[calculus] Continuity of partial derivatives

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the continuity of partial derivatives for a function of several variables defined with a parameter. The function is given as f(x,y,z)=\frac{x y z^2}{(x^2+y^2+z^2)^k}, with a specific condition that it is defined to be 0 at the point of discontinuity (0,0,0).

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the relationship between differentiability and the continuity of partial derivatives, with some noting that differentiability implies continuity but not vice versa. There is a focus on identifying the values of k for which the partial derivatives are continuous, separate from the overall differentiability of the function.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided insights into the conditions for differentiability and have established a range for k where the function is differentiable. However, the specific inquiry into the continuity of the partial derivatives remains open, with suggestions to find the partial derivatives and apply the definition of continuity to them.

Contextual Notes

There is an emphasis on distinguishing between differentiability and the continuity of partial derivatives, with participants acknowledging the need to analyze the partial derivatives specifically in relation to the parameter k.

Ahmes
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Hello,
If I am given a function of several variables and a parameter. Such as:
[tex]f(x,y,z)=\frac{x y z^2}{(x^2+y^2+z^2)^k}[/tex]
This function is defined to be 0 where it is incontinuous (in [tex](0,0,0)[/tex]).

How can I conclude for which values of k the function has three continuous partial derivatives?
I know how to conclude differentiability of the function, but differentiability means partial derivatives exist, not necessarily continuous.

Thank you.
 
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Ahmes said:
I know how to conclude differentiability of the function, but differentiability means partial derivatives exist, not necessarily continuous.

Differentiability implies continuity, but not the other way arround.
Differentiability is a stronger condition than continuity and existing partial derivatives is a necessary though not sufficient condition for differentiability.
For differentiability, you need continuity and existing + continuous partial derivatives.
 
TD said:
For differentiability, you need continuity and existing + continuous partial derivatives.
Yes, but as I said I already now how to find differentiability, or for which values of k the function is differentiable.

It is differentiable for [tex]-\infty<k<\frac{3}{2}[/tex]. Now I want to know for which values of k the partial derivatives are continuous (not the function itself).
 
First, find the partial derivatives. The, apply the definition of continuity to the three functions (each partial derivative).
 

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