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

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around evaluating the limit of the expression [sin(x^2+y^2)]/[x^2+y^2] as (x,y) approaches (0,0) using polar coordinates. The problem is situated within the context of multivariable calculus and limits.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss converting the limit into polar coordinates, specifically lim r->0^+ [sin(r^2)]/r^2. There are attempts to apply L'Hospital's rule, with some questioning the effectiveness of this approach and expressing confusion over the resulting forms encountered.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants sharing their attempts and questioning the steps taken, particularly regarding the application of L'Hospital's rule. Some guidance is offered regarding the transformation of variables, but no consensus or resolution has been reached yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants are grappling with the 0/0 indeterminate form that arises during their calculations and are exploring different methods to resolve the limit without arriving at a definitive conclusion.

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:
[itex]\displaystyle \lim_{r\,\to\,0^{+}}\frac{\sin(r^2)}{r^2}[/itex]

[itex]\displaystyle =\lim_{r\,\to\,0^{+}}\frac{d(\sin(r^2))/dr}{d(r^2)/dr}[/itex]​
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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