Partial Derivatives Problem Evaluating at (0,0)

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around evaluating partial derivatives at the point (0,0) for the function f(x,y) = xy(x^2 - y^2)/(x^2 + y^2). Participants are exploring the discrepancies in results obtained from MatLab and the theoretical calculations using the limit definition of derivatives.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant reports difficulties in evaluating the derivatives at (0,0) using MatLab, noting that it provides the same answer for fxy and fyx, which seems incorrect according to the problem.
  • Another participant clarifies that the MatLab results for fxy and fyx are valid only when (x,y) ≠ (0,0) and emphasizes the need to calculate these derivatives from first principles at (0,0).
  • Several participants suggest using the limit definition of the derivative to compute fxy(0,0) and fyx(0,0), with specific limits outlined for f_x(0,0) and subsequent derivatives.
  • One participant expresses frustration with obtaining an undefined result (0/0) when attempting to use the limit definition and seeks suggestions for resolving this issue.
  • Another participant provides a derived expression for f_x(x,y) using the quotient rule and calculates f_x(0,k), leading to a conjecture about the values of fxy(0,0) and fyx(0,0) being -1 and +1, respectively.
  • Some participants reiterate the need for clarity on the limit definition of the derivative and how to handle the algebraic challenges presented by the 0/0 form.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no consensus on the evaluation of the derivatives at (0,0), as participants present different approaches and results. Some agree on the necessity of using the limit definition, while others express uncertainty about the algebra involved.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention the undefined nature of limits leading to 0/0 forms, indicating potential complications in the calculations. There is also a reliance on the correctness of the expressions derived from MatLab, which may not hold at the critical point (0,0).

Jamie2
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Problem: View attachment 2084I did some of the problem on MatLab but I'm having a difficult time evaluating the derivatives at (0,0). Also, MatLab gave me the same answer for fxy and fyx, which according to the problem isn't correct. Any ideas? I used MatLab and computed:

fx(x,y)=(2*x^2*y)/(x^2 + y^2) + (y*(x^2 - y^2))/(x^2 + y^2) - (2*x^2*y*(x^2 - y^2))/(x^2 + y^2)^2

and

fy(x,y)=(x*(x^2 - y^2))/(x^2 + y^2) - (2*x*y^2)/(x^2 + y^2) - (2*x*y^2*(x^2 - y^2))/(x^2 + y^2)^2

I also used MatLab to compute fxy and fyx, both gave me the same answer:

(x^2 - y^2)/(x^2 + y^2) + (2*x^2)/(x^2 + y^2) - (2*y^2)/(x^2 + y^2) - (2*x^2*(x^2 - y^2))/(x^2 + y^2)^2 - (2*y^2*(x^2 - y^2))/(x^2 + y^2)^2 + (8*x^2*y^2*(x^2 - y^2))/(x^2 + y^2)^3
 

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The Matlab answers for $f_{xy}$ and $f_{yx}$ are valid when $(x,y)\ne(0,0)$. The only point at which $f_{xy} \ne f_{yx}$ is when $(x,y) = (0,0).$ So you need to calculate $f_{xy}(0,0)$ and $f_{yx}(0,0).$ You need to do this from first principles, using the definition of the derivative as a limit.

You first need to check that $$f_x(0,0) = \lim_{h\to0}\frac{f(h,0) - f(0,0)}h = \lim_{h\to0}\frac{\frac {h*0(h^2-0^2)}{h^2+0^2} - 0}h = 0.$$ The next step is to calculate $$f_{xy}(0,0) = \frac{\partial f_x}{\partial y}(0,0) = \lim_{k\to0}\frac{f_x(0,k) - f_x(0,0)}k$$ in a similar way. Then do the same for $f_y(0,0)$ and $f_{yx}(0,0)$.
 
Last edited:
Opalg said:
The Matlab answers for $f_{xy}$ and $f_{yx}$ are valid when $(x,y)\ne(0,0)$. The only point at which $f_{xy} \ne f_{yx}$ is when $(x,y) = (0,0).$ So you need to calculate $f_{xy}(0,0)$ and $f_{yx}(0,0).$ You need to do this from first principles, using the definition of the derivative as a limit.

You first need to check that $$f_x(0,0) = \lim_{h\to0}\frac{f(h,0) - f(0,0)}h = \lim_{h\to0}\frac{\frac {h*0(h^2-0^2)}{h^2+0^2} - f(0,0)}h = 0.$$ The next step is to calculate $$f_{xy}(0,0) = \frac{\partial f_x}{\partial y}(0,0) = \lim_{h\to0}\frac{f_x(0,k) - f_x(0,0)}k$$ in a similar way. Then do the same for $f_y(0,0)$ and $f_{yx}(0,0)$.
the problem is that when I try to use the limit definition of the derivative I get that it's undefined (0/0). Do you have any suggestions for how I can compute that limit?
 
Jamie said:
the problem is that when I try to use the limit definition of the derivative I get that it's undefined (0/0). Do you have any suggestions for how I can compute that limit?
The result I get by using the quotient rule (which I hope agrees with the Matlab result except that I have tried to simplify it a bit) is $$f_x(x,y) = \frac{\bigl(y(x^2-y^2) + 2x^2y\bigr)(x^2+y^2) - 2x^2y(x^2-y^2)}{(x^2+y^2)^2} = \frac{y(x^4-y^4) + 4x^2y^3}{(x^2+y^2)^2}.$$ Then when you put $x=0$ and $y=k$ you get $$f_x(0,k) = \frac{-k^5}{k^4} = -k.$$ Now put that into the expression for $f_{xy}(0,0)$ and you get $$f_{xy}(0,0) = \lim_{k\to0}\frac{f_x(0,k) - f_x(0,0)}k = \lim_{k\to0}\frac{-k - 0}k = -1.$$ My guess is that when you do the same thing for $f_{yx}(0,0)$, the answer will come out as $+1.$
 
Opalg said:
The result I get by using the quotient rule (which I hope agrees with the Matlab result except that I have tried to simplify it a bit) is $$f_x(x,y) = \frac{\bigl(y(x^2-y^2) + 2x^2y\bigr)(x^2+y^2) - 2x^2y(x^2-y^2)}{(x^2+y^2)^2} = \frac{y(x^4-y^4) + 4x^2y^3}{(x^2+y^2)^2}.$$ Then when you put $x=0$ and $y=k$ you get $$f_x(0,k) = \frac{-k^5}{k^4} = -k.$$ Now put that into the expression for $f_{xy}(0,0)$ and you get $$f_{xy}(0,0) = \lim_{k\to0}\frac{f_x(0,k) - f_x(0,0)}k = \lim_{k\to0}\frac{-k - 0}k = -1.$$ My guess is that when you do the same thing for $f_{yx}(0,0)$, the answer will come out as $+1.$

I am not sure that this is what the question is asking. Basically I just need help solving the limit definition of derivative algebraically because every time I try I get 0/0= undefined.
I need to show the value of the derivative for f(x,y)= xy(x^2-y^2)/(x^2+y^2), at fx(0,0) and at fy(0,0) using the limit definition of derivative for both.
 
Jamie said:
I am not sure that this is what the question is asking. Basically I just need help solving the limit definition of derivative algebraically because every time I try I get 0/0= undefined.
I need to show the value of the derivative for f(x,y)= xy(x^2-y^2)/(x^2+y^2), at fx(0,0) and at fy(0,0) using the limit definition of derivative for both.
If you look at part (iii) of the question, you will see that that is exactly what I have indicated how to do. (Nod)
 

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