Chapter 15: Problem 46
At what points of \(\mathbb{R}^{2}\) are the following functions continuous? $$g(x, y)=\ln (x-y)$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
Answer: The function \(g(x, y) = \ln(x-y)\) is continuous at all points of \(\mathbb{R}^{2}\) where \(y < x\).
Step by step solution
01
Identify the domain of the natural logarithm function
The natural logarithm function, \(\ln(x)\), is defined for all \(x > 0\). In our case, the input to the natural logarithm function is \((x-y)\), so we need to ensure that \(x-y > 0\) for the function to be defined.
02
Find the points where the function is defined
To find the points \((x, y)\) where the function \(g(x, y) = \ln(x-y)\) is defined, we need to solve the inequality \(x-y > 0\):
$$
x - y > 0 \\
y < x
$$
So, the function is defined for all points \((x, y)\) in which \(y < x\).
03
Determine continuity of the function
The natural logarithm function is continuous where it is defined. Since our function \(g(x, y) = \ln(x-y)\) is based on the natural logarithm function, and we have found the points \((x, y)\) for which it is defined (i.e., \(y < x\)), we can conclude that it is continuous at these points.
04
State the result
The function \(g(x, y) = \ln(x-y)\) is continuous at all points of \(\mathbb{R}^{2}\) where \(y < x\).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Natural Logarithm
The natural logarithm function, represented by \( \ln(x) \), is a logarithm to the base \( e \), where \( e \approx 2.718 \). It is a special mathematical function with several key properties and uses. Here, we are focusing on its domain and the conditions under which it is defined.
- The natural logarithm is only defined for positive values of \( x \). This means \( x > 0 \) must hold true for \( \ln(x) \) to be a real number.
- The graph of \( \ln(x) \) is a continuous curve that approaches negative infinity as \( x \) approaches zero and increases without bound as \( x \) gets larger.
- This property of continuity is important because it implies that if a function within a natural logarithm (like \( x-y \) in our problem) is positive, the function is continuous.
Inequality
Inequalities are mathematical expressions involving the symbols \(<, >, \leq, \geq, \) which describe the relative sizes or order of two values. In the context of our function \( g(x, y) = \ln(x-y) \), we encounter the inequality \( x-y > 0 \). Here's how to approach it:
- This inequality tells us that \( x \) must be greater than \( y \), ensuring the expression inside the logarithm is positive.
- To solve such inequalities, treat it like an equation at first, but remember the inequality rules; flip the sign when multiplying or dividing by a negative number.
- In this problem, \( x - y > 0 \) simplifies to \( y < x \), identifying the values where the function is defined and thus continuous.
Domain of a Function
The domain of a function is the complete set of possible input values (usually \( x \)-values) that the function can accept without leading to undefined or non-real numbers. For our function \( g(x, y) = \ln(x-y) \), finding the domain involves ensuring the natural logarithm is defined, adhering to the inequality \( x-y > 0 \).
- First, we identify that \( x-y \) must be positive for \( \ln(x-y) \) to be a real number, so we solve \( x-y > 0 \).
- This leads us to the simpler form \( y < x \), which describes the set of \( (x, y) \) pairs where the function is valid.
- Visualizing this on a graph, any point below the line \( y = x \) works in two dimensions.
- Thus, the function \( g(x, y) = \ln(x-y) \) is defined over all such pairs, and it is continuous over this domain due to the continuity of the natural logarithm.