How Can You Compute Multivariable Limits in Mathematica?

Join the discussion
Ask a follow-up here, or get your own question answered by working scientists, mathematicians and engineers — people, not an autocomplete.
Real named experts · corrections over time · the nuance an AI answer skips
3 replies · 3K views
springo
Messages
125
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


I would like to be able to compute multivariable limits with a CAS. I have Mathematica, Derive and an HP 50g.
For example, how would I compute:
[tex]\lim_{(x,y)\rightarrow(0,0)}\frac{x^2}{y}[/tex]

Homework Equations



The Attempt at a Solution


On Mathematica I tried:
Code:
Limit[x^2/y, {x, y} -> {0, 0}]
(doesn't work)
Code:
Limit[x^2/y /. {y -> f[x]}, x -> 0]
(I think this could work, but I need to figure out what f[x] has to be)

Thanks for your help.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
The limit in your example does not exist (it is undefined), because it depends on how you approach (0,0). For example, f(t,t)->0 as t->0 from the right, but f(sqrt(t),t)->1 as t->0 from the right.
 
yyat said:
The limit in your example does not exist (it is undefined), because it depends on how you approach (0,0). For example, f(t,t)->0 as t->0 from the right, but f(sqrt(t),t)->1 as t->0 from the right.
OK, sorry for choosing a wrong example, I'm just starting multivariable calculus. Anyway for existing limits, is there any way to compute them using a CAS?