Chapter 4: Problem 96
For the following exercises, determine the region in which the function is continuous. Explain your answer. $$f(x, y)=\frac{\sin \left(x^{2}+y^{2}\right)}{x^{2}+y^{2}}$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
Function is continuous for all \((x, y) \in \mathbb{R}^2\).
Step by step solution
01
Understand the Function
The given function is \( f(x, y) = \frac{\sin(x^2 + y^2)}{x^2 + y^2} \). The function has the form \( \frac{\text{numerator}}{\text{denominator}} \), which is a rational function.
02
Identify Points of Discontinuity
A function is continuous at all points where the denominator is not zero. Identify points where \( x^2 + y^2 = 0 \). This equation holds true only when \( x = 0 \) and \( y = 0 \) simultaneously.
03
Analyze Continuity Around Identified Points
At the origin \((0, 0)\), the function is indeterminate because the denominator is zero. To determine if a limit exists at this point, we need to evaluate \( \lim_{(x,y) \to (0,0)} f(x, y) \).
04
Determine the Limit at Discontinuity Points
Consider polar coordinates where \( x = r \cos(\theta) \) and \( y = r \sin(\theta) \), thus \( x^2 + y^2 = r^2 \). The function becomes \( \frac{\sin(r^2)}{r^2} \). As \( r \to 0 \), \( \frac{\sin(r^2)}{r^2} \to 1 \) using the standard limit result \( \lim_{r \to 0} \frac{\sin r}{r} = 1 \).
05
Conclusion on Continuity
Since the limit exists and is equal to \( 1 \) at \( (0,0) \), the function approaches a defined value. Therefore, \( f(x, y) \) is continuous everywhere in \( \mathbb{R}^2 \).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Rational Functions
Rational functions are quotients of two functions, specifically a numerator and a denominator. In general, a rational function has the form \( \frac{p(x)}{q(x)} \), where \( p(x) \) and \( q(x) \) are polynomials. In our exercise's context, the function \( f(x, y) = \frac{\sin(x^2 + y^2)}{x^2 + y^2} \) is a rational function of two variables. Here, the numerator is \( \sin(x^2 + y^2) \) and the denominator is \( x^2 + y^2 \).
- Rational functions are only undefined at points where the denominator equals zero. For our function, the potential point of discontinuity occurs when both \( x \) and \( y \) are zero, making \( x^2 + y^2 = 0 \).
- Identifying these points is crucial because they often indicate where the function might have holes or discontinuities.
Limits and Continuity
The concepts of limits and continuity are fundamental to calculus. A function is continuous at a point if there is no interruption or undefined value at that point.
To determine the continuity of \( f(x, y) = \frac{\sin(x^2 + y^2)}{x^2 + y^2} \), examining limits is essential, particularly where the function indeterminately becomes zero over zero.
To determine the continuity of \( f(x, y) = \frac{\sin(x^2 + y^2)}{x^2 + y^2} \), examining limits is essential, particularly where the function indeterminately becomes zero over zero.
- An important limit to understand in this context is \( \lim_{r \to 0} \frac{\sin r}{r} = 1 \). This limit helps simplify the analysis around the origin \((0, 0)\).
- If the limit of \( f(x, y) \) as \((x, y)\) approaches \((0,0)\) exists and equals a specific value, then the potential discontinuity can be resolved, indicating continuity.
Polar Coordinates
Polar coordinates provide a powerful method for analyzing functions with rotational symmetry or radial components.
In the exercise, we consider \( x = r \cos(\theta) \) and \( y = r \sin(\theta) \). Then \( x^2 + y^2 = r^2 \), which simplifies the function \( f(x, y) \) to \( \frac{\sin(r^2)}{r^2} \).
In the exercise, we consider \( x = r \cos(\theta) \) and \( y = r \sin(\theta) \). Then \( x^2 + y^2 = r^2 \), which simplifies the function \( f(x, y) \) to \( \frac{\sin(r^2)}{r^2} \).
- Converting to polar coordinates is helpful when evaluating limits at the origin. It provides a simpler path to approach a limit by reducing the problem to a single variable \( r \).
- Using polar coordinates, we determined that \( \lim_{r \to 0} \frac{\sin(r^2)}{r^2} = 1 \), solving the indeterminate form present in Cartesian coordinates.