Show the limit exists or does not exist

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The discussion revolves around determining the existence of a limit as (x,y) approaches (0,0) for the expression [xy]/(x^2+y^2). Initial attempts to find the limit by substituting various values consistently yield 0, leading to confusion about the limit's existence. However, a key insight reveals that by rewriting the limit and factoring the numerator, the limit approaches different values depending on the path taken—specifically, 1/2 and 0. This indicates that the limit does not exist due to the discrepancy in results from different approaches. Ultimately, the conclusion is that the limit does not exist.
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Homework Statement


c2f1f923-74de-46af-bb68-3ccd4efeb33a.jpe


The Attempt at a Solution


it does not exist, but i can't get different limits, I am only getting it approaches 0

i replaced x=1 only, y=0 only, y=x, x=y but I'm only getting 0 as my limit.

thanks
 
Last edited:
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this is a trick. notice it is equivalent to finding the limit of [xy]/(x^2+y^2) as (x,y)-->(0,0).

this one is very familiar, and is done by letting x=y.
 
im still approaching 0 when x=y
 
vantz said:
im still approaching 0 when x=y

You shouldn't be. Replacing y with x:

\lim_{(x,y) \to (0,0)} \frac{x*x}{x^2+x^2} = ...
 
oh so first i rewrite the limit into a more familiar one and then solve. but i don't see how they are related.

edit:nvm i got it.
 
Last edited:
vantz said:

Homework Statement


c2f1f923-74de-46af-bb68-3ccd4efeb33a.jpe


The Attempt at a Solution


it does not exist, but i can't get different limits, I am only getting it approaches 0

i replaced x=1 only, y=0 only, y=x, x=y but I'm only getting 0 as my limit.

thanks
Yes, if you let x=1, and take the limit of the result as y→0, the limit is zero.

Similarly, letting y=0 and taking the limit of the result as x→1, also gives zero.

Use these results along with the limit obtained as others have suggested. What's your final conclusion?
 
SammyS said:
Yes, if you let x=1, and take the limit of the result as y→0, the limit is zero.

Similarly, letting y=0 and taking the limit of the result as x→1, also gives zero.

Use these results along with the limit obtained as others have suggested. What's your final conclusion?

i showed the relation between the original limit and [xy]/(x^2+y^2) as (x,y)-->(0,0).
numerator factorizes to y(x-1), then i replaced (x-1) with t, and as x→1, t→0. new limit does not exist because it approaches 1/2 and 0.
 
Correct !
 

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