Math Problem Statement

show that 2xy/ x^2+ y^2 is continuous

Solution

To show that the function f(x,y)=2xyx2+y2f(x, y) = \frac{2xy}{x^2 + y^2} is continuous, we need to demonstrate that it is continuous at every point in its domain, especially at points where the denominator might be zero, i.e., at (x,y)=(0,0)(x, y) = (0, 0).

Step-by-Step Analysis:

  1. Domain of the Function:
    The function is defined as: f(x,y)=2xyx2+y2f(x, y) = \frac{2xy}{x^2 + y^2} The denominator x2+y2x^2 + y^2 is zero only at (x,y)=(0,0)(x, y) = (0, 0). Therefore, f(x,y)f(x, y) is not defined at (0,0)(0, 0). To extend the function to include (0,0)(0, 0), we will define: f(0,0)=0.f(0, 0) = 0.

  2. Continuity Away from the Origin:
    For any point (x,y)(0,0)(x, y) \neq (0, 0), the denominator x2+y2x^2 + y^2 is positive, so the function is the ratio of two continuous functions (a polynomial in the numerator and a nonzero quadratic form in the denominator). Thus, f(x,y)f(x, y) is continuous for (x,y)(0,0)(x, y) \neq (0, 0).

  3. Continuity at the Origin:
    To prove that the function is continuous at the origin, we need to check the limit: lim(x,y)(0,0)f(x,y)=0\lim_{(x, y) \to (0, 0)} f(x, y) = 0 If this limit exists and equals f(0,0)f(0, 0), which we have defined as 0, then the function will be continuous at (0,0)(0, 0).

    Let's calculate the limit in polar coordinates, where x=rcosθx = r\cos\theta and y=rsinθy = r\sin\theta, and r=x2+y2r = \sqrt{x^2 + y^2}: f(x,y)=2xyx2+y2=2r2cosθsinθr2=2cosθsinθ=sin(2θ)f(x, y) = \frac{2xy}{x^2 + y^2} = \frac{2r^2\cos\theta\sin\theta}{r^2} = 2\cos\theta\sin\theta = \sin(2\theta) As r0r \to 0, the value of the function does not depend on rr, and sin(2θ)\sin(2\theta) is bounded. Therefore, the limit is: limr0sin(2θ)=0\lim_{r \to 0} \sin(2\theta) = 0 since r0r \to 0 implies that xx and yy approach 0.

  4. Conclusion:
    The function f(x,y)=2xyx2+y2f(x, y) = \frac{2xy}{x^2 + y^2} is continuous at all points, including at (0,0)(0, 0), where it approaches the value 00.

Thus, the function is continuous.


Would you like more details on the steps or have any other questions?

Here are some related questions:

  1. What is the definition of continuity for a multivariable function?
  2. How do we convert Cartesian coordinates to polar coordinates?
  3. Why do we check the limit in polar coordinates?
  4. How does the function behave along different paths approaching (0,0)(0, 0)?
  5. What is a removable discontinuity, and does it apply here?

Tip: When checking the continuity of a function at the origin, switching to polar coordinates often simplifies the analysis by reducing the problem to a radial limit.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Multivariable Calculus
Continuity of Functions
Limits in Polar Coordinates

Formulas

f(x, y) = 2xy / (x^2 + y^2)
Polar coordinates: x = r*cos(θ), y = r*sin(θ)

Theorems

Limit Theorem
Continuity in Two Variables

Suitable Grade Level

College Level (Multivariable Calculus)