What does this Limit mean geometrically?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the geometric interpretation of limits in multivariable calculus, specifically examining the existence of limits as the point \((x,y)\) approaches \((0,0)\) for various functions. Participants explore different approaches to determining limit existence and the implications of path dependence.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents the limit \(\lim_{(x,y) \to (0,0)} \frac{\cos x-1-\frac{x^2}{2}}{x^4+y^4}\) and questions its geometric meaning when approaching along the line \(y=0\).
  • Another participant discusses the limit \(\lim_{(x,y) \to (0,0)} g(x,y) = \frac{xy}{x^2+y^2}\) and notes that since \(g(x,mx)\) depends on \(m\), it suggests the limit does not exist.
  • A follow-up question asks whether independence from \(m\) would imply the limit exists, seeking clarification on the concept of independence.
  • Another participant introduces a different limit, \(\lim_{(x,y) \to (0,0)} \frac{\sin{(2x)}-2x+y}{x^3+y}\), and suggests checking along different lines to determine non-existence, questioning if this is the only method available.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the methods for determining limit existence, particularly regarding the implications of path dependence and the interpretation of limits along specific lines. No consensus is reached on the best approach or the implications of independence from \(m\).

Contextual Notes

Participants do not provide explicit definitions or assumptions regarding the limits discussed, and the implications of path dependence remain unresolved. The discussion includes various approaches without a definitive conclusion on the existence of the limits.

evinda
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Hello! (Wave)

I want to find the following limit, if it exists.

$\lim_{(x,y) \to (0,0)} \frac{\cos x-1-\frac{x^2}{2}}{x^4+y^4}$ If we say : let $(x,y) \to (0,0)$ along the line $y=0$ , what exactly does it mean geometrically?

Also, if we want to check whether the limit $\lim_{(x,y) \to (0,0)} g(x,y) $ exists where $g(x,y)=\frac{xy}{x^2+y^2}$, we pick $y=mx$ and since $g(x,mx)$ depends on $m$ we deduce that the limit does not exist.

If $g(x,mx)$ would be independent on $m$, would that mean that the limit exists? If so, why?
 
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evinda said:
Hello! (Wave)

I want to find the following limit, if it exists.

$\lim_{(x,y) \to (0,0)} \frac{\cos x-1-\frac{x^2}{2}}{x^4+y^4}$ If we say : let $(x,y) \to (0,0)$ along the line $y=0$ , what exactly does it mean geometrically?

Also, if we want to check whether the limit $\lim_{(x,y) \to (0,0)} g(x,y) $ exists where $g(x,y)=\frac{xy}{x^2+y^2}$, we pick $y=mx$ and since $g(x,mx)$ depends on $m$ we deduce that the limit does not exist.

If $g(x,mx)$ would be independent on $m$, would that mean that the limit exists? If so, why?

What do you mean by "independent on m"?
 
Prove It said:
What do you mean by "independent on m"?

I mean that the result of the limit isn't a function of $m$...
 
Also, if we want to check if the limit $\lim_{(x,y) \to (0,0)} \frac{\sin{(2x)}-2x+y}{x^3+y}$ exists, we can consider the limit along the line $y=0$ and the limit along $x=0$ and we will see that they are not equal. Is this the only way to see that the limit does not exist?
 

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