In this lesson, we learn about finding values when functions have non-independent variables. Specifically, we examine the relationship between variables and how to handle functions that depend on several variables when they're related. We also explore how to find the rates of change of constrained variables with respect to each other, using the example of the area of a right triangle. We clarify the notations used for partial derivatives and emphasize the importance of specifying what is held constant when dealing with related variables.
Learn more techniques for finding values when functions have non-independent variables.
Denis Auroux. 18.02 Multivariable Calculus, Fall 2007. (Massachusetts Institute of Technology: MIT OpenCourseWare). http://ocw.mit.edu (Accessed March 15, 2009). License: Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike.