Is f totally differentiable at (0,0)?

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SUMMARY

The function f(x,y) = tan(x·y)·sin(1/(x²+y²)) is evaluated for total differentiability at the point (0,0). The limit as (x,y) approaches (0,0) is shown to be dependent on the path taken, leading to the conclusion that the limit does not exist. However, through careful analysis using polar coordinates and the definition of differentiability, it is established that f is indeed differentiable at (0,0) since the limit approaches 0. This conclusion is supported by the fact that both partial derivatives at (0,0) are zero.

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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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