Chapter 3: Problem 3
For the functions \(f(x, y)\) : (a) sketch the cross-sections of the graph \(z=\) \(f(x, y)\) with the coordinate planes, (b) sketch several level curves of \(f,\) labeling each with the corresponding value of \(c,\) and (c) sketch the graph of \(f\). $$ f(x, y)=y-x^{2} $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The graph includes cross-section parabolas, level curves of shifted parabolas, and a parabolic cylinder.
Step by step solution
01
Understanding the function
The function given is \( f(x, y) = y - x^2 \). This is a 3D surface where \(z = y - x^2\). Our goal is to sketch its cross-sections, level curves, and 3D graph.
02
Cross-sections with coordinate planes
To find the cross-sections, set either \(x\) or \(y\) constant. - **For the xz-plane** (setting \(y = 0\)): \(z = 0 - x^2 = -x^2\). This is a parabola opening downwards.- **For the yz-plane** (setting \(x = 0\)): \(z = y - 0^2 = y\). This is a linear function, a line with slope 1 through the origin.- **For the xy-plane** (setting \(z = 0\)): \(0 = y - x^2\), which simplifies to \(y = x^2\). This represents a parabola opening upwards.
03
Sketching level curves
To sketch level curves, set the function equal to a constant \(c\), i.e., \(z = c\).- Solve \(c = y - x^2\) for \(y\): \(y = x^2 + c\).These are parabolas opening upwards, shifted upwards by \(c\). For example, if \(c = 1\), you get \(y = x^2 + 1\).
04
Sketching the 3D surface
The 3D graph of \(z = y - x^2\) is a parabolic cylinder. - Recognize that outputs depend on \(x^2\) for a fixed \(y\), shifting the surface vertically by \(y\). Each cross-section parallel to the \(yz\)-plane is a linear function, and parallel to the \(xz\)-plane is a downward-opening parabola.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Cross-Sections
Cross-sections provide slices of a 3D surface by setting one of the variables to a constant value. When dealing with functions like \( f(x, y) = y - x^2 \), we find the cross-sections by considering each coordinate plane separately.
- xz-plane: Set \( y = 0 \). The equation becomes \( z = -x^2 \). This results in a parabola that opens downward, resembling an inverted bowl. Imagine looking directly at this parabola from the front; you would notice that it dips below the origin because of the negative sign.
- yz-plane: Set \( x = 0 \). Here, \( z = y \), forming a straight line with a slope of 1, cutting through the origin. In essence, this is a simple diagonal line, representing the relationship between \( y \) and \( z \) without any transformations.
- xy-plane: Set \( z = 0 \). Rearranging gives \( y = x^2 \), a standard upward opening parabola. Viewed from above, this parabola sits open on the \( xy \)-plane, looking just like a regular bowl.
Level Curves
Level curves are crucial in visualizing an entire surface on a single plane. They represent contours where the function \( f(x, y) = y - x^2 \) maintains a constant value, say \( z = c \). By setting \( y - x^2 = c \), we can rearrange it to form \( y = x^2 + c \).
These are parabolas opening upwards, shifted upwards by varying amounts depending on the constant \( c \). Here are some insights:
These are parabolas opening upwards, shifted upwards by varying amounts depending on the constant \( c \). Here are some insights:
- If \( c = 0 \), our level curve is simply \( y = x^2 \).
- If \( c = 1 \), the parabola shifts upward by 1 unit to \( y = x^2 + 1 \).
- As \( c \) increases, each level curve represents a higher slice of the 3D surface. Conversely, negative \( c \) shifts the parabolas downward.
3D Surface Sketching
Sketching a 3D surface can be daunting, but understanding the interaction of its parts makes it manageable. For the function \( z = y - x^2 \), the 3D graph resembles a parabolic cylinder. This implies certain characteristics:
- Each vertical slice parallel to the \( yz \)-plane forms a straight line \( z = y \), evident from the linear relationship when \( x \) is constant. These lines vary vertically, creating planes of different heights aligned with changes in \( y \).
- Horizontal slices parallel to the \( xz \)-plane give downward-facing parabolas \( z = -x^2 \). As \( y \) changes, these parabolas stack alongside each other, modifying the surface gradient across \( x \).
Parabolic Cylinders
A parabolic cylinder is a type of 3D shape where one dimension extends infinitely, while the cross-section is a parabola. In our function \( z = y - x^2 \), the surface forms a parabolic cylinder, stretching infinitely along the \( y \)-axis.
Key features include:
Key features include:
- Constant cross-sections parallel to the \( yz \)-plane (vertical) depict a line, showing that the cylinder's sides remain uniform and do not curve horizontally.
- The parabolic cross-sections parallel to the \( xz \)-plane (horizontal) display the curvature typically associated with parabolas, underscoring how the surface bends in the \( xz \) direction.