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Exercise 864Calculus › Multivariable calculus › ContinuityL1Added 3 Nov 2026

A discontinuous function with bounded values

#discontinuity#bounded#counterexample

Statement

Show that the function
f(x,y)=sin⁡ ⁣(1x2+y2) for (x,y)≠(0,0),  f(0,0)=0f(x,y)=\sin\!\left(\frac{1}{x^2+y^2}\right) \, \text{for} \, (x,y)\neq(0,0), \, \, f(0,0)=0
is not continuous at the origin.

Hint

Test the path (x,0)(x,0) and analyze the oscillation.

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Solution

Along (x,0)(x,0). f(x,0)=sin⁡(1/x2)f(x,0)=\sin(1/x^2) oscillates in [−1,1][-1,1] with no limit.

Conclusion. ff has no limit at (0,0)(0,0); not continuous there.