Is f totally differentiable at (0,0)?

In summary, the conversation discussed the differentiability of a function f(x,y) = tan(xy)*sin(1/[x^2+y^2]). It was initially thought that the function was not differentiable because the limit of the function did not exist. However, it was later realized that this was due to a mistake in the calculation. By using polar coordinates and the definition of differentiability, it was determined that the function is in fact differentiable at (0,0).
  • #1
springo
126
0

Homework Statement


For any (x,y) other than (0,0).
[tex]f(x,y)=\tan(x·y)\sin\left(\frac{1}{x^2+y^2}\right)[/tex]
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.
[tex]\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)[/tex]
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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  • #2
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:
 
  • #3
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.
 
  • #4
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:
 
  • #5
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:
  • #6
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:
 

1. What does it mean for a function to be totally differentiable?

When a function is totally differentiable, it means that it is differentiable at every point in its domain. This means that the function has a well-defined derivative at every point, and the derivative is continuous.

2. How is total differentiability different from regular differentiability?

Total differentiability is a stronger condition than regular differentiability. While a function can be differentiable at some points and not at others, total differentiability requires that the function be differentiable at every point in its domain. This means that the function is smoother and more well-behaved.

3. What are the necessary conditions for a function to be totally differentiable?

In order for a function to be totally differentiable, it must be continuous and have a well-defined derivative at every point in its domain. Additionally, the derivative must be continuous at every point in its domain.

4. Can a function be totally differentiable but not continuous?

No, a function cannot be totally differentiable if it is not continuous. This is because total differentiability requires both continuity and a well-defined derivative at every point in the function's domain.

5. What are some real-world applications of total differentiability?

Total differentiability is a fundamental concept in calculus and is used in many real-world applications such as physics, engineering, and economics. It is used to model and analyze the behavior of continuously changing systems, such as the motion of objects, the flow of fluids, and the changes in economic variables.

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