You are here: start » swbq » mmsw » inswconstant
Table of Contents
Drawing Functions of Several Variables
The Prompt
Given that $x=x(u,v)=u$ and $y=y(u,v)=\frac{1}{2}u+3v,$ draw lines of u equals constant and v equals constant.
Context
Use this SWBQ as a preliminary to a discussion about the fact that it matters what you are holding constant in a partial derivative.
Wrap Up
Ask students to discuss the difference between the two partial derivatives: $$\left(\frac{df}{dx}\right)_y \qquad\qquad \left(\frac{df}{dx}\right)_u$$ They should be able to discuss these two derivatives in terms of their graph from the SWBQ.
