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Let $V$ be an open subset of $\mathbb{R}^{n-1}$, $f\in C^1(V,\mathbb{R})$, and $S:=\{(x_1,\ldots,x_{n-1},f(x_1,\ldots,x_{n-1})) : (x_1,\ldots,x_{n-1}) \in V\}$ the graph of the function $f$. Now, is there a function $g\in C^1(\mathbb{R}^n)$ such that $S=g^{-1}(0)$. I think $0$ must be a regular value of $g$ but I cannot imagine what $g$ looks like.

Can someone help me please?

2 Answers 2

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No, not in general. Since $g$ is continuous, $g^{-1}(0)$ is closed, while $S$ need not be closed. For example, take $n=2$, $V=(0,1)$, and $f(x)=x$.

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Put $g(x_1,\ldots, x_n):=f(x_1,\ldots,x_{n-1})-x_n\ $.

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    That defines $g$ only on $V \times \mathbb{R}$.2012-04-22