Limits and Continuity of Multivariable Functions

Limits and Continuity of Functions of several Variables
Lesson: Limits and Continuity of Functions of several

Variables
Lesson Developer: Kapil Kumar
Department/College: Assistant Professor, Department of
Mathematics, A.R.S.D. College, University of Delhi
Institute of Lifelong Learning, University of Delhi pg. 1

Table of Contents
Chapter: Limits and Continuity of Functions of several Variables

 1: Learning outcomes
 2: Introduction
 3: Functions of several variables
 4: Limits of functions of several variables
o 4.1. Non-existence of limit
o 4.2. Determining the simultaneous limits by changing to
polar coordinates
 5: Algebra of limits
 6: Repeated limits or iterative limits
 7: Two-path test for non-existence of a limit
 8: Continuity at a point
o 8.1.    definition of continuity of a function at a point
 Exercises
 Summary
 References
1. Learning outcomes:
After studying this chapter you should be able to understand the
 Functions of several variables

 Limits of functions of several variables
 Algebra of limits
 Repeated limits or iterative limits
 Two-path test for non-existence of a limit
 Continuity at a point

2. Introduction:
In studying a real world phenomenon and applications in geometry, applied

mathematics, engineering and natural science, a quantity being investigated
usually depends on two or more independent variables. Therefore we need
to extend the basic ideas of the calculus of functions of a single variable to
functions of several variables. In this lesson we will study the limits and
continuity for multivariable functions. Although the definitions of the limit of
a function of two or three variables is similar to the definition of the limit of a
function of a single variable but with a crucial difference.
3. Functions of Several Variables:
Real valued functions of several independent real variables are defined in the
same way as the real valued functions of single variable. The domains of the
real valued functions of several variables are the sets of ordered pairs
(triples, quadruples, n-tuples) of real numbers and the ranges are subsets of
real numbers.
For example: 1. Consider the function V   r 2 h , here V denoted the volume

of he cylinder, r radius and h height of the cylinder. Here V depends on r
and h. Thus, r and h are called the independent variables and V is called
dependent variable.
2. The relation Z  1  x 2  y 2 , between x, y and z determines a value of z

corresponding to every pair of numbers x, y which are such that x 2  y 2  1 .
The region determined by the point (x, y) is called the domain of the point
(x, y).
3. The relation Z  e x  y determines a function of two variables (x, y); the

2 2
domain of the function being the whole plane i.e., the set of all the ordered
pairs of real numbers.
Definition 1: A variable Z is said to be a function of two variables x and y,

denoted by Z  f ( x, y) , if to each pair of values of x and y (over same domain
D) there corresponds a definite value of Z. Here x and y are called the
independent variables and Z is called the dependent variable.
Definition 2: Let D is a set of n-tupple of real numbers ( x1 , x2 , . . ., xn ) . A real-

valued function f on D is a rule that assign a unique real number

Z  f ( x1 , x2 , . . ., xn )
To each element in D. The set D is called the domain and the set of z-values
taken on by f is the function’s range. The x1 , x2 , . . ., xn are called independent
variable and the Z is called a function of n independent variables.
4. Limits:
The definition of the limit of a function of two or three variables is

similar to the definition of the limit of a function of a single variable but with
a crucial difference.
A function f ( x, y) is said to tend to a limit as a point ( x, y) tends to the

point ( x0 , y0 ) if for every arbitrarily small positive number  , there exists a
positive number   0 such that
f ( x, y)    whenever 0  x  x0   , 0  y  y0  
Or 0  x  x0    y  y0  
2 2
Symbolically, the limit of the function f ( x, y) at the point ( x0 , y0 ) is denoted

by
lim f ( x, y) 
( x , y ) ( x0 , y0 )
Or lim f ( x, y ) 
x  x0
y  y0
Where is called the limit (the double limit or the simultaneous limit) of f
when ( x, y) tends to ( x0 , y0 ) simultaneously.
Value Addition: Note

1. The definition of limit says that the distance between f ( x, y) and
becomes arbitrarily small whenever the distance from ( x, y) to ( x0 , y0 ) is
made sufficiently small (but not 0).
2. The simultaneous limit postulates that by whatever path the point is
approached, the function f attains the same limit.
3. In general the determination whether a simultaneous limit exists or not is
a difficult matter but very often a simple consideration enables us to show
that the limit does not exist.

4. lim f ( x, y)   lim f ( x, y0 )   lim f ( x0 , y)

( x , y ) ( x0 , y0 ) x  x0 y  y0
4.1. Non-Existence of Limit:
From the simultaneous limit postulates it is amply clear that if

lim f ( x, y)  and if y   ( x) is any function such that  ( x)  y0 when x  x0
( x , y ) ( x0 , y0 )
. Then lim f  x,  ( x)  , must exist and be equal to . Thus, if we can find two
x  x0
functions 1 ( x), 2 ( x) such that the limit of f  x, 1 ( x)  and f  x, 2 ( x)  are

different, then the simultaneous limit in question does not exist.
xy
Example 1: For the function f  x, y   . Find the limit when
x  y2
2
( x, y)  (0, 0) .
Solution: Let y  m1 x , then
lim f ( x, y)  lim f ( x, m1 x)
( x , y ) (0, 0) x0
m1 x 2
 lim 2
x 0 x  m2 x 2
1
m1
 lim
x 0 1  m2
1
m1

1  m12
Now, if we take y  m2 x , then
lim f ( x, y)  lim f ( x, m2 x)
( x , y ) (0, 0) x0
m2 x 2
 lim 2
x 0 x  m2 x 2
2
m2
 lim
x 0 1  m22
m2

1  m22

Thus, we can find y  m1 x  1 ( x) and y  m2 x  2 ( x) such that the limit of

f  x, 1 ( x)  and f  x, 2 ( x)  are different, then the simultaneous limit in
question does not exist.
2 xy 2
Example 2: Show that the limit lim f ( x, y) , where f ( x, y )  does
( x , y ) (0, 0) x2  y 4
not exist.
Solution: First we will approach the limit along the line y  mx , then
lim f ( x, y )  lim f ( x, mx)

( x , y ) (0, 0) x0
2mx3
 lim
x 0 x 2  m4 x 4
2mx
 lim
x 0 1  m4 x 2
0
Now approach the origin along the curve x  my 2 and let y  0 , then we have
lim f ( x, y )  lim f (my 2 , y )

( x , y ) (0, 0) y0
2my 4
 lim
x 0 m2 y 4  y 4
2m
 lim 2
x 0 m  1
2m
 2
m 1
Since, two limits are different, therefore simultaneous limit does not exist.
2 xy
Example 3: Show that the limit lim does not exist.
( x , y ) (0, 0) x  y 2
2
Solution: We will approach the origin (0, 0) along the line y  mx , then

2 xy 2mx 2
lim  lim 2
( x , y ) (0, 0) x 2  y 2 x 0 x  m2 x 2
2m
 lim
x 0 1  m2
2m

1  m2
Since, the limit depends upon m and is different for different values of m,
therefore simultaneous limit does not exist.
4.2. Determining the Simultaneous Limits by Changing to Polar

Coordinates:
xy ( x 2  y 2 )
Example 4: Show that lim 0.
( x , y ) (0, 0) x2  y 2
Solution: Given that
xy ( x 2  y 2 )
f ( x, y )  and  0 , Now
x2  y 2
xy ( x 2  y 2 )
f ( x, y )  0  0
x2  y 2
xy ( x 2  y 2 )

x2  y 2
Let x  r cos and y  r sin  , then we have
r 2 cos  sin  .r 2 (cos 2   sin 2  )

f ( x, y )  0 
r 2 (cos 2   sin 2  )
 r 2 cos  sin  cos 2
r2
 2 cos  sin  cos 2
2
r2
 sin 2 cos 2
2
r2
 sin 4
4

 r 2 cos  sin  cos 2
r2

4
x2  y 2

4

Now if
x2  y2 
 and 
4 2 4 2
or if
x  2   and y  2  
Thus, for a given   0 , there exists a number   2 , such that
xy ( x 2  y 2 )
0 
x2  y 2
when x   and y   .
xy ( x 2  y 2 )
Hence, lim 0.
( x , y ) (0, 0) x2  y 2
x3  y 3
Example 5: Show that lim does not exist.
( x , y ) (0, 0) x  y
Solution: First we will find the limit along the line y  mx , thus we have
x3  y 3 x 3  m3 x 3
lim  lim
( x , y ) (0, 0) x  y x 0 x  mx
x3 (1  m3 )
 lim
x  0 x (1  m)
x 2 (1  m3 )
 lim
x 0 (1  m)
0

Now, we will find the limit along the curve y  x  mx3 , then
x3  y 3 x 3  ( x  mx 3 )3
lim  lim
( x , y )  (0, 0) x  y x 0 x  ( x  mx 3 )
x3  x3 (1  mx 2 )3
 lim
x 0 mx3
x3 1  (1  mx 2 )3 
 lim
x 0 mx 3
 lim
1  (1  mx2 )3
x 0 m

1  (1  0)  3
m
11 2
 
m m
depends upon m, hence the limit does not exist.
5. Algebra of Limits:
Theorem 1 (Properties of limits of functions of two variables): If

f ( x, y) and g ( x, y) be two functions defined on some neighborhood of a point
( x0 , y0 ) such that
lim f ( x, y)  1 and lim g ( x, y)  2

( x , y ) ( x0 , y0 ) ( x , y ) ( x0 , y0 )
The following rules hold if 1 , 2 and k are real numbers.
1. Sum Rule:
lim ( f  g )( x, y)  1  2  lim f ( x, y)  lim g ( x, y)

( x , y )( x0 , y0 ) ( x , y ) ( x0 , y0 ) ( x , y ) ( x0 , y0 )
2. Difference Rule:
lim ( f  g )( x, y)  1  2  lim f ( x, y)  lim g ( x, y)

( x , y )( x0 , y0 ) ( x , y ) ( x0 , y0 ) ( x , y ) ( x0 , y0 )
3. Product Rule:
lim ( f .g )( x, y)  1 2  lim f ( x, y). lim g ( x, y)

( x , y )( x0 , y0 ) ( x , y ) ( x0 , y0 ) ( x , y ) ( x0 , y0 )
4. Constant Multiple Rule:

lim (k. f )( x, y)  k 1  k. lim f ( x, y)

( x , y ) ( x0 , y0 ) ( x , y ) ( x0 , y0 )
5. Quotient Rule:
f  lim f ( x, y )
( x , y ) ( x0 , y0 )
  ( x, y )   0
1
lim provided 2
 
( x , y ) ( x0 , y0 ) g
2 lim
( x , y ) ( x0 , y0 )
g ( x, y )
6. Power Rule: If r and s are integers with no common factors and s  0 ,

then
r
 1
r r
lim
( x , y ) ( x0 , y0 )
 f ( x, y) s   1  s , provided s is a real number. (If s is even we
assume that 1  0)
4 xy 2
Example 6: Applying the definition of limit find the limit lim , if it
( x , y ) (0, 0) x 2  y 2
exists.
4 xy 2
f ( x, y ) 
x2  y 2
If we take y  0 , then along the line x  0 , we have
4 xy 2
lim 0
x 0 x2  y 2
Similarly, if we take x  0 , then along the line y  0 , we have
4 xy 2
lim 0
y0 x2  y 2
Therefore, if the limit does exists as ( x, y)  (0, 0) then the value of the limit
must be 0.
Now, applying the definition of limit, let   0 be given then
4 xy 2 4 xy 2
 0 
x2  y 2 x2  y 2

 y2 
4 x  since y 2
 x 2
 y 2
  1
 x y
2 2

 4 x2
 4 x2  y 2

 4 x2  y 2  

 x2  y 2 
4

Thus, if we choose   , then
4
4 xy 2
 0   , whenever 0  x 2  y 2  
x2  y 2
Thus,
4 xy 2
lim 0.
( x , y ) (0, 0) x 2  y 2
Example 7: Prove that lim

( x , y ) (1, 3)
x 2
 y  4 .
Solution: Using the algebra of limits, we have
lim
( x , y ) (1, 3)
x 2
 y  lim
( x , y ) (1, 3)
x 
2
lim
( x , y ) (1, 3)
 y
 1 3
4
Hence, lim
( x , y ) (1, 3)
x 2
 y  4 .
Alternative Method: Using the definition of limit method
For a given   0 , we have
x2  y  4  

when x  1   and y  3  
If x  1   and y  3   , then
  x  1   and    y  3  
 1    x  1   and 3    y  3  
excluding x  1, y  2 , thus
1     x2  1    and  3     y   3   
2 2

 1  2   2  x2  1  2   2 and  3     y   3   
on adding , we have
4  3   2  x2  y  4  3   2
 3   2  x2  y  4  3   2
Now if   1, it follows that
3  x 2  y  4  3
 3  x 2  y  4  3
 x 2  y  4  3  

If, we take   (or   1, whichever is smaller)
3
 x2  y  4   when x  1   , y  3  
Hence, lim
( x , y ) (1, 3)
x 2
 y  4 .
6. Repeated Limits or Iterative Limits:
If a function f is defined in some neighborhood of (a, b), then the limit

lim f ( x, y) if it exists, is a function of x, say 1 ( x) . Now, if the limit lim 1 ( x)
y  y0 x  x0
exists and is equal to m1 , then we write

lim lim f ( x, y)  m1
x  x0 y  y0
and m1 is called the repeated limit of f as y  y0 and x  x0 .
By changing the order of taking the limits, we get the other repeated limits
i.e., the limit lim f ( x, y) if it exists, is a function of y, say 2 ( y ) . Now, if the
x  x0
limit lim 2 ( y) exists and is equal to m2 , then we write

y  y0
lim lim f ( x, y)  m2
y  y0 x  x0
and m2 is called the repeated limit of f as x  x0 and y  y0 .

Two repeated limits may or may not be equal.
I.Q. 1
I.Q. 2
x2  y 2
Example 8: Show that for the function f ( x, y )  , both the repeated
x2  y 2
limits exists at origin but are unequal.
x2  y 2
f ( x, y ) 
x2  y 2
For first repeated limit, we have
x2  y 2
lim lim f ( x, y )  lim lim 2
x 0 y 0 x 0 y 0 x  y 2
x2  0
 lim 2
x 0 x  0
x2
 lim 2
x 0 x
 lim (1)
x 0
1

for second repeated limit, we have
x2  y 2
lim lim f ( x, y)  lim lim
y 0 x 0 y 0 x 0 x2  y 2
0  y2
 lim
y 0 0  y 2
 y2
 lim
x 0 y 2
 lim (1)
x 0
 1
Hence, both the repeated limit exist but are unequal.

If the simultaneous limit of a function f(x, y) exists at ( x0 , y0 ) , then the two
repeated limits if they exists are necessarily equal but the converse is not
true. However if the repeated limits are not equal, then the simultaneous
limit cannot exist.
I.Q. 3
 1
 y  x sin   , if y  0
Example9: Show that for the function f ( x, y )    y , both
0, if y  0

the limits lim f ( x, y) and limlim f ( x, y) exists but lim lim f ( x, y) does not
( x , y )(0, 0) y 0 x 0 x 0 y 0
exist.
 1
 y  x sin   , if y  0
f ( x, y )    y
0, if y  0

For repeated limit
  1 
lim lim f ( x, y)  lim lim  y  x sin   
y 0 x 0 y 0 x 0
  y 

   1  
 lim lim  y  x sin   
 
y 0 x 0
 y  
   1  
 lim lim y  lim  x sin    [using algebra of limits]

y 0 x 0 x 0
  y  
 lim  y  0
y 0
 lim  y   0
y 0
Hence, lim lim f ( x, y) exists and equal to 0.

y 0 x 0
Now, repeated limit
   1  
lim lim f ( x, y)  lim lim  y  x sin   
   y  
x 0 y 0 x 0 y 0
   1  
 lim lim y  lim  x sin    [using algebra of limits]
  y  
x 0 y 0 y 0

  1 
 lim 0  x lim sin   
x 0
 y 0
 y 
1
Since, lim sin   does not exists.
y 0
 y
Therefore, lim lim f ( x, y) does not exists.

x 0 y 0
For simultaneous limit,
Let   0 be given, then

1 1
y  x sin  y  x sin
y y
1
 y  x sin
y
 1 
 yx since sin  1
 y 

 
If x  and y 
2 2
 
Now if x   and y  
2 2
Then for a given   0 , there exists a number   0 such that
1
y  x sin   when x   and y  
y
 1
 lim  y  x sin   0
( x , y ) (0, 0)
 y
Hence, the simultaneous limit exist.
2 xy
Example 10: Show that for the function f ( x, y )  , both the repeated
x  y2
2
limits lim lim f ( x, y) and limlim f ( x, y) exists and are equal. But the
x 0 y 0 y 0 x 0
simultaneous limit lim f ( x, y) does not exist.

( x , y ) (0, 0)
2 xy
f ( x, y ) 
x  y2
2
For repeated limit
  2 xy 
lim lim f ( x, y)  lim lim  2 
x 0 y 0 x 0 y 0 x  y 2
  

 0 
 lim  2
x 0 x  0 
 
 lim  0
x 0
0
Therefore, lim lim f ( x, y) exists and equal to 0.

x 0 y 0
Now, repeated limit
  2 xy 
lim lim f ( x, y)  lim lim  2 
y 0 x 0 y 0 x 0 x  y 2
  
 0 
 lim 
y 0 0  y 2 
 
 lim 0
y0
0
Hence, lim lim f ( x, y) exists and equal to 0.

y 0 x 0
Hence, both the repeated limit exists and are equal to zero.
Now, the simultaneous limit,
2 xy
lim f ( x, y )  lim
( x , y ) (0, 0) ( x , y ) (0, 0) x  y 2
2
First taking the limit along the line y  mx , then we have


( x , y )  (0, 0) x 0
2 x. mx
 lim
x 0 x  m2 x 2
2
2 mx 2
 lim 2
x  0 x (1  m 2 )
2m
 lim
x  0 (1  m 2 )
2m

(1  m 2 )
Since, the limit depends upon m therefore, Simultaneous limit does not
exist.
I.Q. 4
7. Two-Path Test for Non-Existence of a Limit:
If a function f(x, y) has different limits along two different paths as (x,
y) approaches ( x0 , y0 ) , then lim f ( x, y) does not exist.
( x , y ) ( x0 , y0 )
Example 11: Show that the following functions are discontinuous at the
origin
x4  y 4
(I) f ( x, y )  , ( x, y )  (0, 0), f (0, 0)  0
x4  y 4
xy 3
(II) f ( x, y )  , ( x, y )  (0, 0), f (0, 0)  0
x2  y6
Solution: (I) Given that
x4  y 4
f ( x, y ) 
x4  y 4
Simultaneous limit along the line y  mx , we have

( x , y ) (0, 0) x0
x 4  m4 x 4
 lim 4
x 0 x  m4 x 4

x 4 (1  m4 )
 lim
x 0 x 4 (1  m4 )
(1  m4 )
 lim
x  0 (1  m 4 )
(1  m4 )

(1  m4 )
Since the limit depends on m, therefore simultaneous limit does not exist.
(II) Given that
xy 3
f ( x, y ) 
x2  y6
Simultaneous limit along the line y  mx , we have

( x , y ) (0, 0) x0
xm3 x3
 lim
x  0 x 2  m6 x 6
x 4 m3
 lim
x 0 x 2 (1  m6 x 4 )
x 2 m3
 lim
x  0 (1  m 6 x 4 )
0

(1  0)
0
Now, taking the simultaneous limit along the curve x  y 3 , we have
lim f ( x, y )  lim f ( y 3 , y )
( x , y ) (0, 0) y0
y3 y3
 lim
y0 y6  y6
y6
 lim
y0 2 y6

1
 lim
y 0 2
1

2
Since the simultaneous limit along two different paths is different, therefore
simultaneous limit does not exist.
Hence, the function f(x, y) is discontinuous at (0, 0).
8. Continuity at a Point:
A function f(x, y) is said to be continuous at a point ( x0 , y0 ) of its

domain of definition, if
(I) f ( x, y) is defined at ( x0 , y0 ) .
(II) lim f ( x, y) exists

( x , y ) (0, 0)
(III) lim f ( x, y)  f ( x0 , y0 )
( x , y ) ( x0 , y0 )
8.1.    definition of continuity of a function at a point:
A function f ( x, y) is said to be continuous at a point ( x0 , y0 ) of its

domain of definition if for a given   0 , there exists a   0 such that
f ( x, y)  f ( x0 , y0 )   whenever x  x0   , y  y0  

1. The point at which a function f(x, y) is not continuous is called the point
of discontinuous or the function is said to be discontinuous at that point.
2. A function f(x, y) is said to be continuous if it is continuous at every point
of its domain.
I.Q. 5
I.Q. 6

Example 12: Show that the following functions are continuous at the origin
 x3 y 3
 , ( x, y )  (0, 0)
(I) f ( x, y )   x 2  y 2
 0, ( x, y )  (0, 0)

 x2 y 2
 , ( x, y )  (0, 0)
(II) f ( x, y )   x 2  y 2
 0, ( x, y )  (0, 0)

Solution: (I) Given that
x3 y 3
f ( x, y )  , ( x, y)  (0, 0)
x2  y 2
Now let   0 be given, then
x3 y 3
f ( x, y )  0  0
x2  y2
x3 y 3
 2
x  y2
Let x  r cos , y  r sin  , then
r 3 cos3  r 3 sin 3 
 2
r (cos 2   sin 2  )
r 6 cos3  sin 3 

r2
 r 4 cos3  sin 3 
 r4
 ( x 2  y 2 )2

 
If x 2  , y2 
2 2

1 1
4 4
or if x  , y  
2 2
1
 4
Thus, for a given   0 , there exists    0 such that
2
x3 y 3
0  whenever x   , y  
x2  y 2
x3 y 3
Hence, lim 0
( x , y ) (0, 0) x 2  y 2
also f (0, 0)  0
x3 y 3
Thus, lim  0  f (0, 0)
( x , y ) (0, 0) x 2  y 2
Hence, f ( x, y) is continuous at (0, 0).
(II) Given that
x2 y 2
f ( x, y )  2 , ( x, y)  (0, 0)
x  y2
x2 y 2
f ( x, y )  0  2 0
x  y2
x2 y 2

x2  y2

r 2 cos 2  r 2 sin 2 

r 2 (cos 2   sin 2  )
r 4 cos 2  sin 2 

r2
 r 2 cos 2  sin 2 
 r2
 ( x2  y 2 )

 
If x 2  , y2 
2 2
 
or if x  , y  
2 2

2
x2 y 2
0  whenever x   , y  
x2  y 2
x2 y 2
Hence, lim 0
( x , y ) (0, 0) x 2  y 2
also f (0, 0)  0
x2 y 2
Thus, lim  0  f (0, 0)
( x , y ) (0, 0) x 2  y 2
I.Q. 7
I.Q. 8

Example 13: Show that the function f ( x, y) is continuous at the origin,

where
 x3  y 3
 , ( x, y )  (0, 0)
f ( x, y )   x 2  y 2 .
 0, ( x, y )  (0, 0)

x3  y 3
f ( x, y )  , ( x, y)  (0, 0)
x2  y 2
x3  y 3
f ( x, y )  0  0
x2  y2
x3  y 3

x2  y2
r 3 (cos3   sin 3  )

r 2 (cos 2   sin 2  )
r 3 (cos3   sin 3  )

r2
 r (cos3   sin 3  )
 r (cos3   sin 3  )

 r cos3   sin 3  
 r 1  1
 2r
 2 x2  y 2

 
If x , y
2 2 2 2

 
or if x , y  
2 2 2 2

2 2
x3 y 3
0  whenever x   , y  
x2  y 2
x3  y 3
Hence, lim 0
( x , y ) (0, 0) x 2  y 2
also f (0, 0)  0
x3  y 3
Thus, lim  0  f (0, 0)
( x , y ) (0, 0) x 2  y 2
I.Q. 9
I.Q. 10
Exercise:
1. Show that the limit does not exist in each case
2 xy 2 x2 y x2 y 2
(i) lim (ii) lim (iii) lim
( x , y ) (0, 0) x  y 2
2 ( x , y ) (0, 0) x 4  y 2 ( x , y ) (0, 0) x 2 y 2  ( x 2  y 2 ) 2
x y x4  y 2 x2  y
(iv) lim (v) lim (vi) lim
( x , y ) (0, 0) x  y ( x , y ) (0, 0) x 4  y 2 ( x , y ) (0, 0) y
xy xy 2
(vii) lim (viii) lim
( x , y ) (0, 0) x 2  y 2 ( x , y ) (0, 0) x 2  y 4
2. Show that the limit exist in each case
xy x4  y 4
(i) lim (ii) lim
( x , y ) (0, 0) x 2  y 2
( x , y ) (0, 0)
x2  y 2

x3  y 3 x2 y 2  1  1
(iii) lim (iv) lim
( x , y ) (0, 0) x 2  y 2 ( x , y ) (0, 0) x2  y 2
3. Show that the functions are discontinuous at origin.
 x4  y 4
 , ( x, y )  (0, 0)
(i) f ( x, y )   x 2  y 2
 0, ( x, y )  (0, 0)

 x3  y 3
 , x y
(ii) f ( x, y )   x  y
 0, x y

 1
 2 , ( x, y )  (0, 0)
(iii) f ( x, y )   x  y
2
 0, ( x, y )  (0, 0)

4. Show that the following functions are continuous at origin
 xy
 , ( x, y )  (0, 0)
(i) f ( x, y )   x 2  y 2
 0, ( x, y )  (0, 0)

 x2  y 2
 xy , ( x, y )  (0, 0)
(ii) f ( x, y )   x 2  y 2
 0, ( x, y)  (0, 0)

5. Discuss the continuity of the following function at origin
 1 1
 x sin    y sin   , ( x, y )  (0, 0)
(i) f ( x, y )    y  x
 ( x, y )  (0, 0)
 0,
 x3  y 3
 , ( x, y )  (0, 0)
(ii) f ( x, y )   x 2  y 2
 0, ( x, y)  (0, 0)


1, ( x, y)  (0, 0)
6. Show that for the function f ( x, y)   , both the repeated
0, ( x, y)  (0, 0)
limits exists at the origin and are equal but the simultaneous limits does not
exist.
7. Show that for the function
 1 xy
 y sin    2 , ( x, y )  (0, 0)
f ( x, y )   x x  y
2
 ( x, y )  (0, 0)
 0,
lim lim f ( x, y) exists, but the other repeated limit and the double limit do not
x 0 y 0
exist at the origin.
8. Show that for the following functions both the repeated limit exist but the
double limit does not at origin
x2 y 2
(i) f ( x, y ) 
x4  y 4  x2 y 2
 x2  y 2
 , ( x, y )  (0, 0)
(ii) f ( x, y )   x 2  y 2
 0, ( x, y)  (0, 0)

x y
 , ( x, y )  (0, 0)
(iii) f ( x, y )   x  y
 0, ( x, y )  (0, 0)

Summary:
In this lesson we have emphasized on the followings
 Functions of several variables

 Limits of functions of several variables
 Algebra of limits
 Repeated limits or iterative limits
 Two-path test for non-existence of a limit
 Continuity at a point

References:
1. G. B. Thomas, R. L. Finney: Calculus, Pearson Education, 11/e,

(2012)
2. H. Anton, I. Bivens, S. Davis: Calculus, John Wiley and Sons,
7/e, (2011)
3. Widder: Advanced Calculus, PHI Learning Private Limited.
4. Straffin J., Applications of Calculus, MAA notes number 29, The
mathematical association of America (1993).

Limits and Continuity of Multivariable Functions

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Limits and Continuity of Functions of several Variables

Lesson: Limits and Continuity of Functions of several

Institute of Lifelong Learning, University of Delhi pg. 1

Chapter: Limits and Continuity of Functions of several Variables

After studying this chapter you should be able to understand the

 Functions of several variables

Institute of Lifelong Learning, University of Delhi pg. 2

In studying a real world phenomenon and applications in geometry, applied

3. Functions of Several Variables:

For example: 1. Consider the function V   r 2 h , here V denoted the volume

2. The relation Z  1  x 2  y 2 , between x, y and z determines a value of z

3. The relation Z  e x  y determines a function of two variables (x, y); the

Definition 1: A variable Z is said to be a function of two variables x and y,

Definition 2: Let D is a set of n-tupple of real numbers ( x1 , x2 , . . ., xn ) . A real-

Institute of Lifelong Learning, University of Delhi pg. 3

The definition of the limit of a function of two or three variables is

A function f ( x, y) is said to tend to a limit as a point ( x, y) tends to the

Symbolically, the limit of the function f ( x, y) at the point ( x0 , y0 ) is denoted

Value Addition: Note

Institute of Lifelong Learning, University of Delhi pg. 4

4. lim f ( x, y)   lim f ( x, y0 )   lim f ( x0 , y)

4.1. Non-Existence of Limit:

From the simultaneous limit postulates it is amply clear that if

functions 1 ( x), 2 ( x) such that the limit of f  x, 1 ( x)  and f  x, 2 ( x)  are

Solution: Let y  m1 x , then

Now, if we take y  m2 x , then

Institute of Lifelong Learning, University of Delhi pg. 5

Thus, we can find y  m1 x  1 ( x) and y  m2 x  2 ( x) such that the limit of

lim f ( x, y )  lim f ( x, mx)

lim f ( x, y )  lim f (my 2 , y )

Institute of Lifelong Learning, University of Delhi pg. 6

4.2. Determining the Simultaneous Limits by Changing to Polar

Solution: Given that

Let x  r cos and y  r sin  , then we have

r 2 cos  sin  .r 2 (cos 2   sin 2  )

Institute of Lifelong Learning, University of Delhi pg. 7

 r 2 cos  sin  cos 2

Thus, for a given   0 , there exists a number   2 , such that

Institute of Lifelong Learning, University of Delhi pg. 8

depends upon m, hence the limit does not exist.

Theorem 1 (Properties of limits of functions of two variables): If

lim f ( x, y)  1 and lim g ( x, y)  2

The following rules hold if 1 , 2 and k are real numbers.

lim ( f  g )( x, y)  1  2  lim f ( x, y)  lim g ( x, y)

lim ( f  g )( x, y)  1  2  lim f ( x, y)  lim g ( x, y)

lim ( f .g )( x, y)  1 2  lim f ( x, y). lim g ( x, y)

4. Constant Multiple Rule:

Institute of Lifelong Learning, University of Delhi pg. 9

lim (k. f )( x, y)  k 1  k. lim f ( x, y)

6. Power Rule: If r and s are integers with no common factors and s  0 ,

Solution: Given that

If we take y  0 , then along the line x  0 , we have

Similarly, if we take x  0 , then along the line y  0 , we have

Now, applying the definition of limit, let   0 be given then

Institute of Lifelong Learning, University of Delhi pg. 10

Example 7: Prove that lim

Solution: Using the algebra of limits, we have

Alternative Method: Using the definition of limit method

For a given   0 , we have

Institute of Lifelong Learning, University of Delhi pg. 11

Now if   1, it follows that

6. Repeated Limits or Iterative Limits:

If a function f is defined in some neighborhood of (a, b), then the limit