Math Problem Statement

Suppose F= x3 + sqrt(y2(x-2)) + |x+5| . Compute the partial derivative of F with respect to y. At which values of x and y is the partial derivative continuous?

Solution

We are given the function:

F(x,y)=x3+y2(x2)+x+5F(x, y) = x^3 + \sqrt{y^2(x - 2)} + |x + 5|

We need to compute the partial derivative of FF with respect to yy, and analyze where the partial derivative is continuous.

Step 1: Compute the Partial Derivative with Respect to yy

We differentiate each term of the function with respect to yy, keeping xx constant.

  1. The term x3x^3 does not depend on yy, so its derivative with respect to yy is 00.

  2. The second term is y2(x2)\sqrt{y^2(x - 2)}. Using the chain rule, we differentiate: y(y2(x2))\frac{\partial}{\partial y} \left( \sqrt{y^2(x - 2)} \right) This becomes: 12y2(x2)2y(x2)=y(x2)y2(x2)\frac{1}{2\sqrt{y^2(x - 2)}} \cdot 2y(x - 2) = \frac{y(x - 2)}{\sqrt{y^2(x - 2)}}

  3. The third term is x+5|x + 5|, which does not depend on yy, so its derivative with respect to yy is 00.

Thus, the partial derivative of FF with respect to yy is:

Fy=y(x2)y2(x2)\frac{\partial F}{\partial y} = \frac{y(x - 2)}{\sqrt{y^2(x - 2)}}

Step 2: Analyze Continuity of the Partial Derivative

To determine where the partial derivative is continuous, we look for values of xx and yy that might cause discontinuities. Specifically, the expression involves a square root and a fraction, both of which can introduce potential issues.

  1. The square root in y2(x2)\sqrt{y^2(x - 2)} is valid only if y2(x2)0y^2(x - 2) \geq 0. This means:

    • If x2>0x - 2 > 0, then y20y^2 \geq 0 is always true.
    • If x2<0x - 2 < 0, the expression is undefined unless y=0y = 0.
    • If x2=0x - 2 = 0, the expression is 0=0\sqrt{0} = 0, which is well-defined for any yy.
  2. The denominator of the fraction y2(x2)\sqrt{y^2(x - 2)} also introduces a potential issue if it is zero. Specifically, the denominator is zero when y=0y = 0 and x=2x = 2.

Thus, the partial derivative is continuous except at x=2x = 2 and y=0y = 0.

Conclusion:

  • The partial derivative of F(x,y)F(x, y) with respect to yy is: Fy=y(x2)y2(x2)\frac{\partial F}{\partial y} = \frac{y(x - 2)}{\sqrt{y^2(x - 2)}}
  • The partial derivative is not continuous at x=2x = 2 and y=0y = 0, as there is a discontinuity at these points. For all other values of xx and yy, the partial derivative is continuous.

Let me know if you'd like more details or have any further questions!


Related Questions:

  1. How do you find the partial derivative of a function involving absolute values?
  2. What is the condition for the continuity of partial derivatives of a function?
  3. Can you apply the chain rule to functions involving square roots and absolute values?
  4. How does the square root function behave for negative values of the argument?
  5. What is the significance of the domain when computing partial derivatives?

Tip:

When taking partial derivatives, always check the domain of the function to ensure that there are no undefined points (like division by zero or taking square roots of negative numbers).

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Partial Derivatives
Chain Rule
Square Roots
Absolute Value

Formulas

Partial Derivative
Chain Rule
Absolute Value Derivative

Theorems

Continuity of Partial Derivatives
Domain of Functions

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 11-12