Limit of a function in two variables

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around proving the limit of a function in two variables, specifically the limit as \((a,b)\) approaches \((0,0)\) for the expression \(\frac{\sin^{2}(a-b)}{\left|a\right|+\left|b\right|}\). Participants are exploring the application of the \(\epsilon-\delta\) definition of limits in this context.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss various attempts to apply the polar conversion and the \(\epsilon-\delta\) framework. There are questions about how to manipulate inequalities and the relationship between \(\epsilon\) and \(\delta\). Some participants express confusion about the order of proving \(\delta\) given \(\epsilon\) and seek clarification on how to construct their proofs.

Discussion Status

There is an ongoing exploration of different approaches to the problem, with participants sharing their attempts and questioning the validity of their reasoning. Some guidance has been offered regarding the use of inequalities and the triangle inequality, but no consensus has been reached on a specific method or solution.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working within the constraints of homework guidelines, which may limit the methods they can use. There is also a focus on ensuring that the reasoning aligns with the formal definition of limits, which adds complexity to their discussions.

Misirlou
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Homework Statement



Prove with [itex]\epsilon-\delta[/itex]: [itex]Lim_{(a,b)\rightarrow(0,0)}\frac{sin^{2}(a-b)}{\left|a\right|+\left|b\right|}=0[/itex]
Hint: [itex]\left|sin(a+b)\right|\leq\left|a+b\right|\leq\left|a\right|+\left|b\right|[/itex]

Homework Equations



[itex]0<\sqrt{(x-x_{0})^{2}+(y-y_{0})^{2}}<\delta[/itex]
and
[itex]\left|f(x,y)-L\right|<\epsilon[/itex]

The Attempt at a Solution



I tried the polar conversion, which was just messy and got me nowhere. Then I tried inputting for [itex]\epsilon-\delta[/itex] formula: [itex]0<\sqrt{x^{2}+y^{2}}<\delta[/itex] and [itex]\frac{sin^{2}(a-b)}{\left|a\right|+\left|b\right|}-0<\epsilon[/itex] so that [itex]sin^{2}(a-b)<(\left|a\right|+\left|b\right|)\epsilon[/itex]
The tutorials I've seen use the [itex]\epsilon[/itex] inequality and transform it into the [itex]\delta[/itex] inequality, but I don't know how to do this. I'm just looking for a way to solve it, not necessarily using the "hint".
 
Last edited:
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Misirlou said:

Homework Statement



Prove with [itex]\epsilon-\delta[/itex]: [itex]Lim_{(a,b)\rightarrow(0,0)}\frac{sin^{2}(a-b)}{\left|a\right|+\left|b\right|}[/itex]
Hint: [itex]\left|sin(a+b)\right|\leq\left|a+b\right|\leq\left|a\right|+\left|b\right|[/itex]

Homework Equations



[itex]0<\sqrt{(x-x_{0})^{2}+(y-y_{0})^{2}}<\delta[/itex]
and
[itex]\left|f(x,y)-L\right|<\epsilon[/itex]

The Attempt at a Solution



I tried the polar conversion, which was just messy and got me nowhere. Then I tried inputting for [itex]\epsilon-\delta[/itex] formula: [itex]0<\sqrt{x^{2}+y^{2}}<\delta[/itex] and [itex]\frac{sin^{2}(a-b)}{\left|a\right|+\left|b\right|}-0<\epsilon[/itex] so that [itex]sin^{2}(a-b)<(\left|a\right|+\left|b\right|)\epsilon[/itex]
The tutorials I've seen use the [itex]\epsilon[/itex] inequality and transform it into the [itex]\delta[/itex] inequality, but I don't know how to do this. I'm just looking for a way to solve it, not necessarily using the "hint".
The hint appears to be very useful here.

If [itex]\left|\sin(a+b)\right|\leq\left|a+b\right|\leq \left|a\right|+\left|b\right|[/itex],

then [itex]\left|\sin(a-b)\right|[/itex]
[itex]=\left|\sin(a+(-b))\right|\leq\left|a+(-b)\right|\leq\left|a\right|+\left|-b\right|[/itex]
               [itex]=\left|a\right|+\left|b\right|[/itex]​
 
Okay, that makes more sense. So if [itex]sin^{2}(a-b)\leq sin(a-b)\leq\left|a\right|+\left|b\right|[/itex]
Then
[itex]\left|a\right|+\left|b\right|<\left|a\right|+\left|b\right|\epsilon[/itex]
So
[itex]1\leq \epsilon[/itex]

However, I've been taught to solve for [itex]\delta[/itex] first, and then prove with Given [itex]\epsilon>0[/itex] and Choose [itex]\delta= constant*\epsilon[/itex]. Now if I have [itex]\epsilon[/itex] first, how do I construct a proof this way ?
 
Any guidance is appreciated :)
 
Misirlou said:
Okay, that makes more sense. So if [itex]sin^{2}(a-b)\leq sin(a-b)\leq\left|a\right|+\left|b\right|[/itex]
Then
[itex]\left|a\right|+\left|b\right|<\left|a\right|+\left|b\right|\epsilon[/itex]
So
[itex]1\leq \epsilon[/itex]

However, I've been taught to solve for [itex]\delta[/itex] first, and then prove with Given [itex]\epsilon>0[/itex] and Choose [itex]\delta= constant*\epsilon[/itex]. Now if I have [itex]\epsilon[/itex] first, how do I construct a proof this way ?
That basically shows that [itex]\displaystyle \frac{\sin^{2}(a-b)}{\left|a\right|+\left|b\right|}\leq1[/itex] no matter what the value of δ .

But you need to find a δ so that [itex]\displaystyle \frac{\sin^{2}(a-b)}{\left|a\right|+\left|b\right|}\leq\varepsilon[/itex], whenever [itex]\displaystyle 0<\sqrt{a^2+b^2}<\delta\,.[/itex]
 
I'm not sure how I can go about that. Where should I start looking for a delta ?
 
Misirlou said:
I'm not sure how I can go about that. Where should I start looking for a delta ?
Well, you know that [itex]\displaystyle \left|\sin(a-b)\right|\leq\left|a \right|+\left|b\right|\,,[/itex]

so [itex]\displaystyle \frac{\sin^{2}(a-b)}{\left| a\right|+\left|b\right|}\leq\left|a\right|+\left|b\right|\ .[/itex]

And as is usually done, start with ε and \work your way to δ.

Then for the proof you write-up, reverse the order.

Typo fixed in Edit.
 
Last edited:
Okay, so this is where I am. [itex]0\leq\sqrt{a^{2}+b^{2}}^{2}\leq\delta^{2}[/itex]
So
[itex]0\leq\left|a^{2}+b^{2}\right|\leq\delta^{2}[/itex]
and because
[itex]\left|a^{2}+b^{2}\right|\leq \left|a^{2}\right|+\left|b^{2}\right|[/itex]
Then
[itex]0\leq\left|a^{2}\right|+\left|b^{2}\right|\leq\delta^{2}[/itex]
and I would somehow slide in that
[itex]\frac{\sin^{2}(a-b)}{\left|a\right|+\left|b\right|}[/itex]≤[itex]\left|a\right|+\left|b\right|[/itex]
I feel like I could use the triangle inequality: [itex]\left|a\right|+\left|b\right|\geq \sqrt{a^{2}+b^{2}}[/itex]
but I am I allowed to squeeze it in between the [itex]\sqrt{a^{2}+b^{2}}[/itex]and δ?
because I've so far only squeezed stuff in between [itex]\sqrt{a^{2}+b^{2}}[/itex] and 0
 
Misirlou said:
Okay, so this is where I am. [itex]0\leq\sqrt{a^{2}+b^{2}}^{2}\leq\delta^{2}[/itex]
So
[itex]0\leq\left|a^{2}+b^{2}\right|\leq\delta^{2}[/itex]
and because
[itex]\left|a^{2}+b^{2}\right|\leq \left|a^{2}\right|+\left|b^{2}\right|[/itex]
Then
[itex]0\leq\left|a^{2}\right|+\left|b^{2}\right|\leq \delta^{2}[/itex]
and I would somehow slide in that
[itex]\frac{\sin^{2}(a-b)}{\left|a\right|+\left|b\right|}[/itex]≤[itex]\left|a\right|+\left|b\right|[/itex]
I feel like I could use the triangle inequality: [itex]\left|a\right|+\left|b\right|\geq \sqrt{a^{2}+b^{2}}[/itex]
but I am I allowed to squeeze it in between the [itex]\sqrt{a^{2}+b^{2}}[/itex]and δ?
because I've so far only squeezed stuff in between [itex]\sqrt{a^{2}+b^{2}}[/itex] and 0
Can you show that [itex]\displaystyle 2\sqrt{a^2+b^2}\ge\left|a\right|+\left|b\right|\ ?[/itex]
 

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