Level Sets
  • a level set of a real-valued function 𝑓 of 𝑛 real variables is a set where the function takes on a given constant value 𝑐:
    • 𝐿𝑐(𝑓) = {(𝑥1, …, 𝑥𝑛) | 𝑓(𝑥1, …, 𝑥𝑛) = 𝑐}
    • level curve - contour line - isoline - is a level set whose function 𝑓 has two independent variables
    • level surface - isosurface - is a level set whose function 𝑓 has three independent variables
    • level hypersurface - is a level set whose function 𝑓 has 4 or more independent variables
  • a level set is a special case of a fiber

Level Sets - Examples

Consider the 2D Euclidean distance metric:

A level set 𝐿𝑟(𝑑) of the Euclidean distance metric, consists of all points that lie at a distance 𝑟 from the origin.

For example:

  • (3,4) ∊ 𝐿5(𝑑)

Level Sets - Use Cases

Resources

Level Sets Examples - Where 𝑓 is a Linear Functional

Level Sets Examples - Where 𝑓 is a Non-Linear Function