# Define a function z = f(x,y) by f(0,0) = 0 and otherwise

• Apr 24th 2012, 12:04 AM
mattturner83
Define a function z = f(x,y) by f(0,0) = 0 and otherwise
Define a function z = f(x,y) by f(0,0) = 0 and otherwise.

f(x,y) =(x^2 y) / (x^2+y^2 )

a. Show that in polar coordinates this function may be expressed (for r≠ 0) as z = r 〖cos〗^2 (θ)sin(θ)

b. Show that if θ is fixed then the graph is given by z = mr, a line of slope
m= 〖cos〗^2 (θ)sin⁡(θ).
(Note that this says that the surface z = f(x,y) is what is called a ruled surface.)

c. Compute the directional derivatives of z in the θ direction. Does Df exist at the point (0,0)? Explain.
• Apr 24th 2012, 02:28 AM
ignite
Re: Define a function z = f(x,y) by f(0,0) = 0 and otherwise
Substitute $x=rcos\theta,y=rsin\theta$
Your function now becomes $f(r,\theta)=\frac{(rcos\theta)^2(rsin\theta)}{(rco s\theta)^2+(rsin\theta)^2}=rcos^2\theta sin\theta$
Since $cos^2\theta+sin^2\theta=1$
Also if $\theta$ is constant then $z=f(r)=mr$ where m is constant.
• Apr 24th 2012, 05:25 AM
HallsofIvy
Re: Define a function z = f(x,y) by f(0,0) = 0 and otherwise
Your inability to understand the rules of this forum, your inability to understand, in particular, what the "New Users" forum is for, and finally, your inability to copy any of these problems correctly does not auger well.
• Apr 25th 2012, 07:43 AM
mattturner83
Re: Define a function z = f(x,y) by f(0,0) = 0 and otherwise
Hi ignite,

Thanks for your help. I just need a path to follow and you provided that. I solved most of the parts. Thank you again :)

tc