Differentiability of a two variable function with parameter

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The function f(x, y) defined as f(x, y) = |x|^α sin(y) for x ≠ 0 and f(0, 0) = 0 is differentiable at the point (0, 0) only for α ≥ 0. For α < 0, the function is not continuous at (0, 0), hence not differentiable. The partial derivatives at (0, 0) are both zero, but further analysis is required for α ≥ 0 to confirm differentiability. Specifically, evaluating the limit lim_{(h,k)→(0,0)} f(h, k)/√(h²+k²) is crucial to determine the differentiability in this case.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of differentiability in multivariable calculus
  • Knowledge of limits and continuity in the context of functions of two variables
  • Familiarity with partial derivatives and their computation
  • Basic trigonometric functions and their properties
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the concept of differentiability for functions of multiple variables
  • Learn about the epsilon-delta definition of continuity and differentiability
  • Explore techniques for evaluating limits in multivariable calculus
  • Investigate the implications of different values of α on the behavior of the function f(x, y)
USEFUL FOR

Students and educators in calculus, particularly those focusing on multivariable functions, as well as mathematicians analyzing differentiability conditions in real analysis.

Mathitalian
Messages
28
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



For which parameter [tex]\alpha\in\mathbb{R}[/tex] the function:
[tex]f(x, y)= \begin{cases}|x|^\alpha \sin(y),&\mbox{ if } x\ne 0;\\ 0, & \mbox{ if } x=0\end{cases}[/tex]

is differentiable at the point (0, 0)?

The Attempt at a Solution



For α<0, the function is not continue at (0, 0), so it is not differentiable. I checked it :)

For α≥0 i have troubles, many troubles. I need your help.

I started evalueting the partial derivates using the definition:

[tex]\partial_x f(0,0):= \lim_{h\to 0} \frac{|h|^\alpha\sin(0)-0}{h}=0[/tex]
[tex]\partial_y f(0,0):= \lim_{h\to 0} \frac{|0|^\alpha\sin(h)-0}{h}=0[/tex]

(I think i must split the cases α=0 and α>0, right? |0|^α has no sense if α=0, but if α=0 then f(x,y)= sin(y)... I'm confuse)

Anyway, i need to find the value of the limit (if it exists):

[tex]\lim_{(h,k)\to (0, 0)}\frac{f(h, k)}{\sqrt{h^2+k^2}}[/tex] and show that its value is 0 right? I have problems with two variables limits...

Any helps will be appreciated...

Please, if you see there are mistakes in English languange, correct me :)
 
Physics news on Phys.org
See if the limit of each of the following exists as (x, y) → (0, 0):
[itex]\displaystyle \frac{\partial f(x,\,y)}{\partial x}[/itex] and [itex]\displaystyle \frac{\partial f(x,\,y)}{\partial y}[/itex]​
 
Last edited:

Similar threads

  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
1K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
1K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Replies
8
Views
2K