How Do You Calculate These Multivariable Limits?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating multivariable limits, specifically the limits of the functions \(\frac{x^3-y^3}{x^2+y^2}\) and \(\frac{\sin(xy)}{y}\) as \((x,y)\) approaches \((0,0)\). The first limit evaluates to zero by considering specific paths, such as \(x=y\) and the axes. The second limit also converges to zero through substitution and the application of the limit product rule. The analysis confirms that both limits exist and equal zero.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of multivariable calculus concepts, particularly limits.
  • Familiarity with the epsilon-delta definition of limits.
  • Knowledge of trigonometric limits, specifically \(\lim_{z \to 0} \frac{\sin(z)}{z}\).
  • Experience with substitution techniques in limit evaluation.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the epsilon-delta definition of limits in multivariable calculus.
  • Learn about different paths for evaluating limits in multiple dimensions.
  • Explore the properties of continuous functions and their limits.
  • Investigate the use of polar coordinates in evaluating multivariable limits.
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Students and educators in calculus, particularly those focusing on multivariable limit evaluation, as well as mathematicians seeking to deepen their understanding of limit behavior in higher dimensions.

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Homework Statement


Compute:
1)lim_{(x,y)\rightarrow (0,0)} \frac{x^3-y^3}{x^2+y^2}
2)lim_{(x,y)\rightarrow (0,0)} \frac{sin(xy)}{y}

The Attempt at a Solution


1)
lim_{(x,y)\rightarrow (0,0)} \frac{x^3-y^3}{x^2+y^2}
Not sure what to do here. Either the limit doesn't exist or it equals zero. I think it equals zero because in the special case where x=y we get 0/2x²=0. Also when x=0, we get the limit of -y where y approaches zero, which is zero. Same goes for y=0. But I don't know how to prove that the limit is zero in general.

2)
lim_{(x,y)\rightarrow (0,0)} \frac{sin(xy)}{y}=lim_{z\rightarrow 0} \frac{sin(z)}{\frac{z}{x}}=lim_{z\rightarrow 0} x\frac{sin(z)}{z}=lim_{z\rightarrow 0}x lim_{z\rightarrow 0} \frac{sin(z)}{z}=0*x=0<br />
Are all steps correct? I'm not sure about the substitution and using the product rule for limits.
 
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you don't only consider the case when x and y go to zero "together", but you're basically on the right track.. there are 3 cases: 1) they both tend to zero at the same time, x=y. 2) x goes to zero first or 3) y goes to zero first. so you have axes x ,y and z and so the limit exists if there exists an epsilon > 0 then there also exists delta1 > 0 and delta2 > 0 with the property that if |x-a| < delta1 and |y-a| < delta2 then |f(x,y) - L| < epsilon .

so, take the case where x=y and evaluate the limit as a "single variable". then you can "fix" x or y, then evaluate the limit as one approaches zero first then observe what happens when other goes to zero after
 

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