As (a,b)->(0,0) limit (a,b)/(a^2+b^2) exists

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the limit of the function (ab)/(a^2+b^2) as (a,b) approaches (0,0). Participants are exploring the conditions under which this limit exists, particularly through the lens of epsilon-delta arguments.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Some participants suggest converting to polar coordinates to analyze the limit, while others express concerns about the implications of varying theta on the limit's existence. There is also clarification regarding the function's notation, indicating a potential misunderstanding in the problem statement.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants examining different approaches and questioning the assumptions underlying the limit's existence. Some guidance has been offered regarding the use of polar coordinates, but there is no consensus on the limit's existence, as doubts have been raised about the validity of the epsilon-delta argument.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the limit may not exist due to the dependence on the angle theta in polar coordinates, which complicates the analysis. There is also a correction regarding the function's notation that may affect the discussion.

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As (a,b)-->(0,0) limit (a,b)/(a^2+b^2) exists

I'm stuck on epsilon delta argument for (a,b)-->(0,0) limit (ab)/(a^2+b^2) exists. HELP
 
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For problems like this, I recommend converting to polar coordinates:

[itex]a= r cos(\theta) b= r sin(\theta)[/itex] so
[tex]\frac{ab}{a^2+ b^2}= \frac{r^2 sin(\theta)cos(\theta)}{r^2}[/tex]

[tex]= cos(\theta)sin(\theta)[/tex]
The distance from (0,0) to (a,b) is just r.
( Hmm, I forsee a serious problem in proving that limit exists!)

In the title you said (a,b)/(a^2+ b^2) which I would interpret as the vetor
[tex](\frac{a}{a^2+ b^2},\frac{b}{a^2+b^2})[/tex]
In polar coordinates that is
[tex](\frac{cos(\theta)}{r}, \frac{sin(\theta)}{r})[/tex]
Now it is easy to see that each component is less than 1/r and, again, r measures the distance from (0,0) to the point (a,b).
 
umm... again sorry but
function is (ab)/(a^2+b^2) comma shouldn't be there...
sorry
 
HallsofIvy said:
For problems like this, I recommend converting to polar coordinates:

[itex]a= r cos(\theta) b= r sin(\theta)[/itex] so
[tex]\frac{ab}{a^2+ b^2}= \frac{r^2 sin(\theta)cos(\theta)}{r^2}[/tex]

[tex]= cos(\theta)sin(\theta)[/tex]
The distance from (0,0) to (a,b) is just r.
( Hmm, I forsee a serious problem in proving that limit exists!)

Yes, you have seen it. actually the limit doesn`t exist,because the parameter [tex]\theta[/tex] in your equation isn`t a constant.
 
precondition said:
umm... again sorry but
function is (ab)/(a^2+b^2) comma shouldn't be there...
sorry
Well, in that case, there is no "epsilon-delta" argument that the limit exists for a very good reason. The limit does not exist.
 

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