Having problems understanding the epsilon-N definition of limits when the function takes multiple variables. For example, consider the limit lim_((x,y)->(oo,oo)xe^-y.

Liam Keller

Liam Keller

Answered question

2022-09-10

Having problems understanding the epsilon-N definition of limits when the function takes multiple variables.
For example, consider the limit lim ( x , y ) ( , ) x e y .
My hunch is that this limit should converge to 0, as this yields the correct answer and the graph seems to "flatten out" in general when looking far away in the first quadrant.
explain the rigorous definition of limits at infinity? Also, if possible, could you confirm or disprove my guess about lim ( x , y ) ( , ) x e y ?

Answer & Explanation

Makhi Adams

Makhi Adams

Beginner2022-09-11Added 13 answers

Taking this limit we are considering paths for which ( x , y ) = x 2 + y 2
for x = y = t
x e y = t e t 0
but for x = t and y = log t
x e y = t e log t = t t = 1
or also
for x = t and y = 0
x e y = t e 0 = t
Spactapsula2l

Spactapsula2l

Beginner2022-09-12Added 2 answers

In this case, the limit is not well-defined. Specifically, it depends on the path you take to get to ( , ). For example, if you fix x and take y to , you will see that the function goes to zero everywhere. If you then take x to infinity, well zero stays zero. If you do it in the opposite order (fix y and take x to , then take y to ), you will get that the function blows up.In general, multivariate functions -- even nice continuous, smooth ones like x e y - will not have good limits as you go to infinity. You would need another property (like uniform convergence) to talk about the limit as you go to ( , ).

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