How to Prove a Limit in Two Variables?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the problem of proving the limit of a function of two variables as it approaches the origin. Participants explore various methods, particularly the use of polar coordinates and logarithmic transformations, to analyze the limit.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion about how to prove the limit and requests hints.
  • Another participant suggests using polar coordinates to approach the limit, providing a logarithmic transformation of the function.
  • A participant elaborates on the logarithmic approach, showing that the limit of the logarithm of the function approaches zero as the radius approaches zero.
  • Another participant attempts to apply polar coordinates but reports a lack of success, proposing a different substitution involving \( k = \sin^2(\theta)\cos^2(\theta) \) and applying L'Hôpital's rule to find the limit.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the method of proof, with some suggesting polar coordinates while others express challenges in applying this method successfully. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best approach to proving the limit.

Contextual Notes

Some participants' approaches depend on specific substitutions and transformations, which may not universally apply. There is also an indication of unresolved steps in the mathematical reasoning presented.

alyafey22
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Hey MHB !

I've got a question that I am clueless how to proceed

Prove that

$$\Large \lim_{(x,y)\to (0,0)}(1+x^2y^2) ^{\frac{-1}{x^2+y^2}} = 1$$

Any hint would be appreciated.
 
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ZaidAlyafey said:
Hey MHB !

I've got a question that I am clueless how to proceed

Prove that

$$\Large \lim_{(x,y)\to (0,0)}(1+x^2y^2) ^{\frac{-1}{x^2+y^2}} = 1$$

Any hint would be appreciated.

Using polar coordinaters is...

$\displaystyle |\ln \{(1 + x^{2}\ y^{2})^{- \frac{1}{x^{2} + y^{2}}}\}| = \frac{\ln (1 + \rho^{4}\ \cos^{2} \theta\ \sin^{2} \theta)}{\rho^{2}} < \frac{\ln (1 + \rho^{4})}{\rho^{2}} = \frac{\rho^{4} - \frac{\rho^{8}}{2} + ...}{\rho^{2}}\ (1)$

... so that...

$\displaystyle \lim_{\rho \rightarrow 0} \ln \{(1 + x^{2}\ y^{2})^{- \frac{1}{x^{2} + y^{2}}}\} = 0\ (2)$

Kind regards

$\chi$ $\sigma$
 
Have you considered converting to polar coordinates?
 
chisigma said:
Using polar coordinaters is...

$\displaystyle |\ln \{(1 + x^{2}\ y^{2})^{- \frac{1}{x^{2} + y^{2}}}\}| = \frac{\ln (1 + \rho^{4}\ \cos^{2} \theta\ \sin^{2} \theta)}{\rho^{2}} < \frac{\ln (1 + \rho^{4})}{\rho^{2}} = \frac{\rho^{4} - \frac{\rho^{8}}{2} + ...}{\rho^{2}}\ (1)$

... so that...

$\displaystyle \lim_{\rho \rightarrow 0} \ln \{(1 + x^{2}\ y^{2})^{- \frac{1}{x^{2} + y^{2}}}\} = 0\ (2)$

Kind regards

$\chi$ $\sigma$

Nice trick of using logarithm !

- - - Updated - - -

MarkFL said:
Have you considered converting to polar coordinates?

I did but with no success.
 
ZaidAlyafey said:
I did but with no success.

What I did was let:

$$k=\sin^2(\theta)\cos^2(\theta)$$

And then we have:

$$\lim_{r\to0}\left[\left(1+kr^4\right)^{-\frac{1}{r^2}}\right]=L$$

Taking natural logs:

$$-\lim_{r\to0}\left[\frac{\ln\left(1+kr^4\right)}{r^2}\right]=\ln(L)$$

Apply L'Hôpital:

$$-2k\lim_{r\to0}\left[\frac{r^2}{kr^4+1}\right]=\ln(L)$$

$$0=\ln(L)$$

$$L=1$$
 

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