Proving the limit of a multivariable function

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the limit of a multivariable function as it approaches the point (1,0). The specific function under consideration is (xy-y)/((x-1)^2+y^2). Participants are tasked with determining whether the limit exists or demonstrating that it does not.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants share attempts to analyze the limit by approaching from various paths, including the x and y axes and lines of the form y=m(x-1). There are discussions about using the delta-epsilon method, with some expressing uncertainty about how to manipulate the expressions to relate delta to epsilon. One participant suggests a change of variables to simplify the limit analysis.

Discussion Status

The conversation includes various attempts to explore the limit's behavior, with some participants suggesting that the limit may not exist. There is a request for examples of the delta-epsilon method, indicating a desire for further clarification on the topic. Some guidance has been offered regarding the use of polar coordinates in limit evaluation.

Contextual Notes

Participants note challenges related to the lack of diverse examples in their calculus resources, which may hinder their understanding of the delta-epsilon method. There is also mention of specific paths leading to consistent results, which raises questions about the limit's existence.

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Homework Statement


Find the limit if it exists, or show that the limit does not exist.
lim (x,y)-> (1,0) (xy-y)/((x-1)^2+y^2)

Homework Equations


lim (x,y)-> (a,b) f(x,y)
0<((x-a)^2+(y-b)^2)^1/2<[itex]\delta[/itex]
abs(f(x,y)-L)<[itex]\epsilon[/itex]

The Attempt at a Solution


I tried to prove that it does not exist by analyzing the limit coming in from the x & y axes, and along lines y=x, yatta yatta. I kept getting 0, so I then tried to prove the limit exists and equals zero using the delta epsilon method. There I ran into problems, I have a total of 3 calculus books, each only has one example for the method and they are all the same example, which is also the same and only example that was covered in my class. lim (x,y) -> (0,0) (3yx^2)/(x^2+y^2). I am just looking for a starting point.

So far I have
0<((x-1)^2+(y)^2)^1/2<[itex]\delta[/itex]
abs((xy-y)/((x-1)^2+y^2))<[itex]\epsilon[/itex]
I know I need to manipulate it so that I can relate delta to be some multiple of epsilon, but don't know how.
 
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ConradYoung said:

Homework Statement


Find the limit if it exists, or show that the limit does not exist.
lim (x,y)-> (1,0) (xy-y)/((x-1)^2+y^2)

Homework Equations


lim (x,y)-> (a,b) f(x,y)
0<((x-a)^2+(y-b)^2)^1/2<[itex]\delta[/itex]
abs(f(x,y)-L)<[itex]\epsilon[/itex]

The Attempt at a Solution


I tried to prove that it does not exist by analyzing the limit coming in from the x & y axes, and along lines y=x, yatta yatta. I kept getting 0, so I then tried to prove the limit exists and equals zero using the delta epsilon method. There I ran into problems, I have a total of 3 calculus books, each only has one example for the method and they are all the same example, which is also the same and only example that was covered in my class. lim (x,y) -> (0,0) (3yx^2)/(x^2+y^2). I am just looking for a starting point.

So far I have
0<((x-1)^2+(y)^2)^1/2<[itex]\delta[/itex]
abs((xy-y)/((x-1)^2+y^2))<[itex]\epsilon[/itex]
I know I need to manipulate it so that I can relate delta to be some multiple of epsilon, but don't know how.
Try another path.

y = m(x-1) approaches the point (1, 0) along a line of arbitrary slope.
 
ConradYoung said:

Homework Statement


Find the limit if it exists, or show that the limit does not exist.
lim (x,y)-> (1,0) (xy-y)/((x-1)^2+y^2)

Homework Equations


lim (x,y)-> (a,b) f(x,y)
0<((x-a)^2+(y-b)^2)^1/2<[itex]\delta[/itex]
abs(f(x,y)-L)<[itex]\epsilon[/itex]

The Attempt at a Solution


I tried to prove that it does not exist by analyzing the limit coming in from the x & y axes, and along lines y=x, yatta yatta. I kept getting 0, so I then tried to prove the limit exists and equals zero using the delta epsilon method. There I ran into problems, I have a total of 3 calculus books, each only has one example for the method and they are all the same example, which is also the same and only example that was covered in my class. lim (x,y) -> (0,0) (3yx^2)/(x^2+y^2). I am just looking for a starting point.

So far I have
0<((x-1)^2+(y)^2)^1/2<[itex]\delta[/itex]
abs((xy-y)/((x-1)^2+y^2))<[itex]\epsilon[/itex]
I know I need to manipulate it so that I can relate delta to be some multiple of epsilon, but don't know how.

I'd first try a change of variables. Put u=x-1. So the limit is now (u,y)->(0,0). Denominator becomes u^2+y^2. What's the numerator? It might be easier to see that way.
 
Last edited:
Thank both of you.
 
Would either of you mind giving an example of using the delta epsilon method anyway?
 
ConradYoung said:
Would either of you mind giving an example of using the delta epsilon method anyway?

You don't need it for this one. It has no limit.
 
Would either of you mind giving a different* example of using the delta epsilon method anyway?
 
ConradYoung said:
Would either of you mind giving a different* example of using the delta epsilon method anyway?

Ok, take f(x,y)=4xy/sqrt(x^2+y^2). (x,y)->(0,0). Change it to polar coordinates. You get |4r*cos(θ)*r*sin(θ)/r|=|4r*cos(θ)*sin(θ)|<=4r. So the limit is 0. And r is the "((x-a)^2+(y-b)^2)^1/2" in your definition. Pick ε>0. You want |f(x,y)-0|<ε, |f(x,y)-0|<4r, so if you pick δ=ε/4 it works.
 

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