1. ## Multivariable Limit, Proof

Hi guys,

Having a little trouble with a question for this week's homework;

The question is,

Apply the definition of the limit to show that

lim (x, y) -> (0, 1) for ((x^2)y(y-1)^2)/(x^2+(y-1)^2) = 0

Usual me would just sub in values to prove but obviously I can't, as 0/0 would occur. I've tried looking up a few different techniques to tackle it ("squeezing" method, delta epsilon) but I can't get my head around applying them to this question.

Can anyone give me a hint?

Also, sorry for the equation format, is there a tutorial on how to set it up all pretty for the future? I'm new

Thanks!

2. ## Re: Multivariable Limit, Proof

As for the typesetting, we use LaTeX. There is a LaTeX subforum here were you can get some assistance.

As for the question, the definition of a multivariable limit is that for all \displaystyle \begin{align*} \epsilon > 0 \end{align*} there exists a \displaystyle \begin{align*} \delta > 0 \end{align*} such that \displaystyle \begin{align*} \sqrt{ \left( x - a \right) ^2 + \left( y - b \right) ^2 } < \delta \implies \left| f(x,y) - L \right| < \epsilon \end{align*}. Then \displaystyle \begin{align*} \lim_{(x,y) \to (a,b)} f(x,y) = L \end{align*}.

So in this case \displaystyle \begin{align*} f(x,y) = \frac{x^2\,y\,\left( y - 1 \right) ^2 }{x^2 + \left( y-1 \right) ^2 }, a = 0, b = 1, L = 0 \end{align*}. Go from here.

3. ## Re: Multivariable Limit, Proof

Thanks mate, you're a diamond! I'll write it up and post it back a wee later

And thanks for the LaTeX hint, I'll do some research.

4. ## Re: Multivariable Limit, Proof

Alright I gave it a try and just couldn't come up with something I'm happy with. I did heaps of practice on other multivariable limits, but this one confuses me for some reason... I've gotten up to

\displaystyle \begin{align*} \sqrt{ \left( x \right) ^2 + \left( y - 1 \right) ^2 } < \delta \implies \left| \frac{x^2y(y-1)^2}{x^2+(y-1)^2} \right| < \epsilon \end{align*}

which then implies \displaystyle \begin{align*} x < \delta \end{align*} and \displaystyle \begin{align*} (y-1) < \delta\end{align*}

Now, do I sub in delta for x and (y-1)? Assuming I do, and I guess if (y-1) < delta then y < delta + 1, then I get

\displaystyle \begin{align*} \left| \frac{\delta^3+\delta^2}{2} \right| \end{align*}

What does this mean? What am I doing?! Any further advice would be appreciated

Thank you!