4.5.

Differentiability
Learning objectives
 To state and prove Increment theorem for functions of two variables.
 To define the differentiability of a function of two variables at a point.
 To prove Differentiability implies Continuity.
AND
 To practice the related problems.
4.5. Differentiability
We recall the following result from the differential calculus of functions of a single
variable.

Change in 𝒚 = 𝒇 𝒙 near 𝒙 = 𝒙𝟎
If 𝑓 𝑥 is differentiable at 𝑥 = 𝑥0 , then the change in the value 𝑓 that results from
changing 𝑥0 to 𝑥0 + ∆𝑥 is given by an equation of the form

∆𝒚 = 𝒇 𝒙𝟎 + ∆𝒙 − 𝒇 𝒙𝟎 = 𝒇′ 𝒙𝟎 ∆𝒙 + 𝜺 ∆𝒙

in which 𝜀 → 0 as ∆𝑥 → 0.

For functions of two variables, the analogous property becomes the definition of
differentiability. The following theorem tells us when to expect the property hold.

Theorem 1: The increment theorem for functions of two variables

Suppose that the first order partial derivatives of 𝒛 = 𝒇 𝒙, 𝒚 are defined
throughout an open region 𝑹 containing the point 𝒙𝟎 , 𝒚𝟎 and 𝒇𝒙 and 𝒇𝒚 are
continuous at 𝒙𝟎 , 𝒚𝟎 . Then the change

∆𝒛 = 𝒇 𝒙𝟎 + ∆𝒙 , 𝒚𝟎 + ∆𝒚 − 𝒇 𝒙𝟎 , 𝒚𝟎

in the value of 𝒇 that results from moving from 𝒙𝟎 , 𝒚𝟎 to another point

𝒙𝟎 + ∆𝒙 , 𝒚𝟎 + ∆𝒚 in 𝑹 satisfies the equation of the form

∆𝒛 = 𝒇𝒙 𝒙𝟎 , 𝒚𝟎 ∆𝒙 + 𝒇𝒚 𝒙𝟎 , 𝒚𝟎 ∆𝒚 + 𝜺𝟏 ∆𝒙 + 𝜺𝟐 ∆𝒚

in which each of 𝜺𝟏 , 𝜺𝟐 → 𝟎 as both ∆𝒙, ∆𝒚 → 𝟎.

Proof: Let 𝑇 be a rectangle centered at 𝐴 𝑥0 , 𝑦0 , lying entirely in 𝑅. Let ∆𝑥 and

∆𝑦 be choosen so small such that the line segment joining 𝐴 to 𝐵 𝑥0 + ∆𝑥 , 𝑦0
and the line segment joining 𝐵 to 𝐶 𝑥0 + ∆𝑥 , 𝑦0 + ∆𝑦 lie in the interior of 𝑇.
Let ∆𝑧1 = 𝑓 𝑥0 + ∆𝑥 , 𝑦0 − 𝑓 𝑥0 , 𝑦0 be the change in the value of 𝑓 that results
from moving from 𝐴 to 𝐵.

Let ∆𝑧2 = 𝑓 𝑥0 + ∆𝑥 , 𝑦0 + ∆𝑦 − 𝑓 𝑥0 + ∆𝑥 , 𝑦0 be the change in the value of 𝑓

that results from moving from 𝐵 to 𝐶.

Then the change in the value of 𝑓 that results from moving from 𝐴 to 𝐶 is given by

∆𝑧 = 𝑓 𝑥0 + ∆𝑥 , 𝑦0 + ∆𝑦 − 𝑓 𝑥0 , 𝑦0

= 𝑓 𝑥0 + ∆𝑥 , 𝑦0 + ∆𝑦 − 𝑓 𝑥0 + ∆𝑥 , 𝑦0 + 𝑓 𝑥0 + ∆𝑥 , 𝑦0 − 𝑓 𝑥0 , 𝑦0

= ∆𝑧2 + ∆𝑧1

Computation of ∆𝒛𝟏
Let 𝐹 𝑥 = 𝑓 𝑥 , 𝑦0 , for 𝑥 in the closed interval joining 𝑥0 to 𝑥0 + ∆𝑥. Since the
partial derivatives of 𝑓 are defined throughout 𝑅, 𝐹 𝑥 is a differentiable (and
hence continuous) function of one variable 𝑥 and

𝐹 ′ 𝑥 = 𝑓𝑥 𝑥, 𝑦0

By the Lagrange’s mean value theorem for single real variable, there is a 𝑐
between 𝑥0 and 𝑥0 + ∆𝑥 such that,
𝐹 𝑥 0 +∆𝑥 −𝐹 𝑥 0
= 𝐹′ 𝑐
𝑥 0 +∆𝑥−𝑥 0

i.e., 𝐹 𝑥0 + ∆𝑥 − 𝐹 𝑥0 = 𝐹 ′ 𝑐 ∆𝑥

i.e., 𝑓 𝑥0 + ∆𝑥 , 𝑦0 − 𝑓 𝑥0 , 𝑦0 = 𝑓𝑥 𝑐 , 𝑦0 ∆𝑥
 i.e., ∆𝑧1 = 𝐹𝑥 𝑐 , 𝑦0 ∆𝑥

Similarly, 𝐺 𝑦 = 𝑓 𝑥0 + ∆𝑥 , 𝑦 is a differentiable (and hence continuous)

function of one variable 𝑦 on the closed 𝑦-interval joining 𝑦0 and 𝑦0 + ∆𝑦, with
derivative,

𝐺 ′ 𝑦 = 𝑓𝑦 𝑥0 + ∆𝑥 , 𝑦 .

Hence, by Lagrange’s mean value theorem there is a 𝑑 between 𝑦0 and 𝑦0 + ∆𝑦

such that
𝐺 𝑦 0 +∆𝑦 −𝐺 𝑦 0
= 𝐺′ 𝑑
𝑦 0 +∆𝑦−𝑦 0

i.e., 𝐺 𝑦0 + ∆𝑦 − 𝐺 𝑦0 = 𝐺 ′ 𝑑 ∆𝑦

i.e., 𝑓 𝑥0 + ∆𝑥 , 𝑦0 + ∆𝑦 − 𝑓 𝑥0 + ∆𝑥 , 𝑦0 = 𝑓𝑦 𝑥0 + ∆𝑥 , 𝑑 ∆𝑦

i.e., ∆𝑧2 = 𝑓𝑦 𝑥0 + ∆𝑥 , 𝑑 ∆𝑦

Notice that 𝑐 → 𝑥0 and 𝑑 → 𝑦0 as both ∆𝑥 → 0 and ∆𝑦 → 0. Since 𝑓𝑥 and 𝑓𝑦 are

continuous at 𝑥0 , 𝑦0 , 𝑓𝑥 𝑐, 𝑦0 → 𝑓𝑥 𝑥0 , 𝑦0 and 𝑓𝑦 𝑥0 + ∆𝑥 , 𝑑 → 𝑓𝑦 𝑥0 , 𝑦0
as both ∆𝑥 and ∆𝑦 → 0. Therefore,

𝑓𝑥 𝑐 , 𝑦0 = 𝑓𝑥 𝑥0 , 𝑦0 + 𝜀1 ; 𝑓𝑦 𝑥0 + ∆𝑥 , 𝑑 = 𝑓𝑦 𝑥0 , 𝑦0 + 𝜀2

where both 𝜀1 and 𝜀2 → 0 as both ∆𝑥 and ∆𝑦 → 0. Thus,

∆𝑧 = ∆𝑧1 + ∆𝑧2 = 𝑓𝑥 𝑐 , 𝑦0 ∆𝑥 + 𝑓𝑦 𝑥0 + ∆𝑥 , 𝑑 ∆𝑦

= 𝑓𝑥 𝑥0 , 𝑦0 + 𝜀1 ∆𝑥 + 𝑓𝑦 𝑥0 , 𝑦0 + 𝜀2 ∆𝑦

= 𝑓𝑥 𝑥0 , 𝑦0 ∆𝑥 + 𝑓𝑦 𝑥0 , 𝑦0 ∆𝑦 + 𝜀1 ∆𝑥 + 𝜀2 ∆𝑦

where both 𝜀1 and 𝜀2 → 0 as both ∆𝑥 and ∆𝑦 → 0.

Hence the theorem

Definition: Differentiable function

A function 𝑧 = 𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦 is said to be differentiable at 𝒙𝟎 , 𝒚𝟎 if
𝑓𝑥 𝑥0 , 𝑦0 and 𝑓𝑦 𝑥0 , 𝑦0 exist and ∆𝑧 satisfies an equation of the form

∆𝒛 = 𝒇𝒙 𝒙𝟎 , 𝒚𝟎 ∆𝒙 + 𝒇𝒚 𝒙𝟎 , 𝒚𝟎 ∆𝒚 + 𝜺𝟏 ∆𝒙 + 𝜺𝟐 ∆𝒚 … (1)

in which each of 𝜀1 , 𝜀2 → 0 as both ∆𝑥 , ∆𝑦 → 0. We say that 𝑓 is differentiable if

it is differentiable at every point of its domain.

Note:

i) ∆𝑧 = 𝑓 𝑥0 + ∆𝑥 , 𝑦0 + ∆𝑦 − 𝑓 𝑥0 , 𝑦0 is called the total increment in 𝑧

corresponding to the increments ∆𝑥 in 𝑥 and ∆𝑦 in 𝑦.

ii) The first part 𝑓𝑥 ∆𝑥 + 𝑓𝑦 ∆𝑦 in (1) which is linear in ∆𝑥 and ∆𝑦 is called total
differential of 𝑧 at the point 𝑥0 , 𝑦0 and is denoted by 𝑑𝑧 or 𝑑𝑓. That is

𝑑𝑧 = 𝑓𝑥 ∆𝑥 + 𝑓𝑦 ∆𝑦 or 𝒅𝒛 = 𝒇𝒙 𝒅𝒙 + 𝒇𝒚 𝒅𝒚

In the light of this definition (1) takes the form

∆𝒛 = 𝒅𝒛 + 𝜺𝟏 ∆𝒙 + 𝜺𝟐 ∆𝒚 … (2)

iii) The second part 𝜀1 ∆𝑥 + 𝜀2 ∆𝑦 is the infinitesimal nonlinear part and is of higher
order relative to ∆𝑥, ∆𝑦 or ∆𝜌 = ∆𝑥 2 + ∆𝑦 2 . Note that ∆𝑥, ∆𝑦 → 0,0
implies ∆𝜌 → 0. Equation (2) can be written as
∆𝒛−𝒅𝒛 𝚫𝒙 𝚫𝒚
= 𝜺𝟏 + 𝜺𝟐 … (3)
∆𝝆 𝚫𝝆 𝚫𝝆

If 𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦 if differentiable, then both 𝜀1 , 𝜀2 → 0 as both ∆𝑥, ∆𝑦 → 0, i.e., as

∆𝜌 → 0. Now taking the limit as ∆𝜌 → 0 in equation (3), we obtain
∆𝑧 − 𝑑𝑧 𝛥𝑥 𝛥𝑦
𝑙𝑖𝑚 = 𝑙𝑖𝑚 𝜀1 + 𝜀2 =0
∆𝜌→0 ∆𝜌 ∆𝜌→0 𝛥𝜌 𝛥𝜌
∆𝑥 ∆𝑦
Since ≤ 1 and ≤ 1.
∆𝜌 ∆𝜌

Thus, to test the differentiability of 𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦 at a point 𝑥0 , 𝑦0 , we can use one of

the following two ways:
 ∆𝒛−𝒅𝒛
(i) Show that 𝒍𝒊𝒎 =𝟎
∆𝝆→𝟎 ∆𝝆
(ii) Find the expressions 𝜀1 ∆𝑥, ∆𝑦 , 𝜀2 ∆𝑥, ∆𝑦 from equation (2) and then
show that 𝜀1 → 0 and 𝜀2 → 0 as ∆𝑥, ∆𝑦 → 0,0 , i.e., ∆𝜌 → 0.

In the light of the definition of differentiability, we have the following corollary of

Theorem1, that a function is differentiable if its first order partial derivatives are
continuous.

Corollary of Theorem 1: Continuity of partial derivatives implies differentiability

If the first order partial derivatives 𝒇𝒙 and 𝒇𝒚 of a function 𝒇 𝒙, 𝒚 are
continuous at a point 𝒙𝟎 , 𝒚𝟎 , then 𝒛 = 𝒇 𝒙, 𝒚 is differentiable at 𝒙𝟎 , 𝒚𝟎 .

Notice that the continuity of the first order partial derivatives 𝑓𝑥 and 𝑓𝑦 at a point
𝑥0 , 𝑦0 is a sufficient condition for the differentiability at 𝑥0 , 𝑦0 .

Note that the conditions of this corollary can be relaxed. It is sufficient that of the
first order partial derivatives is continuous at 𝒙𝟎 , 𝒚𝟎 and the other exists at
𝒙𝟎 , 𝒚𝟎 .

The following theorem assures that a function of two variables is continuous at

every point where it is differentiable.

Theorem 2: If 𝒙𝟎 , 𝒚𝟎 is a point in the domain of the function 𝒛 = 𝒇(𝒙, 𝒚) such

that one of the partial derivatives 𝒇𝒙 and 𝒇𝒚 is continuous at 𝒙𝟎 , 𝒚𝟎 and the
other exists at 𝒙𝟎 , 𝒚𝟎 then 𝒇 is differentiable at 𝒙𝟎 , 𝒚𝟎

Theorem 3: Differentiability implies continuity

If a function 𝒇 𝒙, 𝒚 is differentiable at 𝒙𝟎 , 𝒚𝟎 , then 𝒇 is continuous at 𝒙𝟎 , 𝒚𝟎 .

Proof: Given that the function 𝑧 = 𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦 is differentiable at 𝑥0 , 𝑦0 .

That is by definition, ∆𝑧 = 𝑓 𝑥0 + ∆𝑥, 𝑦0 + ∆𝑦 − 𝑓 𝑥0 , 𝑦0 satisfies the equation

𝑓 𝑥0 + ∆𝑥, 𝑦0 + ∆𝑦 − 𝑓 𝑥0 , 𝑦0 = 𝑓𝑥 𝑥0 , 𝑦0 ∆𝑥 + 𝑓𝑦 𝑥0 , 𝑦0 ∆𝑦 + 𝜀1 ∆𝑥 + 𝜀2 ∆𝑦

where both 𝜀1 , 𝜀2 → 0 as both ∆𝑥, ∆𝑦 → 0. Now,

 𝑙𝑖𝑚 𝑓 𝑥0 + ∆𝑥, 𝑦0 + ∆𝑦 − 𝑓 𝑥0 , 𝑦0 =0
∆𝑥,∆𝑦 → 0,0

⇒ 𝑙𝑖𝑚 𝑓 𝑥0 + ∆𝑥, 𝑦0 + ∆𝑦 = 𝑓 𝑥0 , 𝑦0
∆𝑥,∆𝑦 → 0,0

⇒ 𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦 is continuous at 𝑥0 , 𝑦0

Hence the result

Example 1: Find ∆𝑧 and the total differential of 𝑧 = 𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 𝑦 − 3𝑦.

Solution: At any point 𝑥, 𝑦 ∈ 𝑹2 , we have

∆𝑧 = 𝑓 𝑥 + ∆𝑥 , 𝑦 + ∆𝑦 − 𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦
2
= 𝑥 + ∆𝑥 𝑦 + ∆𝑦 − 3 𝑦 + ∆𝑦 − 𝑥 2 𝑦 − 3𝑦

= 2𝑥𝑦∆𝑥 + 𝑥 2 − 3 ∆𝑦 + 𝑦∆𝑥 + 2∆𝑦 ∆𝑥 + ∆𝑥 2 ∆𝑦

𝜕𝑓 𝜕𝑓
Note that = 2𝑥𝑦 , = 𝑥 2 − 3. Therefore the total differential is
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦

𝜕𝑓 𝜕𝑓
𝑑𝑧 = 𝑑𝑥 + 𝑑𝑦 = 2𝑥𝑦𝑑𝑥 + 𝑥 2 − 3 𝑑𝑦
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦

Note: At any point 𝑥, 𝑦 ∈ 𝑹𝟐 , ∆𝑧 = 𝑓𝑥 𝑥, 𝑦 ∆𝑥 + 𝑓𝑦 𝑥, 𝑦 ∆𝑦 + 𝜀1 ∆𝑥 + 𝜀2 ∆𝑦,

where both 𝜀1 = 𝑦∆𝑥 + 2∆𝑦 , 𝜀2 = ∆𝑥 2 → 0 when ∆𝑥 , ∆𝑦 → 0. This shows
that 𝑧 = 𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦 is differentiable at every point 𝑥, 𝑦 ∈ 𝑹𝟐 .

Example 2: Show that the function

 x2  y 2
 xy ,  x, y    0,0 
f  x, y    x 2  y 2

 0 ,  x, y    0,0 
is differentiable at the origin.

Solution: We first calculate the first order partial derivatives of f at the origin.
𝑓 0+𝑕,0 − 𝑓(0,0) 𝑓 𝑕 ,0 − 𝑓(0,0) 0−0
𝑓𝑥 0,0 = 𝑙𝑖𝑚 = 𝑙𝑖𝑚 = 𝑙𝑖𝑚 =0
𝑕→0 𝑕 𝑕→0 𝑕 𝑕→0 𝑕
 𝑓 0,0+𝑕 − 𝑓(0,0) 𝑓 0,𝑕 − 𝑓(0,0) 0−0
𝑓𝑦 0,0 = 𝑙𝑖𝑚 = 𝑙𝑖𝑚 = 𝑙𝑖𝑚 =0
𝑕→0 𝑕 𝑕→0 𝑕 𝑕→0 𝑕

We have ∆𝑧 = 𝑓 ∆𝑥, ∆𝑦 − 𝑓 0,0 = 𝑑𝑧 + 𝜀1 ∆𝑥 + 𝜀2 ∆𝑦, where

𝑑𝑧 = 𝑓𝑥 0,0 ∆𝑥 + 𝑓𝑦 0,0 ∆𝑦 = 0
∆𝑥 2 − ∆𝑦 2 ∆𝑥 2 − ∆𝑦 2
Now, ∆𝑧 = ∆𝑥 ∆𝑦 − 0 = ∆𝑥 ∆𝑦
∆𝑥 2 + ∆𝑦 2 ∆𝑥 2 + ∆𝑦 2

∆𝑧−𝑑𝑧 ∆𝑥 2 − ∆𝑦 2 2 2
and = ∆𝑥 ∆𝑦 , where ∆𝜌 = ∆𝑥 + ∆𝑦
∆ρ ∆𝑥 2 + ∆𝑦 2 3/2

∆𝑧−𝑑𝑧
Let ∆𝑥 = 𝑟 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 , ∆𝑦 = 𝑟 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 . Therefore, = 𝑟 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃. 𝑐𝑜𝑠2𝜃
∆𝜌

∆𝑧−𝑑𝑧
and = 𝑟 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃. 𝑐𝑜𝑠2𝜃 ≤ 𝑟 as ∆𝑥, ∆𝑦 → 0,0 ; ∆𝜌 = 𝑟 → 0.
∆𝜌

∆𝑧−𝑑𝑧
This shows that lim = 0. Thus, 𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦 is differentiable at (0,0).
∆𝜌→0 ∆𝜌

Aliter:
∆𝑧−𝑑𝑧 1 ∆𝑥 3 ∆𝑦 −∆𝑥 ∆𝑦 3 ∆𝑦 3 ∆𝑥 ∆𝑥 3 ∆𝑦 ∆𝑥 ∆𝑦
= 2+ 2
=− 2+ 2
+ 2+ 2
= 𝜀1 + 𝜀2 ,
∆𝜌 ∆𝜌 ∆𝑥 ∆𝑦 ∆𝑥 ∆𝑦 ∆𝜌 ∆𝑥 ∆𝑦 ∆𝜌 ∆𝜌 ∆𝜌
∆𝑦 3 ∆𝑥 3
where 𝜀1 = − , 𝜀2 =
∆𝑥 2 + ∆𝑦 2 ∆𝑥 2 + ∆𝑦 2

∆𝑦 3 2 2
Notice that 𝜀1 = − ≤ ∆𝑦 ≤ ∆𝑥 + ∆𝑦 and
∆𝑥 2 + ∆𝑦 2

∆𝑥 3 2 2
𝜀2 = ≤ ∆𝑥 ≤ ∆𝑥 + ∆𝑦
∆𝑥 2 + ∆𝑦 2

Clearly 𝜀1 , 𝜀2 → 0 as both ∆𝑥 and ∆𝑦 → 0. Thus 𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦 is differentiable at (0,0)

Example 3: Show that the function

 xy
 ,  x, y    0,0 
f  x, y    x 2  y 2
 0 ,  x, y    0,0 

is not differentiable at the origin.

Solution: We first test its continuity at (0,0).

Let 𝑥, 𝑦 → 0,0 along the path 𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥, 𝑥 ≠ 0

𝑚𝑥 2 𝑚
Then 𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦 |𝑦=𝑚𝑥 = =
1+𝑚 2 𝑥2 1+𝑚 2

𝑚
Now, 𝑙𝑖𝑚 𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦 =
𝑥,𝑦 → 0,0 1+𝑚 2
𝑎𝑙𝑜𝑛𝑔 𝑦 =𝑚𝑥

and the limit does not exist by Two-Path Test. This shows that 𝑓 𝑥, 𝑦 is
discontinuous at (0, 0). Therefore 𝑓(𝑥, 𝑦) is not differentiable at (0, 0)

(Assume that 𝑓 is differentiable at (0, 0) ⟹ 𝑓 is continuous at (0, 0) – a

contradiction, since it is discontinuous at (0, 0). Therefore, our assumption is
wrong. Thus, 𝑓 is not differentiable at (0, 0))
IP1.

Find the total differential of the function = + , ≠ .

Solution: If = ( , , ) is a function of three variables , and , then the total

differential is

= + +

Given = + = ( , , )

Now, = + + ; = + +

= + −

Therefore, the total differential is = + +

= + + + + + + + −

= + + + 1− + + +
P1:

Find the total differential of the function = , , ≠ , .

Solution: If = , is a function of two variables and then the total

differential is = +

Given that = tan = ,

Now, = ! = ! !
; = ! − !
=− ! !

Therefore, the total differential is

# #
= + = ! !
− ! !
= ! !
IP2.

 x2 − y2
 , ( x , y ) ≠ ( 1 , − 1)
Show that function f ( x , y ) =  x − y is continuous and

0 , ( x , y ) = ( 1 , − 1)
differentiable at , − .

Solution:

Continuity at ,−

We have, , = = + = 0 and
, → , , → , , → ,
1, −1 = 0

Therefore, , =0= 1, −1 . Hence, , is continuous at

, → ,
1, −1 .

Partial derivatives at ,−
, ,
1, −1 = = = =1
→ → →

, ,
1, −1 = = = =1
→ → →

Therefore, the partial derivatives exists at 1, −1

Differentiability at ,−

Now, , = = = , , ≠ 1, −1

and , = 1 when , = 1, −1

Since , = =1= 1, −1 , the partial

, → , , → ,
derivative is continuous at 1, −1 . Also 1, −1 is continuous at 1, −1 .

Hence, , is differentiable at 1, −1 (by relaxed conditions).

P2:

 x3 + 2 y3
 , ( x , y ) ≠ ( 0 ,0)
Show that function f ( x , y ) =  x 2 + y 2

0 , ( x , y ) = ( 0 ,0)
i) is continuous at ,

ii) possess partial derivatives , and ,

iii) is not differentiable at ,

Solution:

Continuity at ,

let = and = , we have

! % %
| , − 0, 0 | = "
≤ $| | + 2| |(

-
≤ 3 = 3* + < ,, whenever * + <
%

Therefore, lim , =0= 0, 0 . Hence, , is continuous at 0, 0 .

1,2 → 4,4

Partial derivatives at ,
6 4 5,4 76 4,4 574
1 0, 0 = lim = lim =1
5→4 5 5→4 5

6 4,4 5 76 4,4 574

2 0, 0 = lim = lim =2
5→4 5 5→4 5

Therefore, the partial derivatives exists at 0, 0

Differentiability at ,

We have 9: = 1 0, 0 ∆ + 2 0, 0 ∆ = ∆ + 2∆
∆1 ∆2
∆: = ∆ ,∆ − 0, 0 =
∆1 " ∆2 "
 ∆<7=< ? ∆1 ∆2 ? ∆1.∆2 ∆2 ∆1
Therefore, = @ − ∆ + 2∆ A = @− A
∆> ∆> ∆1 " ∆2 " ∆> ∆1 " ∆2 "

∆2 " ∆1 ∆1 " ∆2
= C− " " D C∆> D
+C " " D C∆>D
∆1 ∆2 ∆1 ∆2

∆1 ∆2
= ,? C D + , C D,
∆> ∆>

∆2 " ∆1 "
where ,? = − , , =
∆1 " ∆2 " ∆1 " ∆2 "

Clearly, both lim ,? , lim , does not exist (by Two Path-Test).
∆1,∆2 → 4,4 ∆1,∆2 → 4,4

This shows that , is not differentiable at 0, 0 .

IP3.

 x3 − y3
 , ( x , y ) ≠ ( 0 ,0 )
Show that function f ( x , y ) =  x 2 + y 2

0 , ( x , y ) = ( 0 ,0 )
i) is continuous at ,

ii) possess partial derivatives , and ,

iii) is not differentiable at ,

Solution:

Continuity at ,

let = and = , we have

| , − 0, 0 | = ! ! !
= | "
− " |

≤ $| " |+| " |&

,
≤ 2 = 2( ) + ) < + , whenever ( ) + ) < .
)

Therefore, lim , = 0, 0 . Hence, , is continuous at 0, 0 .

0,1 → 3,3

Partial derivatives at ,
5 364,3 5 3,3 4 3
0 0, 0 = lim = lim =1
4→3 4 4→3 4

5 3,364 5 3,3 4 3
1 0, 0 = lim = lim = −1
4→3 4 4→3 4

Therefore, the partial derivatives exists at 0, 0

Differentiability at ,

We have 89 = 0 0, 0 ∆ + 1 0, 0 ∆ = ∆ − ∆
 ∆0 ∆1
∆9 = ∆ ,∆ − 0, 0 =
∆0 !6 ∆1 !

∆; <; > ∆0 ∆1 ∆0.∆1 ∆0 ∆1

Therefore, = ? −∆ +∆ @=A C
∆= ∆= ∆0 ! 6 ∆1 ! $ ∆0 !6 ∆1 ! &!

∆; <; ∆0.∆1 ∆0 ∆1
lD ? @= lim A C
0,1 → 3,3 ∆= 0,1 → 3,3 $ ∆0 ! 6 ∆1 ! &!

∆0.∆1 ∆0 ∆1
Notice that lim A C does not exist (by Two Path-Test).
∆0,∆1 → 3,3 $ ∆0 !6 ∆1 ! &!

This shows that , is not differentiable at 0, 0 .

P3.

Show that the function , = + is not differentiable at , .

Solution:

Partial derivatives at ,
, ,
0, 0 = lim = lim =1
→ →

, ,
0, 0 = lim = lim =1
→ →

Therefore, the partial derivatives exists at 0, 0

Differentiability at ,

We have = 0, 0 ∆ + 0, 0 ∆ = ∆ + ∆

∆ = 0 + ∆ ,∆ − 0, 0 = ∆ ! + ∆ !

∆" #" % ∆ ∆
Therefore, = & ∆ ! + ∆ ! − ∆ − ∆ ' = (1 − *
∆$ ∆$ ∆ ) ∆ )

∆ ∆
Notice that +,- ) )
does not exists.
∆ ,∆ → , ∆ ∆

∆" #"
Hence, lim . / does not exist (by Two- Path Test)
∆$→ ∆$

Therefore, , is not differentiable at 0, 0 .

IP4.
Discuss the continuity and differentiability of the function

 xy 2
 2 , ( x , y ) ≠ ( 0 ,0)
f ( x, y) =  x + y 2

0 , ( x , y ) = ( 0 ,0 )
at , .

Solution:
Continuity at , :
We have

| , − 0, 0 | = =| |≤ + < ,

whenever + <
Therefore, lim , = 0, 0
, → ,

Hence, , is continuous at 0, 0 .

Partial derivatives at , :
, ,
0, 0 = lim = lim =0
→ →
, ,
0, 0 = lim = lim =0
→ →

Therefore, the partial derivatives exists at 0, 0

Differentiability at , :
We have ! = 0, 0 ∆ + 0, 0 ∆ = 0
∆ . ∆
∆! = ∆ ,∆ − 0, 0 = ∆ ∆

Therefore,

∆$ %$ ' ∆ . ∆ ∆ . ∆
= (∆ )=* - .
∆& ∆& ∆ + ∆ ,
∆

∆ . ∆
Notice that, lim * - . does not exists (by
∆ ,∆ → , + ∆ ∆ ,
Two- Path-Test).
∆$ %$
Therefore, lim ( ∆&
) does not exist.
∆&→

This shows that , is not differentiable at 0, 0 .

P4:

 xy
 2 , ( x , y ) ≠ ( 0 ,0)
Show that function f ( x , y ) =  x + y 2

0 , ( x , y ) = ( 0 ,0 )
is not differentiable at ,

Solution:

Partial derivatives at ,
, ,
0, 0 = lim = lim =0
→ →

, ,
0, 0 = lim = lim =0
→ →

Therefore, the partial derivatives exists at 0, 0

Differentiability at ,

We have = 0, 0 ∆ + 0, 0 ∆ = 0
∆ .∆
∆ = ∆ ,∆ − 0, 0 =
∆ ∆

∆ ! ∆ .∆ ∆ .∆
Therefore, = " #=$ %
∆ ∆ ∆ ∆ ∆ ∆

∆ .∆
Notice that, &'( $ % does not exists (by Two –Path Test).
∆ ,∆ → , ∆ ∆

∆
Therefore, &'( $ % does not exist.
∆ → ∆

This shows that , is not differentiable at 0, 0 .

3.5. Differentiability
EXERCISE
Discuss the continuity and differentiability of the following functions
at ( , ):

 x3 − y 3
 , ( x, y ) ≠ ( 0,0 )
a) f ( x, y ) =  x 2 + y 2

 0 , ( x, y ) = ( 0 ,0 )

 x2 y
 , ( x, y ) ≠ ( 0,0 )
b) f ( x, y ) =  x 4 + y 2

 0 , ( x, y ) = ( 0 ,0 )