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Surfaces

Keywords: Multivariable Calculus, Partial Derivatives, Multiple Representations, Contour Maps, Surfaces

mvsurfaces.jpg

Highlights of the activity

  1. This small group activity using surfaces introduces a physical representation of the graphs of functions of two variables.
  2. Students work in small groups to explore the features of a physical surface.
  3. The whole class wrap-up discussion emphasizes the relationship between functions of several variables and functions of a single variable.

Reasons to spend class time on the activity

This is the first activity that uses surfaces, providing an opportunity for students to explore this useful visualization tool.

Reflections

Instructor's Guide

Student Handouts

mvsurfaceshand.pdf


Authors: (c) Aaron Wangberg and the "Raising Calculus to the Surface" team; used by permission.
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