Applying the definition of a limit

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The discussion focuses on applying the definition of a limit to demonstrate that the limit of the function (x^3 * y(y-1)) / (x^2 + (y-1)^2) approaches 0 as (x,y) approaches (0,1). Participants utilize the triangle inequality and the epsilon-delta definition of limits to establish the necessary conditions for the limit. The key insight involves expressing the right side of the inequality in terms of the distance r = sqrt(x^2 + (y-1)^2), leading to the simplification of the expression to r^2(r+1).

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of limits in calculus
  • Familiarity with the epsilon-delta definition of limits
  • Knowledge of the triangle inequality
  • Basic algebraic manipulation of inequalities
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  • Study the epsilon-delta definition of limits in depth
  • Learn how to apply the triangle inequality in multivariable calculus
  • Explore examples of limits involving multiple variables
  • Investigate the concept of continuity in relation to limits
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Students studying calculus, particularly those focusing on limits and multivariable functions, as well as educators seeking to enhance their teaching methods in these topics.

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Homework Statement



Applying the definition of a limit to show that

lim ((x^3 * y(y-1) ) / (x^2 + (y-1)^2) = 0 as (x,y) approaches (0,1)



The Attempt at a Solution



|x| = sqrt(x^2) <= sqrt((x^2 + (y-1)^2))
|y-1|=sqrt((y-1)^2)<= sqrt((x^2 + (y-1)^2))
|y|<= |y-1| + 1 via the triangle inequality

Let e>0. We want to find d>0 such that

0 < sqrt((x^2 + (y-1)^2)) < d then (|x|^3 |y| |y-1|)/ (x^2 + (y-1)^2) < e

So

(|x|^3 |y| |y-1|)/ (x^2 + (y-1)^2) <=
[(sqrt((x^2 + (y-1)^2)))^3 * sqrt((x^2 + (y-1)^2)) * (sqrt((x^2 + (y-1)^2)) + 1) ] / (x^2 + (y-1)^2)

Any ideas as to how to break down the right side of the inequality?
 
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sinbad30 said:

Homework Statement



Applying the definition of a limit to show that

lim ((x^3 * y(y-1) ) / (x^2 + (y-1)^2) = 0 as (x,y) approaches (0,1)



The Attempt at a Solution



|x| = sqrt(x^2) <= sqrt((x^2 + (y-1)^2))
|y-1|=sqrt((y-1)^2)<= sqrt((x^2 + (y-1)^2))
|y|<= |y-1| + 1 via the triangle inequality

Let e>0. We want to find d>0 such that

0 < sqrt((x^2 + (y-1)^2)) < d then (|x|^3 |y| |y-1|)/ (x^2 + (y-1)^2) < e

So

(|x|^3 |y| |y-1|)/ (x^2 + (y-1)^2) <=
[(sqrt((x^2 + (y-1)^2)))^3 * sqrt((x^2 + (y-1)^2)) * (sqrt((x^2 + (y-1)^2)) + 1) ] / (x^2 + (y-1)^2)

Any ideas as to how to break down the right side of the inequality?
It's helpful to recognize that ##r = \sqrt{x^2 + (y-1)^2}## is the distance of the point (x,y) from the point (0,1). In terms of r, the righthand side is ##\frac{r^4(r+1)}{r^2} = r^2(r+1)##. Can you take it from there?
 

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