Proving the Limit of 2x-2y2/(x2 - y2) Does Not Exist

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the limit of the expression (2x - 2y²) / (x² - y²) as (x, y) approaches (0, 0). Participants are tasked with proving or disproving the existence of this limit.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore different paths to evaluate the limit, questioning the appropriateness of their chosen values for x and y. Some participants suggest that differing limits along different paths indicate the limit does not exist.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with some participants providing guidance on the implications of finding different limits along various paths. There is acknowledgment of confusion regarding the initial problem statement and the limits being evaluated.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted error in the initial problem setup, with participants clarifying the correct limit to evaluate. The discussion includes consideration of the definitions and conditions under which limits are assessed.

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1. Homework Statement

Prove or disprove that the following limit exists

lim x->0 and y->0 of
2x-2y2/(x2 - y2)


2. Homework Equations

0 < ((x-a)2+(y-b)2).5 < delta

|f(x,y)-L| < epsilon

The Attempt at a Solution



If I take the limit of x to approach 1 of f(x,1) then the limit is equal to 1
If I take the limit of y to approach 1 of f(1,y) then the limit is equal to 2

I can then say that the limit in question DNE. To prove this, can't I just say since there are 2 different L's we will get 2 different [tex]\delta[/tex] 's and because of these 2 [tex]\delta[/tex] 's we will be able to satisfy at least one [tex]\delta[/tex] but not always both?

Does this make sense?

Thanks!
 
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hover said:
1. Homework Statement

Prove or disprove that the following limit exists

lim x->0 and y->0 of
2x-2y2/(x2 - y2)
This isn't (2x-2y2)/(x2 - y2), is it?

hover said:
2. Homework Equations

0 < ((x-a)2+(y-b)2).5 < delta

|f(x,y)-L| < epsilon

The Attempt at a Solution



If I take the limit of x to approach 1 of f(x,1) then the limit is equal to 1
If I take the limit of y to approach 1 of f(1,y) then the limit is equal to 2

hover said:
Why are you letting x and y approach 1? Your limit is as (x, y) --> (0, 0).


I can then say that the limit in question DNE. To prove this, can't I just say since there are 2 different L's we will get 2 different [tex]\delta[/tex] 's and because of these 2 [tex]\delta[/tex] 's we will be able to satisfy at least one [tex]\delta[/tex] but not always both?

Does this make sense?

Thanks!
 
Mark44 said:
This isn't (2x-2y2)/(x2 - y2), is it?

oh crap sorry about that. Yes

(2x-2y2)/(x2 - y2)
 
Wow I really balled this up. This should be

1. Homework Statement

Prove or disprove that the following limit exists

lim x->1 and y->1 of
(2^x-2y^2)/(x^2 - y^2)


2. Homework Equations

0 < ((x-a)^2+(y-b)^2)^.5 < delta

|f(x,y)-L| < epsilon

3. The Attempt at a Solution

If I take the limit of x to approach 1 of f(x,1) then the limit is equal to 1
If I take the limit of y to approach 1 of f(1,y) then the limit is equal to 2

I can then say that the limit in question DNE. To prove this, can't I just say since there are 2 different L's we will get 2 different [tex]\delta[/tex]'s and because of these 2 [tex]\delta[/tex]'s we will be able to satisfy at least one but not always both?

Does this make sense?

Thanks!
 
If you can show that the limit is different for two different paths, then that's enough to say that the limit doesn't exist. You don't need to go on and prove anything more.
 
Awesome!
Thanks!
 

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