CH 14 SC 2

2/19/2013
LIMITS AND CONTINUITY

• Let’s compare the behavior of the functions
14.2 sin( x 2 + y 2 ) x2 − y 2
f ( x, y ) = and g ( x , y ) =
x2 + y2 x2 + y2
Limits and Continuity as x and y both approach 0
(and thus the point (x, y) approaches
In this section, we will learn about: the origin).
Limits and continuity of
various types of functions.
Math 114 – Rimmer Math 114 – Rimmer

14.2 – Multivariable Limits 14.2 – Multivariable Limits
LIMITS AND CONTINUITY LIMITS AND CONTINUITY Table 1

• The following tables show values of f(x, y) •This table shows values of f(x, y).
and g(x, y), correct to three decimal places,
for points (x, y) near the origin.

LIMITS AND CONTINUITY Table 2 LIMITS AND CONTINUITY

•This table shows values of g(x, y). • Notice that neither function is defined
at the origin.
– It appears that, as (x, y) approaches (0, 0),

the values of f(x, y) are approaching 1, whereas
the values of g(x, y) aren’t approaching any number.

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LIMITS AND CONTINUITY LIMITS AND CONTINUITY

• It turns out that these guesses based on • In general, we use the notation
numerical evidence are correct. lim f ( x, y ) = L
( x , y ) → ( a ,b )
• Thus, we write:
to indicate that:
sin( x 2 + y 2 )
lim
– ( x , y ) →(0,0) =1
x2 + y2
– The values of f(x, y) approach the number L
2 2 as the point (x, y) approaches the point (a, b)
x −y along any path that stays within the domain of f.
– lim does not exist.
( x , y ) → (0,0) x2 + y2

LIMITS AND CONTINUITY LIMIT OF A FUNCTION

• In other words, we can make the values Definition 1
of f(x, y) as close to L as we like by taking • Let f be a function of two variables
the point (x, y) sufficiently close to the point
whose domain D includes points arbitrarily close
(a, b), but not equal to (a, b). to (a, b).
• Then, we say that the limit of f(x, y)

as (x, y) approaches (a, b) is L.

SINGLE VARIABLE FUNCTIONS DOUBLE VARIABLE FUNCTIONS

• For functions of a single variable, when we • For functions of two
let x approach a, there are only two possible variables, the situation
directions of approach, from the left or from the
right. is not as simple.
– We recall from Chapter 2 that, if
then lim f ( x) does not exist. lim− f ( x ) ≠ lim+ f ( x),
x →a x→a x →a

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DOUBLE VARIABLE FUNCTIONS LIMIT OF A FUNCTION

• This is because we can let (x, y) approach • Definition 1 refers only to the distance
(a, b) from an infinite number of directions between (x, y) and (a, b).
in any manner whatsoever as long as (x, y) stays
within the domain of f.
– It does not refer to the direction of approach.

LIMIT OF A FUNCTION LIMIT OF A FUNCTION

• Therefore, if the limit exists, then f(x, y) must • Thus, if we can find two different paths of
approach along which the function f(x, y)
approach the same limit no matter how (x, y)
has different limits, then it follows that
approaches (a, b).
does not exist.
lim f ( x, y )
( x , y ) → ( a ,b )


• If
Example 1
f(x, y) → L1 as (x, y) → (a, b) along a path C1 and
f(x, y) → L2 as (x, y) → (a, b) along a path C2, • Show that
where L1 ≠ L2, x2 − y2
lim
then ( x , y ) → (0,0) x 2 + y 2
lim f ( x, y ) does not exist.

( x , y ) → ( a ,b )
– Let f(x, y) = (x2 – y2)/(x2 + y2).
does not exist.

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Example 1 Example 1
• First, let’s approach (0, 0) along • We now approach along the y-axis by
the x-axis. putting x = 0.
– Then, y = 0 gives f(x, 0) = x2/x2 = 1 for all x ≠ 0. – Then, f(0, y) = –y2/y2 = –1 for all y ≠ 0.
– So, f(x, y) → 1 as (x, y) → (0, 0) along the x-axis. – So, f(x, y) → –1 as (x, y) → (0, 0) along the y-axis.


• Since f has two different limits along
Example 2
two different lines, the given limit does
not exist. • If xy
f ( x, y ) =
– This confirms Example 1 x + y2
2
the conjecture we
made on the basis does
of numerical evidence lim f ( x, y )
at the beginning ( x , y ) →(0,0)
of the section. exist?

Example 2
Example 2
• If y = 0, then f(x, 0) = 0/x2 = 0. • If x = 0, then f(0, y) = 0/y2 = 0.
– Therefore, – So,
f(x, y) → 0 as (x, y) → (0, 0) along the x-axis. f(x, y) → 0 as (x, y) → (0, 0) along the y-axis.

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Example 2
Example 2
• Let’s now approach (0, 0) along another
• Although we have obtained identical limits line, say y = x.
along the axes, that does not show that
the given limit is 0. – For all x ≠ 0,
x2 1
f ( x, x ) = =
x + x2 2
2
– Therefore,
f ( x, y ) → 12 as ( x, y ) → (0, 0) along y = x

•This figure sheds some
Example 2 light on
• Since we have obtained different limits Example 2.
along different paths, the given limit does
not exist. – The ridge that occurs
above the line y = x
corresponds to the fact
that f(x, y) = ½ for all
points (x, y) on that line
except the origin.


Example 3
Example 3
• If
xy 2
f ( x, y ) = 2 • With the solution of Example 2 in mind,
x + y4 let’s try to save time by letting (x, y) → (0, 0)
along any nonvertical line through the origin.
does
lim f ( x, y )
( x , y ) → (0,0)
exist?
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Example 3
Example 3
• Then, y = mx, where m is the slope,
and • Therefore,
f ( x, y ) = f ( x, mx)
f(x, y) → 0 as (x, y) → (0, 0) along y = mx
x(mx) 2
=
x 2 + (mx) 4
m2 x3 – Thus, f has the same limiting value along
= every nonvertical line through the origin.
x 2 + m4 x 4
m2 x
=
1 + m4 x2 Math 114 – Rimmer
14.2 – Multivariable Limits
Math 114 – Rimmer

Example 3
• However, that does not show that
Example 3
the given limit is 0.
– This is because, if we now let
• Since different paths lead to different
(x, y) → (0, 0) along the parabola x = y2 limiting values, the given limit does not
we have: y2 ⋅ y2 y4
2
f ( x, y ) = f ( y , y ) = = =
1 exist.
2 2 4 4
(y ) + y 2y 2
– So,
f(x, y) → ½ as (x, y) → (0, 0) along x = y2

• Just as for functions of one variable,
• Now, let’s look at limits the calculation of limits for functions of
two variables can be greatly simplified
that do exist. by the use of properties of limits.

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Equations 2
• The Limit Laws listed in Section 2.3 can be • In particular, the following equations
extended to functions of two variables. are true.
lim x=a
• For instance, ( x , y ) → ( a ,b )
– The limit of a sum is the sum of the limits.

lim y=b
( x , y ) → ( a ,b )
– The limit of a product is the product of the limits.
Math 114 – Rimmer

lim c=c Math 114 – Rimmer
( x , y ) → ( a ,b ) 14.2 – Multivariable Limits
CONTINUITY OF SINGLE VARIABLE

LIMIT OF A FUNCTION FUNCTIONS
Equations 2
• Recall that evaluating limits of continuous
• The Squeeze Theorem functions of a single variable is easy.
also holds.
– It can be accomplished by direct substitution.
– This is because the defining property of

a continuous function is
lim f ( x ) = f (a )
x→a


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CONTINUITY OF DOUBLE VARIABLE

FUNCTIONS
• Continuous functions of two variables
are also defined by the direct substitution
property.

CONTINUITY CONTINUITY
Definition 4
• The intuitive meaning of continuity is that,
• A function f of two variables is called continuous
if the point (x, y) changes by a small amount,
at (a, b) if
then the value of f(x, y) changes by a small
lim f ( x, y ) = f ( a, b ) amount.
( x , y ) →( a ,b )
• We say f is continuous on D if f is – This means that a surface that is the graph of

continuous at every point (a, b) in D. a continuous function has no hole or break.

CONTINUITY POLYNOMIAL
• Using the properties of limits, you can see
• A polynomial function of two variables
that sums, differences, products, quotients
(polynomial, for short) is a sum of terms
of continuous functions are continuous on their
of the form cxmyn,
domains.
where:
– Let’s use this fact to give examples
of continuous functions. – c is a constant.
– m and n are nonnegative integers.

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RATIONAL FUNCTION RATIONAL FUNCTION VS. POLYNOMIAL
• A rational function is f ( x, y ) = x 4 + 5 x 3 y 2 + 6 xy 4 − 7 y + 6
a ratio of polynomials. • is a polynomial.
2 xy + 1
g ( x, y ) =
x2 + y2
• is a rational function.

CONTINUITY CONTINUOUS POLYNOMIALS

• The limits in Equations 2 show that • Any polynomial can be built up out
the functions of the simple functions f, g, and h
by multiplication and addition.
f(x, y) = x, g(x, y) = y, h(x, y) = c
– It follows that all polynomials are continuous
are continuous. on R2.

CONTINUOUS RATIONAL
FUNCTIONS CONTINUITY
Example 5
• Likewise, any rational function is continuous
• Evaluate
on its domain because it is
a quotient of continuous functions.
lim ( x 2 y 3 − x 3 y 2 + 3 x + 2 y )
( x , y ) →(1,2)
2 3 3 2
– f ( x, y ) = x y − x y + 3 x + 2 y is a polynomial.
– Thus, it is continuous everywhere.

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Example 5 Example 6
– Hence, we can find the limit by direct

• Where is the function
substitution:
x2 − y 2
f ( x, y ) = 2
lim ( x 2 y 3 − x3 y 2 + 3x + 2 y ) x + y2
( x , y )→ (1,2) continuous?
2 3 3 2
= 1 ⋅ 2 − 1 ⋅ 2 + 3 ⋅1 + 2 ⋅ 2
= 11
Example 6 Example 7
• The function f is discontinuous at (0, 0) • Let

because it is not defined there.
 x2 − y2
 2 if ( x, y ) ≠ (0, 0)
g ( x, y ) =  x + y 2
0
• Since f is a rational function, it is continuous on  if ( x, y ) = (0, 0)
its domain, which is the set – Here, g is defined at (0, 0).
D = {(x, y) | (x, y) ≠ (0, 0)} – However, it is still discontinuous there because
lim g ( x, y )
( x , y ) → (0,0)
does not exist (see Example 1).
CONTINUITY COMPOSITE FUNCTIONS

•This figure shows the • Just as for functions of one variable,
graph of composition is another way of combining
the continuous function two continuous functions to get a third.
in Example 8.

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COMPOSITE FUNCTIONS COMPOSITE FUNCTIONS

• In fact, it can be shown that, if f is Example 9
a continuous function of two variables and • Where is the function h(x, y) =

g is a continuous function of a single variable arctan(y/x)
defined on the range of f, then continuous?
– The composite function h = g ◦ f defined by

h(x, y) = g(f(x, y)) is also a continuous function. – The function f(x, y) = y/x is a rational function
and therefore continuous except on the line x = 0.
– The function g(t) = arctan t is continuous everywhere.

COMPOSITE FUNCTIONS COMPOSITE FUNCTIONS Example 9

•The figure shows the
Example 9 break in the graph
–So, the composite function of h above the y-axis.
g(f(x, y)) = arctan(y/ x) = h(x, y)
is continuous except where x = 0.

11

CH 14 SC 2

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2/19/2013

LIMITS AND CONTINUITY

Math 114 – Rimmer Math 114 – Rimmer

LIMITS AND CONTINUITY LIMITS AND CONTINUITY Table 1

Math 114 – Rimmer Math 114 – Rimmer

LIMITS AND CONTINUITY Table 2 LIMITS AND CONTINUITY

– It appears that, as (x, y) approaches (0, 0),

Math 114 – Rimmer Math 114 – Rimmer

LIMITS AND CONTINUITY LIMITS AND CONTINUITY

Math 114 – Rimmer Math 114 – Rimmer

LIMITS AND CONTINUITY LIMIT OF A FUNCTION

• Then, we say that the limit of f(x, y)

Math 114 – Rimmer Math 114 – Rimmer

SINGLE VARIABLE FUNCTIONS DOUBLE VARIABLE FUNCTIONS

Math 114 – Rimmer Math 114 – Rimmer

DOUBLE VARIABLE FUNCTIONS LIMIT OF A FUNCTION

Math 114 – Rimmer Math 114 – Rimmer

LIMIT OF A FUNCTION LIMIT OF A FUNCTION

Math 114 – Rimmer Math 114 – Rimmer

LIMIT OF A FUNCTION LIMIT OF A FUNCTION

lim f ( x, y ) does not exist.

Math 114 – Rimmer Math 114 – Rimmer

LIMIT OF A FUNCTION LIMIT OF A FUNCTION

Math 114 – Rimmer Math 114 – Rimmer

LIMIT OF A FUNCTION LIMIT OF A FUNCTION

Math 114 – Rimmer Math 114 – Rimmer

LIMIT OF A FUNCTION LIMIT OF A FUNCTION

• If y = 0, then f(x, 0) = 0/x2 = 0. • If x = 0, then f(0, y) = 0/y2 = 0.

Math 114 – Rimmer Math 114 – Rimmer

LIMIT OF A FUNCTION LIMIT OF A FUNCTION

LIMIT OF A FUNCTION LIMIT OF A FUNCTION

Math 114 – Rimmer Math 114 – Rimmer

LIMIT OF A FUNCTION LIMIT OF A FUNCTION

LIMIT OF A FUNCTION LIMIT OF A FUNCTION

LIMIT OF A FUNCTION LIMIT OF A FUNCTION

LIMIT OF A FUNCTION LIMIT OF A FUNCTION

Math 114 – Rimmer Math 114 – Rimmer

LIMIT OF A FUNCTION LIMIT OF A FUNCTION

– The limit of a sum is the sum of the limits.

Math 114 – Rimmer

CONTINUITY OF SINGLE VARIABLE

– This is because the defining property of

Math 114 – Rimmer Math 114 – Rimmer

Math 114 – Rimmer Math 114 – Rimmer

CONTINUITY OF DOUBLE VARIABLE

Math 114 – Rimmer Math 114 – Rimmer

• We say f is continuous on D if f is – This means that a surface that is the graph of

Math 114 – Rimmer Math 114 – Rimmer

Math 114 – Rimmer Math 114 – Rimmer

RATIONAL FUNCTION RATIONAL FUNCTION VS. POLYNOMIAL

Math 114 – Rimmer Math 114 – Rimmer

CONTINUITY CONTINUOUS POLYNOMIALS

Math 114 – Rimmer Math 114 – Rimmer

– Thus, it is continuous everywhere.

Math 114 – Rimmer Math 114 – Rimmer

– Hence, we can find the limit by direct

• The function f is discontinuous at (0, 0) • Let

CONTINUITY COMPOSITE FUNCTIONS

Math 114 – Rimmer Math 114 – Rimmer

COMPOSITE FUNCTIONS COMPOSITE FUNCTIONS

a continuous function of two variables and • Where is the function h(x, y) =

– The composite function h = g ◦ f defined by

– The function g(t) = arctan t is continuous everywhere.