Proving Continuity and Inequalities for a Limit with Two Variables

In summary, the conversation discusses the continuity of a function f(x,y) and proving its limits at (0,0). It is shown that f is not continuous at (0,0) using the two path test. The next part of the conversation focuses on showing that -1/2 ≤ f(x,y) ≤ 1/2 for all (x,y). The suggestion is to find necessary and sufficient conditions for the two inequalities -1 ≤ 2x^2y/(x^4+y^2) and 1 ≥ 2x^2y/(x^4+y^2) by rearranging them using "reversible" steps.
  • #1
oahsen
59
0

Homework Statement



Let
f(x, y) =((x^2)*y)/(x^4 + y^2) if (x, y) != (0, 0) ,
f(x,y) = 0 if (x, y) = (0, 0) .
a) Is f continuous at (0, 0)? Prove your statement.
b) Show that
-1/2 ≤ f(x, y) ≤1/2
for all (x, y).

I have used the two path test to show that it has not limit at 0,0 hence it is not continuous there. however, ı have no idea what I should do for the b part?Is there a algebratic way to show it or should we take differential etc.?
 
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  • #2
Try solving for each inequality separately, and cross multiply to get a perfect square.
 
  • #3
daveb said:
Try solving for each inequality separately.
Are you referring to the fx and fy (the partial derivatives of f) by saying "for each inequality"?
 
  • #4
What he means is to find necessary and sufficient conditions on x,y for each of the two inequalities

[tex]-1 \leq \frac{2x^2y}{x^4+y^2}[/tex]

and

[tex]1 \geq \frac{2x^2y}{x^4+y^2}[/tex]

(ie. rearrange them, using "reversible" steps, until you find something that will tell you for which x,y they are satisfied)
 

1. What is a limit with two variables?

A limit with two variables is a mathematical concept that describes the behavior of a function as two independent variables approach a certain point.

2. How do you find the limit of a function with two variables?

To find the limit of a function with two variables, you must approach the given point from all possible paths and determine if the function approaches a single value or multiple values. If the function approaches a single value, then that value is the limit. If the function approaches different values from different paths, then the limit does not exist.

3. Can a function have a limit with two variables at a point, but not be continuous at that point?

Yes, a function can have a limit with two variables at a point, but not be continuous at that point. This can occur if the function approaches a certain value from different paths, but there is a gap or jump at the actual point, making it not continuous.

4. How can you determine if a limit with two variables exists?

A limit with two variables exists if the function approaches a single value as the two variables approach a certain point. This can be determined by evaluating the limit along different paths and seeing if the values approach the same number or not. If they do, then the limit exists.

5. What is the difference between a limit with two variables and a limit with one variable?

The main difference between a limit with two variables and a limit with one variable is that with two variables, there are infinite paths that can approach the given point, whereas with one variable, there is only one path. Additionally, a limit with two variables can approach different values from different paths, while a limit with one variable can only approach one value.

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