[Math] Continuity of a multivariable absolute value function

multivariable-calculus

The function is as follows:
$$f(x,y)=\sqrt{\left |xy \right |} $$ I have to check whether it is continuous, differentiable and has defined partial derivatives at $(0,0)$. My attempt is as follows:

  1. Function is discontinuous at the origin.

  2. Not differentiable at the origin because of the pointy peak (haha); and

  3. Partial derivatives are as follows: $f_x=\frac{\sqrt y}{2\sqrt x}$ and $f_y=\frac{\sqrt x}{2\sqrt y}$ and are not defined at origin.

Is my reasoning correct?

Best Answer

To show that the function is continuous at the origin, you may use the polar coordinates: putting $x=\rho \cos \theta$ and $ y=\rho \sin \theta$ with $\rho >0$ and $\theta \in [0, 2 \pi)$, you have that $$\sqrt{|xy|}=\sqrt{\rho^2 |\cos \theta \sin \theta|}\le \rho \to 0$$if $\rho \to 0$. About the differentiability, I think that you are right (anyway it is better if you do a background check with the definition).