the level curves of the function. Sketch the level curves for the given c-values. $$ z=x+y \quad c=-1,0,2,4 $$

Short Answer

Expert verified
The level curves are lines with equations \(y = -x - 1\) for \(c = -1\), \(y = -x\) for \(c = 0\), \(y = -x + 2\) for \(c = 2\) and \(y = -x + 4\) for \(c = 4\).

Step by step solution

01

Understand the problem

We are given the function \(z = x + y\) and are asked to sketch the level curves for \(c = -1, 0, 2, 4\). This means we need to find all the (x, y) pairs such that the equation \(x + y = c\) is satisfied. Each of these pairs will produce a curve on the x-y plane, and these curves are our level curves.
02

Find the level curves

Let's substitute the given values of c into our function to attain the equation of the level curves. For \(c = -1\), the equation becomes \(x + y = -1\), or equivalently, \(y = -x -1\). For \(c = 0\), the equation becomes \(x + y = 0\), or equivalently, \(y = -x\). For \(c = 2\), the equation becomes \(x + y = 2\), or equivalently, \(y = -x + 2\). Lastly, for \(c = 4\), the equation becomes \(x + y = 4\), or equivalently, \(y = -x + 4\).
03

Sketch the level curves

Now let's sketch these equations. You can notice the equations are all straight lines with negative slope. The equation \(y = -x -1\) will be a line crossing the y-axis at -1. \(y = -x\) will be a line crossing the origin. \(y = -x + 2\) will be a line crossing y-axis at 2, and \(y = -x + 4\) a line crossing y-axis at 4. The level curves should be labeled with their respective \(c\) values.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91Ó°ÊÓ!

Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Function sketching
When tackling function sketching, the goal is to visually represent a mathematical relationship. For the function given here, \( z = x + y \), sketching involves plotting level curves for specified \( c \) values. Each level curve represents a set of solutions where the function equals a constant \( c \). To sketch effectively:
  • Identify the type of function: In our case, it's a linear function due to the addition of \( x \) and \( y \) without any powers or products.
  • Substitute different \( c \) values: These are given as -1, 0, 2, and 4 in our task.
  • Plot the results on the coordinate plane, interpreting each equation as a line, because the resulting curves are linear.
Sketching helps visualize how the function behaves across different sets of values, offering insights into the relationships between \( x \), \( y \), and the output \( z \). Always label each line with its corresponding \( c \) for clarity.
Linear equations
Linear equations are foundational in mathematics. They consist of a constant term and the product of constants with variables, resulting in expressions like \( x + y = c \). Here, the equation is treated as a guideline for sketching level curves. Each equation:
  • Represents a straight line on a coordinate plane.
  • Has a slope and an intercept. In \( y = -x + c \), the slope is -1 (indicating a diagonal line sloping downwards), and \( c \) is the y-intercept.
  • Highlights simplicity in relationships. When changes in \( x \) to match changes in \( y \) are equal in magnitude but opposite in direction, the result is a direct, readable relation seen in straight lines.
Understanding these concepts smoothens the learning process when visualizing and sketching larger functions or more complex equations.
Coordinate plane
The coordinate plane is a central tool for graphing functions like \( z = x + y \). For this function, we represent solutions on a two-dimensional plane, where:
  • The horizontal axis (x-axis) and the vertical axis (y-axis) intersect at the origin (0,0).
  • Points on the plane correspond to pairs \((x, y)\) where a given equation holds true for specific values of \( c \).
  • Lines like \( y = -x - 1 \), \( y = -x \), \( y = -x + 2 \), and \( y = -x + 4 \) will visibly intercept the y-axis at defined points derived from \( c \).
The layout of the coordinate plane allows one to easily interpret these intercepts and examine how the corresponding values alter the positions of level curves. It’s a powerful way to see mathematics come to life in a spatial format.

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.