Is xy>0 Sufficient to Determine the Domain of f(x, y) = xy√(x²+y)?

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The domain of the function f(x, y) = xy√(x² + y) is defined as D = {(x, y): x² + y ≥ 0}, which ensures that the expression under the square root is non-negative. The initial claim that D = {(x, y): xy > 0} is incorrect, as it excludes points where either x or y equals zero, which are valid inputs for the function. The discussion highlights the importance of understanding the distinction between domain and range, emphasizing that the function must yield real numbers for valid input pairs.

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Homework Statement


Find the domain of the function: f(x,y) = xy*√(x2+y)

Homework Equations


The domain is the set of all input values for which the function is defined.

The Attempt at a Solution


D = {(x,y): xy>0}

I plugged the function into Wolfram and it gave the result:

D = {(x,y): x2+y ≥ 0 }

I can see how that solution is correct, but isn't mine as well? I'm saying that the product of x and y is greater than 0, which implies neither x nor y = 0, hence the > symbol.

The wolfram solution seems a little less explicit to me.
 
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Your D would be the first and the third quadrant. What is f(-1,-3) according to you ?
Sketch the two answers in the xy plane and see that you include areas that should be excludede and vice versa.
 
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f(-1,-3) is in the second quadrant of the domain, and according to my domain it maps to 3.

I've stated that D=(x,y): xy>0.that whatever the x or y values take on in the domain, the output will always be greater than 0.

This is incorrect though. The product of the equation states √(x2+y). The point (-3,1) could not be mapped in the reals because √(32+1) = √-8.

√(x2+y) has to be greater than or equal to 0, therefore x2+y ≥ 0
 
says said:
√(x2+y) has to be greater than or equal to 0, therefore x2+y ≥ 0
Correct. For a point x,y to be in the domain, f(x,y) has to exist. It doesn't have to be > 0. ( [edit] quote added to indicate what precisely is correct. )

says said:
The point (-3,1) could not be mapped in the reals because √(32+1) = √-8.
Oops ! I mentioned the point (1, -3) for which x2 + y = -2 < 0 so (-1,3) is not in D.

The point (-3,1), however, happily resides in D: f(-3,1) = - 3 √8 !

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[edit] : added:

says said:
f(-1,-3) is in the second quadrant of the domain

No. f(-1,-3) does not exist.

You seem to think f(x,y) = x,y but it is not.

Furthermore, you seem to mix up domain and range. Check your notes/textbook.
 
Last edited:
says said:

Homework Statement


Find the domain of the function: f(x,y) = xy*√(x2+y)

Homework Equations


The domain is the set of all input values for which the function is defined.

The Attempt at a Solution


D = {(x,y): xy>0}

I plugged the function into Wolfram and it gave the result:

D = {(x,y): x2+y ≥ 0 }

I can see how that solution is correct, but isn't mine as well? I'm saying that the product of x and y is greater than 0, which implies neither x nor y = 0, hence the > symbol.

The wolfram solution seems a little less explicit to me.
Your solution is not correct.

If y=0, then x can be any number.

If x=0, then y≥0 .

The important issue here is that ##\ \sqrt{x^2+y\,}\ ## gives a real number result so long as ##\ x^2+y\ge0\ ##.
 
says said:

Homework Statement


Find the domain of the function: f(x,y) = xy*√(x2+y)

Homework Equations


The domain is the set of all input values for which the function is defined.

The Attempt at a Solution


D = {(x,y): xy>0}

I plugged the function into Wolfram and it gave the result:

D = {(x,y): x2+y ≥ 0 }

I can see how that solution is correct, but isn't mine as well? I'm saying that the product of x and y is greater than 0, which implies neither x nor y = 0, hence the > symbol.

The wolfram solution seems a little less explicit to me.

Draw the curve ##C: \:y = -x^2## in the ##(x,y)## plane. For a point ##p =(x,y)## to be in the domain of ##f##, where must ##p## be located in relation to the curve ##C##?
 
BvU said:
No. f(-1,-3) does not exist.

You seem to think f(x,y) = x,y but it is not.

Furthermore, you seem to mix up domain and range. Check your notes/textbook.

I meant to say that the a point (x,y) is in a quadrant on the xy-plane and a function will either map or not map this point. (i.e. it exists or does not exist.)
 
Last edited by a moderator:
says said:
I meant to say that the a point (x,y) is in a quadrant on the xy-plane and a function will either map or not map this point. (i.e. it exists or does not exist.)
That's pretty vague, to say "a point (x,y) is in a quadrant on the xy-plane". Also, a point in the x-y plane exists whether or not f maps it to some value.

There's a fair amount of confusion in this thread. The domain is not, as has been mentioned, the first and third quadrants. The domain is ##\{(x, y) | x^2 + y \ge 0\}##. It would be helpful to sketch a graph of the domain, which is a geometric figure you should already know, together with all the interior points of this figure.

says said:
√(x2+y) has to be greater than or equal to 0, therefore x2+y ≥ 0
The important thing if for the quantity inside the radical to be >= 0. All you need to say is that ##x^2 + y \ge 0##.
 

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