Multivariable Limits assignment

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on solving multivariable limits in calculus, specifically addressing the limits as (x,y) approaches (0,0) and other points. The user struggles with determining the correct limits for various functions, including (3x^2 + y^2)/(x^4 + 5y^4) which diverges (DIV), and (x^2 * y^2)/(x^4 + 5y^4) which also diverges (DIV) due to differing results along different paths. The user correctly identifies that limits must converge to a single value, and discrepancies indicate divergence.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of multivariable calculus concepts, specifically limits.
  • Familiarity with evaluating limits using different paths in the xy-plane.
  • Knowledge of continuity in functions, particularly in the context of limits.
  • Ability to apply L'Hôpital's Rule and algebraic manipulation in limit evaluation.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the concept of limits in multivariable calculus, focusing on path-dependent limits.
  • Learn about the epsilon-delta definition of limits for multivariable functions.
  • Explore techniques for evaluating limits using polar coordinates.
  • Review examples of limits that diverge and how to identify them effectively.
USEFUL FOR

Students and educators in calculus, particularly those focusing on multivariable limits, as well as anyone seeking to improve their problem-solving skills in evaluating limits in a multivariable context.

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I can't get this problem right and it's part of a web-based assignment that I have to submit. In order to get credit for the problem, all of my answers need to be right; I've tried many different times and I can't seem to figure out what I am doing wrong. Here it is with my explanations as to why I think I'm right; please, can someone find my mistake?

Find the following limits. If a limit diverges to infinity, state your answer as "INF" (without the quotation marks). If it diverges to negative infinity, state your answer as "MINF".If it diverges without being infinity or negative infinity, state your answer as "DIV".

lim(x,y)->(0,0) (3x^2 + y^2)/(x^4 + 5 y^4)
= DIV
Limit does not exist because if I try to go through different paths, I get different limits.

lim(x,y)->(0,3) ysin(x)/x
= 3
by separating the two functions y & sin(x)/x and evaluating them separately

lim(x,y)->(5,0) (3x + ln(1+xy) ) / (1+x+y)
=15/6
just by plugging in the values (function is continuous everywhere)

lim(x,y)->(0,0) (x^2 * y^2) / (x^4 + 5y^4)
= DIV
Limit does not exist once again because of different paths I took = different limits

Thanks a lot =)
 
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You're confusing how to find different paths. Instead, what you're doing is finding the limits at different points. Think of the limit as this:

\lim_{\textbf{r}\rightarrow (0,0)}f(x,y).

Here, \textbf{r} just represents some arbitrary path along the surface to that point.
 
I understand what you mean but, for example, if I take the fourth limit:
lim(x,y)->(0,0) (x^2 * y^2) / (x^4 + 5y^4)

If I evaluate this when x=y then I end up with (x^4)/(6x^4) which gives a limit of 1/6.
However, if I evaluate this at (x,0) which should also work, I get a limit of 0/(x^4) = 0
Because both these limits (along different paths) are different, then the entire limit can not possibly converge.
 
from what I can see, you're correct. You sure you typed it in right?
 
yeah, I am sure.. but to get it right they all have to be right.. I am pretty confident about the last two limits.. its mainly the first two that are bugging me
 
Along which paths did you take the limits to evaluate the first one?
 

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