Functions of Two Variables Limits

Functions of Several Variables Limit of a Function Iterated and Simultaneous Limits
Functions of two variables

Limit & Continuity
September 10, 2023

Table of Contents
1 Functions of Several Variables
2 Limit of a Function
3 Iterated and Simultaneous Limits

Definition (Functions of Several Variables)

Suppose D is a set of n-tuples of real numbers (x1 , x2 , . . . , xn ). A multi-
variable function of m–variables f on D is a rule that assigns a unique
(single) vector
w⃗ = f (x1 , x2 , . . . , xn )
to each element in D. The symbol w ⃗ is the dependent variable vector of
f and f is said to be a function of the n independent variables x1 to xn .
We shall write f : D → Rm .
Definition (Functions of Several Variables)

Suppose D is a set of n-tuples of real numbers (x1 , x2 , . . . , xn ). A multi-
variable function of m–variables f on D is a rule that assigns a unique
(single) vector
w⃗ = f (x1 , x2 , . . . , xn )
to each element in D. The symbol w ⃗ is the dependent variable vector of
f and f is said to be a function of the n independent variables x1 to xn .
We shall write f : D → Rm .
Remark
If f is a real valued function of two independent variables, we usually call
the independent variables x and y and the dependent variable z.
Examples
1 f : R2 → R3 defined as
f (x, y ) = (x + y , x − y , 0)
2 f : R2 → R defined as

 xy
if (x, y ) ̸= (0, 0)
f (x, y ) = x 2 + y 2
0 if (x, y ) = (0, 0)

3 The volume of a cylinder: V = πr 2 h (i.e. V = F (r , h)) is a function

of two variables.
4 An object rotating around the origin in the xy -plane (say at distance
5 unit from the origin) will have its position described by the function
f (t) = (5 cos(t), 5 sin(t)). This is a function from R to R2 .
5 An object spiralling around the x-axis (again at distance 5 unit from
the axis) and travelling at constant speed might have its position given
by f (t) = (t, 5 cos(t), 5 sin(t)). This function is from R to R3 . .
Figure 1: An arrow diagram for the function z = f (x, y ).

Domains and Ranges

In defining a function of more than one variable, we follow the usual prac-
tice of excluding inputs that lead to complex numbers or division by zero.
Definition(Domain and range of a function)

The domain of a function is set of input values for which function is well
defined. The domain of a function is assumed to be the largest set for
which the defining rule generates real numbers, unless the domain other-
wise specified explicitly. The range of a function is defined to be the set
of output values.
Example
For example, if f is a function defined by
p
f (x, y ) = y − x 2
we have a function of 2 variables defined for all (x, y ) ∈ R2 except at the

points (x, y ) where y < x 2 . So domain D = {(x, y ) : y ≥ x 2 }. Range
= [0, ∞).
Find the Domain and range in each of the following cases

1
(a) f (x, y ) =
xy

1
(a) f (x, y ) =
xy
Domain D = {(x, y ) : x · y ̸= 0}
Range = (−∞, 0) ∪ (0, ∞)

1
(a) f (x, y ) =
xy
Domain D = {(x, y ) : x · y ̸= 0}
Range = (−∞, 0) ∪ (0, ∞)
(b) f (x, y ) = sin xy


1
(a) f (x, y ) =
xy
Domain D = {(x, y ) : x · y ̸= 0}
Range = (−∞, 0) ∪ (0, ∞)
(b) f (x, y ) = sin xy

Domain D = R2
Range = [−1, 1].
Geometrical Interpretation of Domain of function

√
x +y +1
(a) Function: f (x, y ) =
x −1
Geometrical Interpretation of Domain of function

√
x +y +1
(a) Function: f (x, y ) =
x −1
√
x +y +1
Figure 2: Domain of the function f (x, y ) =
x −1
(b) Function: f (x, y ) = x ln(y 2 − x)

(b) Function: f (x, y ) = x ln(y 2 − x)
Figure 3: Domain of the function f (x, y ) = x ln(y 2 − x)

p
(c) Function: f (x, y ) = 9 − x2 − y2
p
(c) Function: f (x, y ) = 9 − x2 − y2
p
Figure 4: Domain of the function f (x, y ) = 9 − x2 − y2
An inequality
For Any two real numbers α and β,
α2 + β 2
α·β ≤ .
2
Proof.
We know that, for any two real numbers α and β
(α − β)2 ≥ 0
=⇒ α2 + β 2 − 2α · β ≥ 0
α2 + β 2
=⇒ α · β ≤
2
Limit of a function
Definition(Limit)
Assume that D ⊆ R2 , and that f : D → R is a function. We say that a
function f (x, y ) approaches the limit L as (x, y ) approaches (x0 , y0 ), and
write
lim f (x, y ) = L
(x,y )→(x0 .Y0 )
if, for every number ϵ > 0, there exists δ > 0 such that
p
0 < (x − x0 )2 + (y − Y0 )2 < δ =⇒ |f (x, y ) − L| < ϵ,
for all (x, y ) ∈ D.

Two-Path Test for Non-existence of a Limit
Two-Path Test for Non-existence of a Limit

In single variable calculus, for finding the limit of a function, we find L.H.L
& R.H.L. and show that L.H.L = R.H.L. But in multivariable calculus, we
can not do this because, for approaching a point, we have infinitely many
paths in multivariable calculus. We can use this technique to show that a
limit does not exist. We choose two different paths and show that limits
are different along these two paths.
Sandwich Theorem or Squeeze Lemma
Theorem (Sandwich Theorem or Squeeze Lemma)

Assume D ⊆ R2 and (a, b) ∈ D. Further assume that f , g , h : D → R are
functions such that f (x, y ) ≤ g (x, y ) ≤ h(x, y ) for all (x, y ) ∈ D and
lim f (x, y ) = lim h(x, y ) = L.

(x,y )→(a,b) (x,y )→(a,b)
Then lim g (x, y ) = L.

(x,y )→(a,b)
Remark
lim |f (x, y )| = 0 ⇐⇒ lim f (x, y ) = 0
(x,y )→(a,b) (x,y )→(a,b)
Algebra of Limits
Theorem (Algebra of Limits)
Let f , g : D ⊆ R2 → R, k ∈ R and (a, b) ∈ D be such that
lim f (x, y ) = L and lim g (x, y ) = M.
(x,y )→(a,b) (x,y )→(a,b)
Then
1.Sum Rule: lim (f (x, y ) + g (x, y )) = L + M
(x,y )→(a,b)
2.Difference Rule: lim (f (x, y ) − g (x, y )) = L − M

(x,y )→(a,b)
3.Constant Multiple Rule: lim kf (x, y ) = kL (any number k)

(x,y )→(a,b)
4.Product Rule: lim (f (x, y )g (x, y )) = LM

(x,y )→(a,b)
f (x, y ) L
5.Quatient Rule: lim = , M ̸= 0
(x,y )→(a,b) g (x, y ) M
6.Power Rule: lim [f (x, y )]n = Ln , n a positive integer
(x,y )→(a,b)
p
n
√
n
7.Root Rule: lim f (x, y ) = L, n a positive integer,
(x,y )→(a,b)
and if n is even,
we assume that L > 0
Example 1
p
Find lim x 3 + y 2.
(x,y )→(2,5)
Example 1
p
Find lim x 3 + y 2.
(x,y )→(2,5)
Solution
p p √
lim x3 + y2 = 23 + 52 = 33
(x,y )→(2,5)
Example 2
xy − y 2
Find lim √ √
(x,y )→(0,0) x+ y
Example 2
xy − y 2
Find lim √ √
(x,y )→(0,0) x+ y
Solution
xy − y 2 (x − y )y
lim √ √ = lim √ √
(x,y )→(0,0) x + y (x,y )→(0,0) x + y
√ √ √ √
( x − y )( x + y )y
= lim √ √
(x,y )→(0,0) x+ y
√ √ √ √
( x − y ) x
( + y )y
= lim √ √
x+ y

(x,y )→(0,0)
√ √
= lim ( x − y )y = 0
(x,y )→(0,0)
Example 3
!
4 1
Check whether lim x sin 2
exists. If yes, find the value
(x,y )→(0,0) x + |y |
of limit.
Example 3
!
4 1
Check whether lim x sin 2
exists. If yes, find the value
(x,y )→(0,0) x + |y |
of limit.
Solution
!
4
1
Let f (x, y ) = x sin . Consider
x 2 + |y |
!
4 1
0 ≤ |f (x, y )| = x sin ≤ x4
x 2 + |y |
=⇒ 0 ≤ |f (x, y )| ≤ x 4
Now note that lim x 4 = 0 and hence by sandwich theorem
(x,y )→(0,0)
lim |f (x, y )| = 0 which implies lim f (x, y ) = 0. Thus,
(x,y )→(0,0) (x,y )→(0,0)
!
4 1
lim x sin =0
(x,y )→(0,0) x 2 + |y |
Example 4
Consider the following function

 xy
if (x, y ) ̸= (0, 0)
f (x, y ) = x 2 + y 2
0 otherwise

Check whether lim(x,y )→(0,0) f (x, y ) exists.

Example 4
Consider the following function

 xy
if (x, y ) ̸= (0, 0)
f (x, y ) = x 2 + y 2
0 otherwise

Check whether lim(x,y )→(0,0) f (x, y ) exists.
Solution
Consider the path y = mx passing through (0, 0). Then
x · mx m
f (x, y ) = = ,
x2 +m x2 2 1 + m2
m
=⇒ lim f (x, y ) = ,
(x,y )→(0,0) 1 + m2
which is different for different values of m and hence lim(x,y )→(0,0) f (x, y )
does not exist.
Example 5
5x 2 y 6
Check whether lim exists. If yes, find the value of the limit.
(x,y )→(0,0) x 2 + y 6
Example 5
5x 2 y 6
Check whether lim exists. If yes, find the value of the limit.
(x,y )→(0,0) x 2 + y 6
Solution
5x 2 y 6
Let f (x, y ) = . Then
x2 + y6
2
x 2 +y 6
2 6
5x y 5 2
0 ≤ |f (x, y )| = ≤5 2 ≤ (x 2 +y 6 ) (AM-GM inequallity)
x2 + y6 x + y6 4
5 2
=⇒ 0 ≤ |f (x, y )| ≤ (x + y 6 ).
4
5 2
Now Note that lim (x + y 6 ) = 0 and hence by sandwich theorem
4
(x,y )→(0,0)
lim(x,y )→(0,0) |f (x, y )| = 0 which implies lim(x,y )→(0,0) f (x, y ) = 0. Thus,
5x 2 y 6
lim 2 6
=0
Definition (Continuity)
A function f : D ⊆ R2 → R is said to be continuous at (a, b) ∈ D if
lim f (x, y ) = f (a, b).

(x,y )→(a,b)
A function is continuous on D if it is continuous at every point of D.

Example
p
1 The function f (x, y ) = x 3 + y 2 is continuous at (2, 5) as
p √
lim x 3 + y 2 = 33 = f (2, 3).
(x,y )→(2,5)
Example
p
p √
lim x 3 + y 2 = 33 = f (2, 3).
(x,y )→(2,5)
2 The function 
xy
if (x, y ) ̸= (0, 0)

f (x, y ) = x2 + y2

0 otherwise
is not continuous at (0, 0) as lim(x,y )→(0,0) f (x, y ) does not exist.
Example
p
p √
lim x 3 + y 2 = 33 = f (2, 3).
(x,y )→(2,5)
2 The function 
xy
if (x, y ) ̸= (0, 0)

f (x, y ) = x2 + y2

0 otherwise
is not continuous at (0, 0) as lim(x,y )→(0,0) f (x, y ) does not exist.
3 The function  2 6
 5x y
if (x, y ) ̸= (0, 0)
f (x, y ) = x + y 6
2

0 otherwise
5x 2 y 6
is continuous at (0, 0) as lim = 0 (already shown) and
(x,y )→(0,0) x2 + y6
f (0, 0) = 0.
Iterated and Simultaneous Limits
Definition (Iterated and Simultaneous Limits)

f : D ⊆ R2 → R be a function and (a, b) ∈ D. The limits
Let

lim lim f (x, y ) and lim lim f (x, y ) denoted by lim lim f (x, y ) and
x→a y →b y →b x→a x→a y →b
lim lim f (x, y ) respectively, are called Iterated or Repeated limits.
y →b x→a
The limit lim f (x, y ) is called Simultaneous limit or simply limit.

(x,y )→(a,b)
Remark
1 The two iterated limits (if they exist) need not be necessarily equal.
Remark
1 The two iterated limits (if they exist) need not be necessarily equal.
2 If the two iterated limits exist and are equal, there is no guarantee of
existence of simultaneous limit.
Example
Let f : R2 → R defined as
 2 2
x − y
if (x, y ) ̸= (0, 0)
f (x, y ) = x + y 2
2 .
0 if (x, y ) = (0, 0)

Check whether iterated and simultaneous limits exist at (0, 0). If yes, find
their values.
Solution
x2 − y2 x2
lim lim f (x, y ) = lim lim 2 2
= lim 2 = 1
x→0 y →0 x→0 y →0 x + y x→0 x
2 2
x −y − y2
lim lim f (x, y ) = lim lim 2 2
= lim = −1
y →0 x→0 y →0 x→0 x + y y →0 y 2
For lim f (x, y ), consider the path passing through (0, 0), then
(x,y )→(0,0)
x 2 − m2 x 2 1 − m2
f (x, y ) = 2 2 2
=
x +m x 1 + m2
1 − m2
=⇒ lim f (x, y ) =
(x,y )→(0,0) 1 + m2
Thus, limit is different for different values of m and hence limit does not
exist.
Example
Let f : R2 → R defined as

xy
if (x, y ) ̸= (0, 0)

f (x, y ) = x2 + y2
0 otherwise

Check whether limx→0 limy →0 f (x, y ), limy →0 limx→0 f (x, y ) and

lim(x,y )→(0,0) f (x, y ) exist. If yes, find their values.
Solution
xy
lim lim f (x, y ) = lim lim = lim 0 = 0
x→0 y →0 x→0 y →0 x 2+ y 2 x→0
xy
lim lim f (x, y ) = lim lim 2 = lim 0 = 0
y →0 x→0 y →0 x→0 x + y 2 y →0
But, we have already seen that lim f (x, y ) does not exist.
(x,y )→(0,0)

Functions of Two Variables Limits

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Functions of Several Variables Limit of a Function Iterated and Simultaneous Limits

Functions of two variables

September 10, 2023

1 Functions of Several Variables

3 Iterated and Simultaneous Limits

Definition (Functions of Several Variables)

Definition (Functions of Several Variables)

3 The volume of a cylinder: V = πr 2 h (i.e. V = F (r , h)) is a function

Figure 1: An arrow diagram for the function z = f (x, y ).

Domains and Ranges

Definition(Domain and range of a function)

we have a function of 2 variables defined for all (x, y ) ∈ R2 except at the

Find the Domain and range in each of the following cases

Find the Domain and range in each of the following cases

Find the Domain and range in each of the following cases

(b) f (x, y ) = sin xy

Find the Domain and range in each of the following cases

(b) f (x, y ) = sin xy

Geometrical Interpretation of Domain of function

Geometrical Interpretation of Domain of function

(b) Function: f (x, y ) = x ln(y 2 − x)

(b) Function: f (x, y ) = x ln(y 2 − x)

Figure 3: Domain of the function f (x, y ) = x ln(y 2 − x)

For Any two real numbers α and β,

for all (x, y ) ∈ D.

Two-Path Test for Non-existence of a Limit

Two-Path Test for Non-existence of a Limit

Sandwich Theorem or Squeeze Lemma

Theorem (Sandwich Theorem or Squeeze Lemma)

lim f (x, y ) = lim h(x, y ) = L.

Then lim g (x, y ) = L.

2.Difference Rule: lim (f (x, y ) − g (x, y )) = L − M

3.Constant Multiple Rule: lim kf (x, y ) = kL (any number k)

4.Product Rule: lim (f (x, y )g (x, y )) = LM

Check whether lim(x,y )→(0,0) f (x, y ) exists.

Check whether lim(x,y )→(0,0) f (x, y ) exists.

lim f (x, y ) = f (a, b).

A function is continuous on D if it is continuous at every point of D.

Iterated and Simultaneous Limits

Definition (Iterated and Simultaneous Limits)

The limit lim f (x, y ) is called Simultaneous limit or simply limit.

Check whether limx→0 limy →0 f (x, y ), limy →0 limx→0 f (x, y ) and

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