Continuity and differentiability in two variables

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the continuity and differentiability of functions in two variables, specifically examining whether independent continuity in each variable implies overall continuity. The user references the function f(x,y) and its behavior under perturbations in both x and y. A definitive conclusion is drawn that independent continuity does not guarantee overall continuity, as supported by a reference to "Counterexamples In Analysis". The same applies to differentiability; independent differentiability does not ensure differentiability in both variables.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of multivariable calculus concepts, specifically continuity and differentiability.
  • Familiarity with Taylor series expansions in multiple dimensions.
  • Knowledge of counterexamples in mathematical analysis.
  • Ability to interpret mathematical notation and functions in two variables.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the concept of continuity in multivariable functions, focusing on definitions and examples.
  • Examine differentiability in two variables, including the implications of partial derivatives.
  • Review "Counterexamples In Analysis" for specific cases that illustrate the failure of continuity and differentiability assumptions.
  • Explore the application of Taylor series in analyzing functions of multiple variables.
USEFUL FOR

Mathematicians, students of calculus, and educators seeking to deepen their understanding of continuity and differentiability in multivariable functions.

wavingerwin
Messages
93
Reaction score
0
Hi

If the function ##f(x,y)## is independently continuous in ##x## and ##y##, i.e.
[itex]f(x+d_x,y) = f(x,y) + \Delta_xd_x + O(d_x^2)[/itex] and [itex]f(x,y+d_y) = f(x,y) + \Delta_yd_y + O(d_y^2)[/itex]
for some finite ##\Delta_x##, ##\Delta_y##, and small ##\delta_x##, ##\delta_x##,

does it mean that it is continuous in both?
[itex]f(x+d_x,y+d_y) = f(x,y) + \Delta_xd_x +\Delta_yd_y+O(d_x^2,d_y^2)[/itex]

How about differentiability? (if the function is independently differentiable in ##x## and ##y##, is it differentiable in both ##x## and ##y##?)

Cheers
wavingerwin
 
Physics news on Phys.org
wavingerwin said:
does it mean that it is continuous in both?
By "is continuous in both", do you just mean "is continuous"? Then no.. See Ch 9, section 1 of Counterexamples In Analysis (p 115 of the book, p 140 of the PDF) http://www.kryakin.org/am2/_Olmsted.pdf
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: wavingerwin

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
20
Views
4K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
3K
  • · Replies 0 ·
Replies
0
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
4K