Multivariate Epsilon-Delta Proof for Two-Dimensional Limit

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a multivariate ε-δ proof concerning the limit of the function \(x^2 + y^2\) as \((x,y)\) approaches \((1,1)\). Participants are analyzing the correctness of the proof structure and the application of the ε-δ definition in a two-dimensional context.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the formulation of the ε-δ definition, questioning the use of the product \(0<|x-1||y-1|<\delta\) and suggesting alternatives for clarity. There are attempts to express the bounding of \(|x+1|\) and \(|y+1|\) in terms of δ, and to verify the conditions under which the limit holds.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on improving the clarity of the proof, particularly regarding the notation and the explicitness of the δ substitution. There is an ongoing exploration of how to present the proof more directly, with suggestions for restructuring certain parts to enhance understanding.

Contextual Notes

Participants are operating under the constraints of homework expectations, which may limit the depth of exploration. There is a focus on ensuring that the proof adheres to formal definitions while also being comprehensible.

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Homework Statement


This is my first attempt at a multivariate ε-δ proof. I don't know if I'm doing it right or wrong so I'm hoping someone can shed some light.

Prove :
\lim_{(x,y)\rightarrow(1,1)} x^2+y^2 = 2

Homework Equations


\forallε>0, \existsδ>0 | 0<|x-1||y-1|<δ \Rightarrow |x^2+y^2-2|<ε

The Attempt at a Solution



So we know : |x-1|<δ and |y-1|<δ

|x^2+y^2-2| = |x^2-1+y^2-1| ≤ |x^2-1|+|y^2-1| = |x+1||x-1| + |y+1||y-1| < δ|x+1| + δ|y+1|

Now let us express |x+1| and |y+1| in terms of δ so we can further simplify to our desired value of δ.

We can observe that : |x+1| < δ+2 and |y+1| < δ+2

So we continue forth : δ|x+1| + δ|y+1| < δ(δ+2) + δ(δ+2)

Now for convenience let us agree to allow δ to be bounded, say δ≤1 for simplicity.

Now we get : δ(δ+2) + δ(δ+2) ≤ 6δ ≤ ε

Therefore δ=min{1,ε/6}

So now we verify δ satisfies the definition.

\forallε>0, \existsδ=min{1,ε/6}>0 | 0<|x-1||y-1|<δ \Rightarrow |x^2+y^2-2|<ε

|x^2+y^2-2| = |x^2-1+y^2-1| ≤ |x^2-1|+|y^2-1| = |x+1||x-1| + |y+1||y-1| < δ|x+1| + δ|y+1|| < δ(δ+2) + δ(δ+2) ≤ 3ε/6 + 3ε/6 = ε

Thus δ=min{1,ε/6} \Rightarrow |f(x,y)-L|<ε and the proof is concluded. I want to know if I'm doing this correctly or if I've missed something.
 
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Zondrina said:

Homework Statement


This is my first attempt at a multivariate ε-δ proof. I don't know if I'm doing it right or wrong so I'm hoping someone can shed some light.

Prove :
\lim_{(x,y)\rightarrow(1,1)} x^2+y^2 = 2

Homework Equations


\forallε>0, \existsδ>0 | 0<|x-1||y-1|<δ \Rightarrow |x^2+y^2-2|<ε

The Attempt at a Solution



So we know : |x-1|<δ and |y-1|<δ

|x^2+y^2-2| = |x^2-1+y^2-1| ≤ |x^2-1|+|y^2-1| = |x+1||x-1| + |y+1||y-1| < δ|x+1| + δ|y+1|

Now let us express |x+1| and |y+1| in terms of δ so we can further simplify to our desired value of δ.

We can observe that : |x+1| < δ+2 and |y+1| < δ+2

So we continue forth : δ|x+1| + δ|y+1| < δ(δ+2) + δ(δ+2)

Now for convenience let us agree to allow δ to be bounded, say δ≤1 for simplicity.

Now we get : δ(δ+2) + δ(δ+2) ≤ 6δ ≤ ε

Therefore δ=min{1,ε/6}

So now we verify δ satisfies the definition.

\forallε>0, \existsδ=min{1,ε/6}>0 | 0<|x-1||y-1|<δ \Rightarrow |x^2+y^2-2|<ε

|x^2+y^2-2| = |x^2-1+y^2-1| ≤ |x^2-1|+|y^2-1| = |x+1||x-1| + |y+1||y-1| < δ|x+1| + δ|y+1|| < δ(δ+2) + δ(δ+2) ≤ 3ε/6 + 3ε/6 = ε

Thus δ=min{1,ε/6} \Rightarrow |f(x,y)-L|<ε and the proof is concluded. I want to know if I'm doing this correctly or if I've missed something.
When you state
\forallε>0, \existsδ>0 | 0<|x-1||y-1|<δ \Rightarrow |x^2+y^2-2|&lt;ε​

You need to say something like 0<|x-1|<δ and 0<|y-1|<δ instead of 0<|x-1||y-1|<δ .

If 0<|x-1||y-1|<δ, and |x-1| is very small, then |y-1| could be many times larger than δ.

Your last three lines constitute the actual proof. The part above that shows how you find the δ you need.

In my opinion, you need to be more explicit regarding how your value for δ makes |x^2+y^2-2|&lt;\varepsilon\ .

.
 
Strictly speaking you should have 0&lt; \sqrt{(x-1)^2+ (y-1)^2}&lt; \delta but it can be shown that that is equivalent to 0&lt; |x-1|&lt;\delta and 0&lt;|y- 1|&lt;\delta. Another equivalent form is 0&lt; |x-1|+ |y- 1|.

But the product, 0&lt; |x-1||y-1|&lt;\delta, is NOT acceptable. I suspect that what you are remembering was "0&lt; |x-1|,|y-1|&lt;\delta" where the comma indicates that these are two separate inequalities that have been combined for brevity.
 
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HallsofIvy said:
Strictly speaking you should have 0&lt; \sqrt{(x-1)^2+ (y-1)^2}&lt; \delta but it can be shown that that is equivalent to 0&lt; |x--1|&lt;\delta. Another equivalent form is 0&lt; |x-1|+ |y- 1|.

But the product, 0&lt; |x-1||y-1|&lt;\delta, is NOT acceptable. I suspect that what you are remembering was "0&lt; |x-1|,|y-1|&lt;\delta" where the comma indicates that these are two separate inequalities that have been combined for brevity.

Ah i see what you mean. I suppose I'll start using a comma to be more precise about what i intend. Just one thing, is your |x--1| a typo?

Also @ sammy, how would i be more explicit? Would i actually mention when and where i was substituting my δ when i was proving that it worked?
 
Zondrina said:
Also @ sammy, how would i be more explicit? Would i actually mention when and where i was substituting my δ when i was proving that it worked?

Maybe I should have said 'more direct'.


If δ = min(ε/6 , 1), then
|x-1| < 1 ➾ x-1 < 1 ➾ |x+1| < 3

and |x-1| < ε/6

Therefore, |x+1||x-1| < (3)(ε/6) = ε/2​

A similar argument holds for y, so that |y+1||y-1| < ε/2 .

...
 
SammyS said:
Maybe I should have said 'more direct'.


If δ = min(ε/6 , 1), then
|x-1| < 1 ➾ x-1 < 1 ➾ |x+1| < 3

and |x-1| < ε/6

Therefore, |x+1||x-1| < (3)(ε/6) = ε/2​

A similar argument holds for y, so that |y+1||y-1| < ε/2 .

...

I understand what you mean. Where would I mention this though? I'm guessing when I got to this point I would do this :

If δ=min{1,ε/6} then we observe :

∀ε>0, ∃δ=min{1,ε/6}>0 | 0<|x-1|,|y-1|<δ ⇒ |x^2+y^2-2|<ε

So we know :
|x-1|<1 \Rightarrow |x+1|<3 and also |x-1|< ε/6
|y-1|<1 \Rightarrow |y+1|<3 and also |y-1|< ε/6

So we have : |x^2+y^2-2| = |x^2-1+y^2-1| ≤ |x^2-1|+|y^2-1| = |x+1||x-1| + |y+1||y-1| < (3)(ε/6)+(3)(ε/6) = ε

and that would be how I would want to style it ( Skipping the δ portion and going straight to the end like that ). Thanks for the help btw, style is super important to me so I'm glad someone knows what they're doing to help me :)
 

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