Continuity of a Function of Two Variables

In summary, The function f(x,y) = (x^2 - y^2)/(x-y) is not continuous at (1,1) since it is not defined at this point. Setting f(1,1) = 0 means defining a value for the function at (1,1). The limit of the function at (1,1) is 2, not 0.
  • #1
DeadxBunny
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Question:
Is the function f(x,y) = (x^2 - y^2)/(x-y) continuous at (1,1) if we set f(1,1) = 0? Why or why not?

So far, I've just plugged 1 in for x and y and found the limit to equal 0. I guess that means that the limit is not continuous at (1,1)? And what do they mean by set f(1,1) = 0?

Thanks for your help!
 
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  • #2
The function f(x,y) = (x^2 - y^2)/(x-y) is not defined at (1,1), since:
(1-1)/(1-1)=0/0.
So setting f(1,1)=0, means defining a value for the function at (1,1).

By the way. The limit is not equal to 0.
Note that : (a+b)(a-b)=a^2-b^2.
 
  • #3
[tex]\lim_{(x,y)\rightarrow(1,1)}f(x,y)=\lim_{(x,y)\rightarrow(1,1)}\frac{x^2-y^2}{x-y}=\lim_{(x,y)\rightarrow(1,1)}\frac{(x+y)(x-y)}{x-y}=\lim_{(x,y)\rightarrow(1,1)}x+y=2[/tex]
 
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Related to Continuity of a Function of Two Variables

1. What is the definition of continuity for a function of two variables?

Continuity of a function of two variables means that as the input values approach a given point, the output values also approach a specific value. In other words, there are no abrupt changes or breaks in the graph of the function at that point.

2. How is the continuity of a function of two variables determined?

The continuity of a function of two variables can be determined by evaluating the limit of the function at a given point. If the limit exists and is equal to the value of the function at that point, then the function is continuous at that point.

3. What are the conditions for a function of two variables to be continuous at a point?

The three conditions for a function of two variables to be continuous at a point (a, b) are:

  1. The function must be defined at that point.
  2. The limit of the function as (x, y) approaches (a, b) must exist.
  3. The limit must be equal to the value of the function at (a, b).

4. Can a function of two variables be continuous at one point and discontinuous at another point?

Yes, it is possible for a function of two variables to be continuous at one point and discontinuous at another point. This can happen if the function satisfies the three conditions for continuity at one point, but fails to satisfy them at another point.

5. How can the continuity of a function of two variables be tested graphically?

The continuity of a function of two variables can be tested graphically by plotting the function and observing if there are any breaks or jumps in the graph. If the graph is continuous, there will be no abrupt changes in the function's values as the input values change. Additionally, the function should be continuous along any path on the graph, not just along a straight line.

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