Evaluating limit limit of multivariable function

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SUMMARY

The limit of the multivariable function $$\lim_{{(x, y)}\to{(0, 0)}} \frac{x}{x^2 + y^2}$$ evaluates to 0 when approached along both the x-axis and y-axis. However, the discussion reveals that without applying L'Hôpital's rule, the limit can incorrectly be interpreted as infinity, leading to the conclusion that the limit does not exist. The key takeaway is the importance of applying L'Hôpital's rule correctly to determine the limit's existence in multivariable calculus.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of multivariable limits
  • Familiarity with L'Hôpital's rule
  • Basic knowledge of calculus concepts such as limits and continuity
  • Ability to evaluate limits in multiple dimensions
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the conditions under which L'Hôpital's rule applies in multivariable calculus
  • Learn about the epsilon-delta definition of limits for multivariable functions
  • Explore examples of limits that do not exist and the reasoning behind them
  • Investigate alternative methods for evaluating limits in multivariable functions
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Students and educators in calculus, mathematicians analyzing multivariable functions, and anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of limit evaluation techniques in calculus.

tmt1
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I have

$$\lim_{{(x, y)}\to{(0, 0)}} \frac{x}{x^2 + y^2}$$

We can approach the limit on the x-axis, so the values of $x$ will change and the values of $y$ will stay :

$$\lim_{{x}\to{0}} \frac{x}{x^2}$$

I suppose I can take hospital's rule and get

$$\lim_{{x}\to{0}} \frac{x}{x^2}$$

$$\lim_{{x}\to{0}} \frac{1}{2x}$$

and

$$\lim_{{x}\to{0}} \frac{0}{2}$$

so the limit is 0.

Then we can approach the limit on the y-axis, so the values of $y$ will change and the values of $x$ will change.

$$\lim_{{y}\to{0}} \frac{0}{0 + y^2}$$

Which is 0. Because no matter what the value of y, the result will be zero.

Therefore, the limit of the function exists and it is 0.

However, in the text it says that the limit of this function does not exist.
 
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tmt said:
I suppose I can take hospital's rule and get

$$\lim_{{x}\to{0}} \frac{x}{x^2}$$

$$\lim_{{x}\to{0}} \frac{1}{2x}$$

and

$$\lim_{{x}\to{0}} \frac{0}{2}$$

so the limit is 0.
What? Do you have to use L'Hopital's rule?
 
Evgeny.Makarov said:
What? Do you have to use L'Hopital's rule?

Ah yes, you're right, the limit actually evaluates to infinity if I don't use L'Hopital's rule.

So, I suppose that means the limit doesn't exist in that case.
 
It's instructive to find the condition of the L'Hopital's rule theorem that does not hold for $1/x$.
 

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