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Multiple Choice
Which of the following best describes the contour lines (level curves) of the function ?
A
Hyperbolas opening along the x-axis
B
Circles centered at the origin
C
Ellipses centered at the origin
D
Parallel straight lines
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Recall the definition of contour lines (level curves). These are curves where the function f(x, y) is constant, i.e., f(x, y) = k for some constant k.
Step 2: Substitute f(x, y) = x^2 + 7y^2 into the equation for level curves, setting it equal to a constant k: x^2 + 7y^2 = k.
Step 3: Analyze the equation x^2 + 7y^2 = k. This is a standard form of an ellipse equation, where the coefficients of x^2 and y^2 determine the shape and orientation of the ellipse.
Step 4: Note that the ellipse is centered at the origin (0, 0) because there are no linear terms involving x or y (e.g., no terms like 'x' or 'y'). The coefficients 1 and 7 indicate that the ellipse is stretched more along the y-axis than the x-axis.
Step 5: Conclude that the contour lines (level curves) of the function f(x, y) = x^2 + 7y^2 are ellipses centered at the origin.