Limit of x^2y^2/(x^2+y^2) as (x,y) approaches (0,0)

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the limit of the function f(x,y) = x^2y^2/(x^2+y^2) as (x,y) approaches (0,0). Participants are exploring whether this limit exists and discussing various approaches to demonstrate the non-existence of the limit.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss converting to polar coordinates as a method to analyze the limit. There is mention of checking partial limits by treating one variable as constant while varying the other. Some participants question the reasoning behind using polar coordinates and seek clarification on the process of applying L'Hôpital's rule.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants sharing their attempts and reasoning. Some guidance has been provided regarding the approach of checking partial limits, and there is acknowledgment of differing outcomes when evaluating limits along specific paths. However, there is no explicit consensus on the best method to demonstrate the limit's non-existence.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working within the constraints of homework guidelines, which may limit the methods they can use. There is a focus on understanding the implications of different approaches to limit evaluation.

Design
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Homework Statement


Show that lim(x,y) -> (0,0) f(x,y) does not exist

Homework Equations


f(x,y) = x2 + y / (x2 + y2)1/2

The Attempt at a Solution


Let x = rcosθ y=rsinθ

so f(x,y) = r2cos2θ + rsinθ / (r2cos2θ + r2sin2θ)1/2

= r(rcos2θ + sinθ) / ( r2 (cos2θ + sin2θ))1/2

= rcos2θ + sinθ

Don't know how to proceed the reasoning from here outthank you
 
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Hello!
The simplest way to show a multivariate limit does not exist is to show that the partial limits do not converge to the same value, i.e. first you check what is the single variable limit if x is treated as a variable and y is treated as a constants and then check the single variable limit when y is the variable and x is the constant.
If the 2 limits are different, then the multivariate limit does not exist.
(the opposite is not always true, i.e. if the limits were the same it is still not sufficient to show that the multivariate limit exists).

P.S. please explain why you chose to check the limit by converting it to polar form? :)
 
That is how the prof showed it in class, So i don't know any other way of solving it.

When you mean treating 1 of them as a constant do i just take lim x->0 of
x2 + y (some constant) / (x2 + y2)1/2 and then using L'hopital's rule from there or what?
 
New solution : (Tell me if this works)

Consider f(x,0) and f(0,y)

Notice that when y =0
x2/ (x2)1/2 = x

Notice that when x=0
y/(y2)1/2 = 1

Since the limits differ, therefore limit DNE.
 
I think you got the idea (in your last post).
 
How would I show it when the limits actually exist? say x2y2/x2+y2 as as (x,y) -> (0,0)
 

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