Is f totally differentiable at (0,0)?

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves determining whether the function f(x,y) = tan(x·y)sin(1/(x²+y²)) is totally differentiable at the point (0,0), where f(0,0) = 0. The discussion centers around the continuity and differentiability of the function near the origin.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the limit of the function as (x,y) approaches (0,0) and question the continuity of f at that point. There are attempts to use polar coordinates to evaluate the limit, and some participants express confusion about the behavior of sin(1/r) as r approaches 0.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing insights and corrections to each other's reasoning. Some guidance has been offered regarding the limits and the implications of differentiability, but no consensus has been reached on the final conclusion.

Contextual Notes

There are mentions of potential mistakes in reasoning and the complexity of the problem, particularly regarding the behavior of the function near (0,0) and the use of derivatives. Participants also note issues with LaTeX formatting in their posts.

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Homework Statement


For any (x,y) other than (0,0).
f(x,y)=\tan(x·y)\sin\left(\frac{1}{x^2+y^2}\right)
For (x,y) = (0,0)
f(x,y) = 0
Is f totally differentiable?

Homework Equations



The Attempt at a Solution


If the function is not continuous, it can't be differentiable.
\lim_{(x,y)\rightarrow(0,0)}\tan(x·y)\sin\left(\frac{1}{x^2+y^2}\right)=\lim_{(x,y)\rightarrow(0,0)}\frac{x·y}{x^2+y^2}=\lim_{r\rightarrow0}\cos(\theta)·sin(\theta)
So the limit doesn't exist.

However I looked at the solution and it is differentiable. Is it possible that the solution is wrong or did I make a mistake?

Thanks for your help.

Edit: I don't why it doesn't TeX (at least on my browser) so:
f(x,y) = tan(xy)*sin(1/[x^2+y^2])
And for my attempt at a solution:
lim(x,y->0,0) f(x,y) = lim (x,y->0,0) xy/(x^2+y^2) = lim (r -> 0) cos T*sin T
 
Last edited:
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Hi springo! :smile:

(for some reason the LateX doesn't seem to be working properly today … it's not just you! :blushing:)

(and try using the X2 tag just above the Reply box :wink:)
springo said:
Is f totally differentiable?

If the function is not continuous, it can't be differentiable.

So the limit doesn't exist.

f(x,y) = tan(xy)*sin(1/[x^2+y^2])
And for my attempt at a solution:
lim(x,y->0,0) f(x,y) = lim (x,y->0,0) xy/(x^2+y^2) = lim (r -> 0) cos T*sin T

erm :redface: … sin(1/r) is not approximately 1/r, it's ≤ 1,

so |f(x,y)| ≤ tan(xy) -> 0 :wink:
 
Hi tiny-tim! Thanks for your answer.
I'm not sure I understand what you meant with your answer.
I was trying to find the limit by using polar coordinates:
x = r·cos(t)
y = r·sin(t)

So lim(x,y)->(0,0) tan(x·y)·sin(1/[x2+y2])
~ lim(x,y)->(0,0) x·y/(x2+y2)
~ limr->0 r2·cos(t)·sin(t)/r2
~ cos(t)·sin(t)
And so the limit doesn't exist.
 
springo said:
So lim(x,y)->(0,0) tan(x·y)·sin(1/[x2+y2])
~ lim(x,y)->(0,0) x·y/(x2+y2)

Noooo … as r -> 0, sin(r) -> r but sin(1/r) does not -> 1/r, it stays ≤ 1

try drawing it! :smile:
 
OK, I understood! How could I make that mistake... :rolleyes:
So how can I do this?

Edit:
I was thinking:
limh->0 [f(x,y) - f(0,0) - fx(0,0)(x-0) - fy(0,0)(y-0)]/√(x2+y2)
Since fx(0,0) = fy(0,0) = 0 (by doing the math... lol) and f(0,0) = 0... it's now:
limh->0 f(x,y)/√(x2+yy) ~ x·y·sin(1/x2+y2)/√(x2+y2)
And by turning into polar we have r2/r = r (the other stuff is bounded so...).
So the limit is 0, so it's differentiable.
Is that right?
 
Last edited:
Hi springo! :smile:
springo said:
Since fx(0,0) = fy(0,0) = 0 (by doing the math... lol) …

a bit complicated … and sometimes fx(0,0) and fy(0,0) exist when, along some non-axis curve, the derivative doesn't exist.

Just use the definition …

what is lim [f(x,y) - f(0,0)]/r ? :smile:
 

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