Skip to Content

Evaluate the Limit of a Quotient

Home | Calculus 3 | Multivariable functions | Evaluate the Limit of a Quotient

The limit as X and Y approaches 5 and 5 of x2y2xy\displaystyle \frac{x^2 - y^2}{x - y}

In tackling this problem, the goal is to evaluate the limit of a function as two variables approach a specific value. The given function takes the form of a quotient. The numerator is a difference of squares, which can be factored to simplify the expression. Recognizing this pattern allows the simplification of the problem significantly by cancelling terms, permitting a clearer view of the behavior of the function near the point. This technique is a common and vital strategy in limit problems involving indeterminate forms such as 0/0.

Conceptually, this problem falls within the study of limits in multivariable calculus, which extends the idea of limits from a single variable setting to multiple variables. Here, you are not only observing how a single variable affects the function's approach to a limit, but rather how two variables together influence it. It is crucial to evaluate the direction from which the point is approached to ensure that the limit exists and is consistent from all directions. Exploring limits in situations involving more than one path requires considering multiple approaches to the point to confirm the evaluation.

Understanding multivariable limits builds the foundation for further topics like continuity in three-dimensional space and is pivotal for complex themes such as partial derivatives and gradient vectors. These are essential building blocks in the realm of calculus and are applicable in various fields including physics, engineering, and economics.

Posted by grwgreg 15 days ago

Related Problems

For the function f(x,y)=x2yxy2f(x, y) = x^2y - xy^2 at the point (1,1)(1, -1), find the direction and rate of greatest increase, greatest decrease, and a direction of no change.

Explain and visualize different types of multivariable functions.

The limit as X and Y approaches the origin of x2+y2x+y\frac{x^2 + y^2}{x+y}

The limit of multivariable function given by the expression with three variables x, y, and z, using parametric curves for variables substitution.