Mutlivariable Epsilon Delta Proofs

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on the challenges of understanding Epsilon Delta proofs in the context of multivariable limits, specifically using the example limit lim (x,y) -> (0,0) of the function x^3y/(x^2 + y^2). The user expresses difficulty in grasping the transition from Cartesian to polar coordinates and how to apply the Epsilon Delta definition effectively. A key insight shared is that transforming variables to polar coordinates simplifies the limit process, allowing for clearer analysis as r approaches 0. The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding the relationship between distance and limit existence in multivariable calculus.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Epsilon Delta definitions in calculus
  • Familiarity with limits in multivariable functions
  • Knowledge of polar coordinates transformation
  • Basic algebraic manipulation skills
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the application of Epsilon Delta definitions in multivariable calculus
  • Learn how to convert Cartesian coordinates to polar coordinates
  • Practice solving limits using polar coordinates with various functions
  • Explore resources on formatting mathematical expressions in online forums
USEFUL FOR

Students and educators in calculus, particularly those struggling with multivariable limit proofs, as well as anyone seeking to improve their understanding of Epsilon Delta definitions and polar coordinate transformations.

patata
Messages
10
Reaction score
0
Like many people on this forum, i am seemingly having a lot of trouble grasping the concepts of Epsilon Delta proofs and the logic behind them. I have read the definition and i realize for e>0 there is a d>0 such that...

0<sqrt((x-1)^2 - (y-b)^2) < d then f(x,y) - L <e (excuse my use of proper symbols on this forum...i don't know how!)

The textbook has an example lim (x,y) -> (0,0) x^2y/x^2 + y^2 but i am completely oblivious to how they arrive to the conclusion that the limit equals 0!

I can follow it until 0<sqrt(x^2 + y^2)<d then | f(x,y) - 0 | < e but after that my eyes glaze over and I am lost no matter how many times i read it. If anybody could walk me through the process of finding these limits, i would greatly appreciate it.

As a side note, i tried reading other threads for help and attempted to convert the questions i tried into polar coordinates but i still couldn't seem to get the right answers doing that =( thanks!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Now, as a general advice for multi-variable limit study, change into polar coordinates!

Why?

Because the "delta" refers to the DISTANCE between the arbitrary point (say, (x,y)), and the fixed point of study, say (0,0).

But this means that our requirement for the existence of the limit can be reformulated as follows:
"The limit L of f at (0,0) exists if there for every e exists a ball B (with radius d) around (0,0), so that all function values for points in B differs from L with less than e"

In your case, transform x and y by means of
x=r\cos\theta,y=r\sin\theta
where r is the radial variable.

Therefore, we have:
\frac{x^{2}y}{x^{2}+y^{2}}=\frac{r^{2}\cos^{2}{\theta} r\sin\theta}{r^{2}}=r\cos^{2}\theta\sin\theta

Now, IF 0 is to be the limit of this expression at (0,0) (in Cartesian coordinates), it means that this must be the limit of the expression as r tends to 0!

We easily see that this is the case.
 
Thank you for the quick and speedy reply! I understand the case for x^2y but i made a typo and the example for the book is x^3y...

If i convert this to polar coordinates i get

r^3Cos^3(theta) x rSin(theta) / r^2 (Cos^2(theta)Sin^2(theta)

However, i am getting stuck here, are there any ways to simplify Sin(theta)/Sin^2(Theta) or is it just Sin^-1(theta)

P.s. any links on how to format the maths in my posts correctly would be greatly appriciated ^^ they look very sloppy in comparison to the above! thanks for all the help.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 25 ·
Replies
25
Views
4K
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
6K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 31 ·
2
Replies
31
Views
3K