Help with epsilon-delta definition of a limit of a function

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the epsilon-delta definition of a limit for a function of two variables, specifically examining the limit of the function f(x,y) as (x,y) approaches (0,0).

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to manipulate the expression |f(x,y) - 1| to find a suitable bound in terms of delta but struggles with the direction of their bounds. Some participants suggest bounding |x| in terms of delta and explore the implications of the denominator being less than delta squared.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, offering suggestions for bounding expressions and exploring different approaches. There is a recognition of the complexity involved, and some guidance has been provided regarding bounding terms, although no consensus has been reached on a complete solution.

Contextual Notes

The original poster notes difficulty in bounding the expression correctly and mentions the challenge of working with the denominator. There is an emphasis on ensuring that the bounds align with the epsilon-delta definition.

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Homework Statement



Let

[tex]f(x,y) = \dfrac{x^2+2xy^2+y^2}{x^2+y^2}[/tex]

Prove that

[tex]\lim_{(x,y) \to (0,0)} f(x,y) = 1[/tex]

Homework Equations



Definition of the limit of a function of multiple variables:

It suffices to show that for all [tex]\epsilon > 0[/tex], there exists a [tex]\delta > 0[/tex] such that for all [tex](x,y)[/tex] such that [tex]0 < x^2 + y^2 < \delta ^2[/tex], we have [tex]|f(x,y) - 1| < \epsilon[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution



[tex]|f(x,y) - 1| = \left| \dfrac{2xy^2}{x^2+y^2} \right| = \dfrac{2|x|y^2}{x^2+y^2}[/tex]

I need to bound this with an expression in terms of [tex]\delta[/tex], but I can't think of any way to do so. I noticed that the denominator is less than [tex]\delta ^2[/tex] but I can't get anywhere with that. (I end up bounding it in the wrong direction! :rolleyes:)

Can anyone point me in the right direction? Thanks.

[Edit: Good catch Mark44!]
 
Last edited:
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Try 2|x|y^2<=2|x|*(x^2+y^2). How can you bound |x| in terms of delta?
 
This isn't much help, but the denominator is less than [itex]\delta ^2[/itex], which makes the overall expression larger than it would be if the denominator were equal to [itex]\delta ^2[/itex].
 
I get that [tex]|x| = \sqrt{x^2} \leq \sqrt{x^2 + y^2} < \delta[/tex] so

[tex]\dfrac{2|x|y^2}{x^2+y^2} \leq \dfrac{2|x|(x^2 + y^2)}{x^2+y^2} = 2|x| < 2\delta[/tex]

So for any [tex]\epsilon[/tex], we can choose [tex]\delta = \epsilon/2[/tex].

Thanks Dick! That was tricky.
 

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