Evaluating limits of several variables

In summary, there is no general method for evaluating limits of several variables, but the plugging in values method is easy to use. For harder limits, such as those in 0/0 form, there is no general guideline for solving them. A common technique is to let x and y tend to zero along different paths to see if the limit exists.
  • #1
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Hi, in evaluating limits of several variables, is there a general method in approaching it? The plugging in the values method is easy, but the harder limits such as those 0/0 form...is there a general guideline to solving those problems?

How do I evaulate the following limits? (need tips and hints, not answer :tongue2:)
[tex]\lim_{\substack{x\rightarrow 0\\y\rightarrow 0}} f(x,y) = \frac{(x-1)^2\ln{x}}{(x-1)^2y^2}[/tex]

[tex]\lim_{\substack{x\rightarrow 0\\y\rightarrow 0}} f(x,y)=\frac{x^2y}{x^2+y^2}[/tex]

[tex]\lim_{\substack{x\rightarrow 0\\y\rightarrow 0}} f(x,y)=\frac{x^2+y^2-z^2}{x^2+y^2+z^2}[/tex]

[tex]\lim_{\substack{x\rightarrow 0\\y\rightarrow 0}} f(x,y)=\frac{4xy}{3y^2-x^2}[/tex]

Thank you for the help.
 
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  • #2
Firstly, an easy check you must do is to see if the limit does genuinely exist.

Often, it doesn't for easy reasons, or you find the what the limit out to be in the checking.

To do this a standard technique is to let x and y tend to zero along some particular path, eg let x=y and tend to zero and then x=2y and let that tend to zero and see fi you get the same answer.
 
  • #3


Hi there,

Yes, there is a general method for evaluating limits of several variables. It involves using the properties of limits, such as the limit laws, and applying them in a step-by-step manner. Here are some tips and hints for solving the limits you mentioned:

1. For the limit \lim_{\substack{x\rightarrow 0\\y\rightarrow 0}} f(x,y) = \frac{(x-1)^2\ln{x}}{(x-1)^2y^2}, you can start by factoring out (x-1)^2 in the numerator and denominator. Then, you can use the limit laws to evaluate the limit.

2. For the limit \lim_{\substack{x\rightarrow 0\\y\rightarrow 0}} f(x,y)=\frac{x^2y}{x^2+y^2}, you can use the Squeeze Theorem to show that the limit is equal to 0. You can do this by showing that the limit is bounded between 0 and a function that approaches 0 as (x,y) approaches (0,0).

3. For the limit \lim_{\substack{x\rightarrow 0\\y\rightarrow 0}} f(x,y)=\frac{x^2+y^2-z^2}{x^2+y^2+z^2}, you can use the fact that (x^2+y^2-z^2) is a difference of squares, and then factor it accordingly. This will allow you to simplify the expression and evaluate the limit.

4. For the limit \lim_{\substack{x\rightarrow 0\\y\rightarrow 0}} f(x,y)=\frac{4xy}{3y^2-x^2}, you can use the fact that (3y^2-x^2) is a difference of squares, and then factor it accordingly. This will allow you to simplify the expression and evaluate the limit.

Overall, when evaluating limits of several variables, it is important to use the limit laws and the properties of limits to simplify the expressions and make them easier to evaluate. Remember to always check for any indeterminate forms (such as 0/0) and use appropriate techniques to handle them. I hope this helps!
 

1. What is the purpose of evaluating limits of several variables?

The purpose of evaluating limits of several variables is to determine the behavior of a function as the variables approach a certain point. This allows us to understand the behavior of the function and make predictions about its values at that point.

2. How do you find the limit of a function with several variables?

To find the limit of a function with several variables, you must first plug in the values of the variables into the function and simplify the resulting expression. Then, you can evaluate the limit by approaching the given point from different directions and seeing if the function approaches a specific value or becomes undefined.

3. What is meant by the notation lim(x,y)→(a,b) f(x,y)?

This notation represents the limit of a function f(x,y) as the variables x and y approach the point (a,b). It indicates that the function is being evaluated at a specific point and the limit is being taken as the variables approach that point.

4. Can the limit of a function with several variables exist even if it is not defined at that point?

Yes, the limit of a function with several variables can exist even if the function is not defined at that point. This occurs when the function approaches a specific value as the variables approach the point, but is not defined at the point itself.

5. Are there any special cases when evaluating limits of several variables?

Yes, there are some special cases when evaluating limits of several variables. These include limits involving trigonometric functions, exponential functions, and piecewise-defined functions. In these cases, special techniques may be needed to evaluate the limit, such as using trigonometric identities or evaluating the limit from different directions.

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