Real Analysis - Differentiation in R^n - Example of a specific function

[GridironCPJ]

Homework Statement

Give an example of a continuous function f:R^2→R having partial derivatives at (0,0) with
f_1 (0,0)≠0,f_2 (0,0)≠0
But the vector (f_1 (0,0),f_2 (0,0)) does not point in the direction of maximal change, even though there is such a direction.

(If this is too difficult to read, please see the PDF for a nicer version)

Note that this is a problem from TBB's Elementary Real Analysis

Homework Equations

none

The Attempt at a Solution

I have no idea how to attempt the construction of such a function. Any tips, suggestions, or a walkthrough of how to find such a function would be greatly appreciated. If you feel like giving me an answer, please explain it because understanding this is the most important part of this.

 

[gopher_p]

I think you've recognized that this problem has you finding a "counterexample" to a well-known theorem in multivariate calc (it's not really a counterexample to the the theorem, because the theorem is true). If I were you, I would look carefully at the statement and proof of that theorem to see what conditions a function needs to satisfy in order for the theorem to apply. Then try to construct a function that doesn't have the necessary qualities.

Also, the fact that the problem doesn't use the word "gradient" may be a hint.