Using polar coordinates, show that lim (x,y)->(0,0) [sin(x^2+y^2)]/[x^2+y^2] = 1

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SUMMARY

The limit lim (x,y)->(0,0) [sin(x^2+y^2)]/[x^2+y^2] = 1 can be effectively evaluated using polar coordinates. By substituting r^2 = x^2 + y^2, the limit simplifies to lim r->0^+ [sin(r^2)]/r^2. Attempts to apply L'Hôpital's rule resulted in a complex expression, but the correct approach involves recognizing that lim r->0^+ [sin(r^2)]/r^2 is a standard limit that equals 1. Thus, the conclusion is that the limit indeed approaches 1 as (x,y) approaches (0,0).

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of polar coordinates and their application in multivariable calculus.
  • Familiarity with limits and continuity in calculus.
  • Knowledge of L'Hôpital's rule and its conditions for application.
  • Basic understanding of trigonometric limits, particularly lim x->0 [sin(x)/x].
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the standard limit lim x->0 [sin(x)/x] and its implications in calculus.
  • Learn about the application of polar coordinates in evaluating limits in multivariable calculus.
  • Explore alternative methods for evaluating limits, such as epsilon-delta definitions.
  • Investigate the conditions under which L'Hôpital's rule can be applied effectively.
USEFUL FOR

Students studying calculus, particularly those focusing on multivariable limits, as well as educators seeking to clarify concepts related to polar coordinates and limit evaluation techniques.

bubbers
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Homework Statement



Using polar coordinates, show that lim (x,y)->(0,0) [sin(x^2+y^2)]/[x^2+y^2] = 1

Homework Equations



r^2=x^2+y^2

The Attempt at a Solution



I was able to get the limit into polar coordinates:

lim r->0^+ [sin(r^2)]/r^2

but I'm not sure how to take this limit. I tried L'Hospital's, but it was just messy and useless seeming. So, any hints?
 
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What went wrong when you tried to use L'Hospital's rule? Where did you get stuck?
 
I got:

lim r->0^+ [sin(r^2)(2r)-r^2cos(r^2)(2r)]/r^4

which simplifies to:

lim r->0^+ [2sin(r^2)-2r^2cos(r^2)]/r^3

but that's still 0/0 form, so it got me nowhere useful as far as I can see.
 
bubbers said:

Homework Statement



Using polar coordinates, show that lim (x,y)->(0,0) [sin(x^2+y^2)]/[x^2+y^2] = 1

Homework Equations



r^2=x^2+y^2

The Attempt at a Solution



I was able to get the limit into polar coordinates:

lim r->0^+ [sin(r^2)]/r^2

but I'm not sure how to take this limit. I tried L'Hospital's, but it was just messy and useless seeming. So, any hints?
Applying L'Hôpital's rule gives you:
\displaystyle \lim_{r\,\to\,0^{+}}\frac{\sin(r^2)}{r^2}

\displaystyle =\lim_{r\,\to\,0^{+}}\frac{d(\sin(r^2))/dr}{d(r^2)/dr}​
This is not what you have.
 
Last edited:
bubbers said:

Homework Statement



Using polar coordinates, show that lim (x,y)->(0,0) [sin(x^2+y^2)]/[x^2+y^2] = 1

Homework Equations



r^2=x^2+y^2

The Attempt at a Solution



I was able to get the limit into polar coordinates:

lim r->0^+ [sin(r^2)]/r^2

If you let ##\theta=r^2## does the limit become anything you have already studied?
 

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