Calculus III - Functions of Several Variables

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6. Identify and sketch the level curves (or contours) for the following function.

\[4z + 2{y^2} - x = 0\]

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Start Solution

We know that level curves or contours are given by setting \(z = k\). Doing this in our equation gives,

\[4k + 2{y^2} - x = 0\] Show Step 2

A quick rewrite of the equation from the previous step gives us,

\[x = 2{y^2} + 4k\]

So, the level curves for this function will be parabolas opening to the right and starting at 4\(k\).

Note as well that there will be no restrictions on the values of \(k\) that we can use, as there sometimes are.

Show Step 3

Below is a sketch of some level curves for some values of \(k\) for this function.