The domain of a multivariable function

In summary, the domain of the function log(xy^2+ x^2y) is the set of all points (x, y) in the first quadrant or in the fourth quadrant below the line y= -x or in the second quadrant below the line x= -y.
  • #1
DottZakapa
239
17
TL;DR Summary
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
 
Mathematics news on Phys.org
  • #2
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##.
 
  • Like
Likes DottZakapa
  • #3
so there is a total of 4 systems to be solved right? in fact it works
thanks
 
  • #4
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.
 
  • #5
what if you have
ab>0 ?
is
a,b>0
a>0,b<0
a<0, b<0
 
  • #6
If a>0, b<0, how could ab>0 be true?
 
  • #7
First the function in your first post, [itex]log(xy^2)+ x^2y)[/itex], has two right parentheses and only one left parenthesis so is ambiguous. Do you mean [itex]log(xy^2)+ x^2y[/itex] or [itex]log(xy^2+ x^2y)[/itex]? The domain for the first is "[itex]x> 0[/itex], [itex]y\ne 0[/itex]". The domain for the second is the set of all x, y such that [itex]xy^2+ x^2y= xy(x+ y)> 0[/itex] 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.
 

FAQ: The domain of a multivariable function

What is the domain of a multivariable function?

The domain of a multivariable function is the set of all possible input values for the function. In other words, it is the set of all independent variables that can be used to evaluate the function.

How is the domain of a multivariable function determined?

The domain of a multivariable function is determined by looking at the restrictions on the independent variables. These restrictions can come from the function itself, such as square root functions not allowing negative values, or from the context of the problem being solved.

Can the domain of a multivariable function be infinite?

Yes, the domain of a multivariable function can be infinite if there are no restrictions on the independent variables. This often occurs in real-world applications where the function represents a physical relationship that can take on any value.

How do you represent the domain of a multivariable function?

The domain of a multivariable function can be represented in several ways, including interval notation, set notation, and graphically on a coordinate plane. It is important to clearly communicate the domain, as it affects the validity of the function's output.

Can the domain of a multivariable function change?

Yes, the domain of a multivariable function can change if the restrictions on the independent variables change. For example, if a function has a square root term and the restriction is changed to allow negative values, the domain will expand to include those negative values.

Similar threads

Back
Top