A frustrating limit of a function f(x,y)

In summary, the conversation discusses ways to show that the limit of the function (x,y) as it approaches (0,0) is equal to 1. Suggestions for proving this include using the Sandwich Theorem and an inequality involving the sine function. Another method is also proposed, using the fact that the limit is equal to 1 if the difference between the function and 1 is arbitrarily small as (x,y) approaches (0,0).
  • #1
AxiomOfChoice
533
1
I'm trying to show the following:

[tex]
\lim_{(x,y) \to (0,0)} \frac{x^2 + \sin^2 y}{x^2 + y^2} = 1.
[/tex]

One can show that

[tex]
\frac{x^2 + \sin^2 y}{x^2 + y^2} \leq 1
[/tex]

for all [itex]x,y[/itex] because [itex]\sin y \leq y[/itex]. So, if you can bound this guy from below by something that goes to 1 as [itex](x,y) \to (0,0)[/itex], you should be in business by the Sandwich Theorem. But I have so far been unable to do that! Does anyone have any suggestions as to how to proceed?
 
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  • #2
Maybe try this inequality, valid for ##|y| \leq \pi##. Plot the two functions to see why it's true.
$$\left|\frac{\sin(y)}{y}\right| \geq \left|1 - \frac{1}{\pi}y\right|$$
Squaring and rearranging gives
$$\sin^2(y) \geq y^2 - \frac{2}{\pi}y^3 + \frac{1}{\pi^2}y^4$$
which looks promising because the ##y^3## and ##y^4## terms go to 0 faster than the ##y^2## term.
 
  • #3
[tex]\underset{(x,y)\rightarrow (0,0)}{\lim}=\frac{x^2\cdot \sin^2 y}{x^2+y^2}=\cos^2 \theta \sin ^2 (r\sin \theta))[/tex] where θ is the angle of (x,y). Does that help at all? Edit: I put a mult. sign where the + sign should be! o_O
 
Last edited:
  • #4
Here's a more direct way:
$$\begin{align}
\left|\frac{x^2 + \sin^2(y)}{x^2 + y^2} - 1\right| &=
\left|\frac{x^2 + \sin^2(y)}{x^2 + y^2} - \frac{x^2 + y^2}{x^2 + y^2}\right| \\
&= \left|\frac{\sin^2(y) - y^2}{x^2 + y^2}\right| \\
\end{align}$$
The goal is to show that the last expression is arbitrarily small as ##(x,y) \rightarrow (0,0)##. If ##y = 0## then the expression equals zero. If ##y \neq 0##, then
$$\frac{1}{x^2 + y^2} \leq \frac{1}{y^2}$$
and the result follows easily.
 

1. What is a frustrating limit of a function?

A frustrating limit of a function refers to a situation where the value of the function at a particular point cannot be determined, even though all the values around that point are defined. This can happen when the function approaches a certain point or when there is an asymptote.

2. Why are frustrating limits of a function important?

Frustrating limits of a function are important because they can indicate flaws in the mathematical model or assumptions made in a particular problem. They can also help identify critical points or areas where further investigation is needed.

3. Can a frustrating limit of a function be solved?

In some cases, a frustrating limit of a function may be able to be solved by using advanced mathematical techniques such as L'Hopital's rule or Taylor series expansions. However, in other cases, the limit may be indeterminate and cannot be solved.

4. How can frustrating limits of a function affect real-world applications?

Frustrating limits of a function can affect real-world applications by causing inaccuracies in predictions or calculations. For example, in engineering or physics, they can lead to errors in designing structures or predicting the behavior of systems.

5. Is there a way to avoid frustrating limits of a function?

In some cases, it may be possible to avoid frustrating limits of a function by using alternative mathematical models or making different assumptions. However, in many cases, they are an inherent part of the function and cannot be avoided.

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