Multivariable limit: (sqrt(|x|)y) / (x^2+y^2)

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around evaluating the limit of the expression (sqrt(|x|)y) / (x^2+y^2) as (x,y) approaches (0,0). Participants are exploring whether this limit exists and discussing various approaches to demonstrate their findings.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants have attempted substitutions such as y = x and y = mx to analyze the limit. Some have explored polar coordinates as well. Questions have been raised regarding the validity of these approaches and whether they constitute a proper proof of non-existence of the limit.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing different paths for evaluating the limit. Some suggest that finding different limits along various paths could demonstrate that the limit does not exist. There is no explicit consensus, but several lines of reasoning are being explored.

Contextual Notes

Participants are considering the implications of their substitutions and the algebra involved, with some expressing uncertainty about the correctness of their calculations. The original problem requires a demonstration of the limit's existence or non-existence, which adds a layer of complexity to the discussion.

demonelite123
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lim (sqrt(|x|)y) / (x^2+y^2)
(x,y) -> (0,0)

so I've substituted y = x, y = sqrt(|x|) as well as the substitutions for polar coordinates. the function seems to approach infinite which means that the limit does not exist. the problem asks to show whether the limit exists or not and then to prove it.

i am a little unsure how to prove that it doesn't exist. in the case where i substitute y = x i get lim as (x,y)->(0,0) of sqrt(x) / 2x which simplifies to 1 / 2sqrt(x). i then say that as x approaches 0 then the quantity approaches infinite so the limit does not exist.

does that constitute an actual "proof" or is it too "hand-wavy". if so how would i truly prove this statement? thanks
 
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The limit doesn't approach infinity,.

Try keeping x constant than then let y approach zero.

Do the same thing for y.

Or change to polar-coordinates.

[URL]http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff286/nfforums/NF%20smilies/x31pt9.gif[/URL]
 
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When you set y = √x what you've written is not correct, the algebra is wrong.

The goal of the limit is to show that all limits approach the same value, to prove that
a function doesn't have the limit L all you must do is find one limit different from the
others in this case. There are more situations than just the one you've spoken about
as well :wink:
 
As sponsoredwalk said the limits are different if you

Try keeping x constant than then let y approach zero.

Do the same thing for y.

And if you then set y= \sqrt{x} and take the limit.

Different limits should be the condition you need.
 
ok so when i set y = mx i get m / ((1+m^2)sqrt(x)) and that approaches infinite as x approaches 0.

when i set y = mx^2 i get (m)sqrt(|x|) / (1 + m^2 x^2) and that approaches 0 as x approaches 0.

would this prove that the limit does not exist? thank you all for your previous replies.
 
demonelite123 said:
ok so when i set y = mx i get m / ((1+m^2)sqrt(x)) and that approaches infinite as x approaches 0.

when i set y = mx^2 i get (m)sqrt(|x|) / (1 + m^2 x^2) and that approaches 0 as x approaches 0.

would this prove that the limit does not exist? thank you all for your previous replies.

Yes, that should do it.

If you want one more path to take, try setting x = y2. Unless I screwed up my algebra, that limit is also interesting, and confirms your conclusion.

Your limit along that path (from above) becomes: lim y→0+ (y2/(y4+y2)).

From below, it is: lim y→0- (-y2/(y4+y2)).

 

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