next up previous
Next: Linear Functions-Planes
Return to Block One menu.
Return to Main Menu.

Linear and Quadratic Functions

There are two special types of functions that deserve special mention. Much like lines play an important role in one variable calculus-after all, the derivative is defined in terms of the tangent line-linear functions also play a special role in multivariable calculus. It shouldn't surprise you to learn that we will define derivatives of multivariable functions in terms of these linear functions. Quadratic functions play a special role in trying to optimize functions of many variables. If we are close enough to an extreme point of a function, the function appears to be one of several ``archetypal'' quadratic functions.



 

Vector Calculus
1/8/1998