Calculus Limits and Continuity Exercises
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c9jshcxjwjCalculus Limits and Continuity Exercises
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Powered by AIContinuity in multivariable calculus ensures that the limit of a function as a point approaches a particular value is equal to the function value at that point. To extend a function and ensure the limit evaluates seamlessly at a specific point, the function must be defined such that it is continuous at the point of interest. This requires matching the limit's value with the function's value at that point. For example, in the function \( f(x, y) = \frac{\cos(x^2+y^2)-1}{x^2+y^2} \) for \( (x, y) \neq (0, 0) \), defining \( f(0, 0) = 0 \) renders the function continuous at \( (0, 0) \) because the limit as \( (x, y) \to (0, 0) \) is also 0, matching the function's assigned value at that point.
To evaluate \( \lim_{(x,y)\to(0,0)} \frac{x^2 y}{x^4+y^2} \) using polar coordinates, express \( x \) and \( y \) as \( x = r\cos(\theta) \) and \( y = r\sin(\theta) \). Then \( x^2 y = r^3\cos^2(\theta)\sin(\theta) \) and \( x^4 + y^2 = r^4\cos^4(\theta) + r^2\sin^2(\theta) \). Simplify \( \frac{r^3\cos^2(\theta)\sin(\theta)}{r^2(r^2\cos^4(\theta)+\sin^2(\theta))} = \frac{r\cos^2(\theta)\sin(\theta)}{r^2\cos^4(\theta)+\sin^2(\theta)} \). As \( r \to 0 \), if the value is independent of \( \theta \), then the limit might exist. However, here, choosing paths shows different values depending on \( \theta \), indicating the limit does not exist. Verification through specific paths such as \( x=0 \) or \( y=0 \) confirms this, demonstrating dependence of the result on \( \theta \), and hence, non-existence of a limit.
To determine if the limit \( \lim_{(x,y)\to(1,1)} \frac{xy^2-1}{y-1} \) exists, first simplify the expression if possible. The form \( \frac{xy^2-1}{y-1} \) suggests the possibility of factoring or recognizing a removable discontinuity at \( y = 1 \). Perform polynomial expansion on the numerator: \( xy^2 - 1 = x(y^2 - 1) = x(y-1)(y+1) \). The factor \( y-1 \) cancels with the denominator, leading to \( x(y+1) \) when \( y \neq 1 \). Evaluate \( x(y+1) \) as \( (x,y) \to (1,1) \), which results in \( 1(1+1) = 2 \). Thus, the limit exists and equals 2.
Switching to polar coordinates is beneficial in solving limits in two variables when the expression is radially symmetric, or when the distance from a point as measured by \( r \) significantly simplifies the problem. For instance, when the variables \( x \) and \( y \) appear in quadratic forms like \( x^2 + y^2 \), converting to polar coordinates \( (x = r\cos(\theta), y = r\sin(\theta)) \) can simplify the expressions, since many limit problems involve evaluating the behavior as \( r \to 0 \). This approach can also clarify the roles of \( x \) and \( y \) in terms of a single variable, \( r \), potentially making it easier to apply tools like the Sandwich Theorem or L'Hôpital's Rule.
To apply the Sandwich Theorem for the limit \( \lim_{(x,y)\to(0,0)} x y \sqrt{x^2+y^2} \), we need to find two functions that bound \( xy\sqrt{x^2+y^2} \) and have the same limit as \((x, y)\) approaches \((0, 0)\). Consider polar coordinates: \( x = r\cos(\theta) \) and \( y = r\sin(\theta) \), which gives \( \sqrt{x^2+y^2} = r \). Then the expression becomes \( r^3 \cos(\theta)\sin(\theta) \), which is bounded by \( -r^3/2 \leq r^3 \cos(\theta)\sin(\theta) \leq r^3/2 \). As \( r \to 0 \), both bounds converge to 0, thus by the Sandwich Theorem, the limit is 0.
To evaluate \( \lim_{(x,y)\to(0,0)} y \sin\left( \frac{1}{x} \right) \) using the Sandwich Theorem, consider \( -|y| \leq y \sin\left( \frac{1}{x} \right) \leq |y| \). The function \( \sin\left( \frac{1}{x} \right) \) oscillates between -1 and 1, so as \( (x, y) \to (0, 0) \), \( |y| \to 0 \). The Sandwich Theorem implies that since both \( -|y| \) and \( |y| \) converge to 0, the function \( y \sin\left( \frac{1}{x} \right) \) must also converge to 0 under these bounds. Therefore, the limit exists and is 0.
To determine the continuity of \( f(x, y) = \ln(x^2 + y^2) \), we need to consider the domain where \( x^2 + y^2 > 0 \). The logarithmic function is continuous wherever its arguments are positive. Thus, \( f(x, y) \) will be continuous in any region where the expression inside the logarithm does not approach zero. Specifically, \( f(x, y) \) is continuous for all \( (x, y) \neq (0, 0) \), since \( x^2 + y^2 = 0 \) is only true at the origin \( (0, 0) \), where the logarithm becomes undefined. Thus, the function is continuous everywhere except at the origin.
The function \( f(x,y,z) = \frac{1}{|xy|+|z|} \) has possible discontinuities where the denominator \(|xy| + |z| \) equals zero, which occurs when both \( xy = 0 \) and \( z = 0 \). This is a removable discontinuity if it is isolated and the limit exists and is finite as it approaches from all directions. However, \( |xy| + |z| > 0 \) almost everywhere except along the lines \( x = 0 \) and \( y = 0 \) when \( z = 0 \). Checking along these paths and any radius approaching the origin, as \( (x, y, z) \to (0, 0, 0) \), verifies if the limit exists, and if it approaches infinity, the discontinuity is non-removable. The presence of \( \frac{1}{0} \) precludes continuity at and any potential limits towards that isolated point, confirming a discontinuity that is not removable.