Limits: Calculating Along y=2x

  • Thread starter Cpt Qwark
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Limits
In summary, the limit along the line y=2x is -3/5, which can be found by substituting y=2x into the limit equation and taking the limit as x approaches 0.
  • #1
Cpt Qwark
45
1

Homework Statement


Calculate [tex]\lim_{(x,y)\to(0,0)}\frac{x^4-4y^2}{x^2+2y^2}[/tex] along the the line [tex]y=2x[/tex]

Homework Equations


N/A

The Attempt at a Solution


Not too sure what they mean by calculating the limit along the line [tex]y=2x[/tex]. The answer is [itex]\frac{-3}{5}[/itex].
But I have gotten so far: [tex]\lim_{(0,y)\to(0,0)}\frac{-y^2}{y^2}=-1[/tex] and [tex]\lim_{(x,0)\to(0,0)}\frac{x^2}{x^2}=1[/tex], but the limit doesn't exist [tex]l_1\neq{l_2}[/tex]?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Taking the limit along the line y=2x just means you can substitute y=2x then take the limit as x tends to 0.
Your two attempts took the limits along the lines x=0 (first attempt), y=0 (2nd attempt).
 
  • #3
Sorry, it was supposed to be [tex]\lim_{(x,y)\to(0,0)}\frac{x^2-y^2}{x^2+y^2}[/tex], so you sub in [tex]y=2x[/tex] and compute [tex]\lim_{x\to0}\frac{x^2-(2x)^2}{x^2+(2x)^2}[/tex]?
 
  • #4
Cpt Qwark said:
Sorry, it was supposed to be [tex]\lim_{(x,y)\to(0,0)}\frac{x^2-y^2}{x^2+y^2}[/tex], so you sub in [tex]y=2x[/tex] and compute [tex]\lim_{x\to0}\frac{x^2-(2x)^2}{x^2+(2x)^2}[/tex]?
Yes.

Side note: Don't use BBCodes inside of LaTeX code. Your BBCode italics tags broke ##l_1 \neq l_2## in your first post.
 
  • #5
Cpt Qwark said:
[tex]\lim_{x\to0}\frac{x^2-(2x)^2}{x^2+(2x)^2}[/tex]?
Were you able to evaluate this limit ?
 
  • #6
SammyS said:
Were you able to evaluate this limit ?

Yes.
 

1. What is a limit?

A limit is a fundamental concept in calculus that represents the value a function approaches as the input approaches a certain value, but may not necessarily equal at that specific point.

2. How do you calculate a limit?

To calculate a limit, you can use various methods such as direct substitution, factoring, or applying algebraic manipulations. You can also use graphical methods or numerical methods, such as using a table of values or using a calculator.

3. What is the significance of calculating along y=2x?

Calculating along y=2x allows you to evaluate the behavior of a function as the input approaches infinity or negative infinity. It is also useful in determining the asymptotes of a function.

4. What are the common misconceptions about limits?

One common misconception about limits is that they represent the actual value of a function at a specific point. Another misconception is that if a limit does not exist, then the function is not defined at that point.

5. How can limits be applied in real life?

Limits have many real-life applications, such as in physics, engineering, and economics. They can be used to model and predict the behavior of physical systems, optimize designs, and analyze the growth or decline of a population or market.

Similar threads

  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
10
Views
827
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
10
Views
447
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
562
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
544
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
854
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
8
Views
667
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
8
Views
802
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
608
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
18
Views
1K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
2K
Back
Top