Scribd
Upload
11 views20 pages

Multivariable Limits

A multivariable function has multiple inputs and one output, requiring a three-dimensional graph for two variables. Limits in multivariable functions can be approached from infinitely many directions, and if any approach yields a different limit, then the limit does not exist. Various methods, including factoring and using polar coordinates, can be applied to prove the existence of limits.

Uploaded by

billyidol600
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
11 views20 pages

Multivariable Limits

A multivariable function has multiple inputs and one output, requiring a three-dimensional graph for two variables. Limits in multivariable functions can be approached from infinitely many directions, and if any approach yields a different limit, then the limit does not exist. Various methods, including factoring and using polar coordinates, can be applied to prove the existence of limits.

Uploaded by

billyidol600
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 20

Multivariable Limits

What is a multivariable function?

A multivariable function is a function with multiple inputs and one output.

For example a single variable function can be graphed in 2 Dimensions: 1 Input Variable and 1 Output
variable.

A two variable function has to be graphed in 3 Dimensions: 2 Input Variables and 1 Output Variable.

For example: z=3x2+y or f(x,y)=y-x3.


What is a limit?

Let f(x) be defined for all x≠a over an open


interval containing a. Let L be a real number. Then
if, for every ε>0, there exists a δ>0, such
that if 0<|x−a|<δ, then |f(x)−L|<ε
.
In simpler terms…

When a limit exists, as you approach an x value the function approaches the associated output with the x
value.
Putting it all together

A limit for a function of two variables is defined as follows:


How to approach a limit?

Recall in single variable functions there was only two ways to approach a limit:

From the left, and from the right.

Now that limits are defined on a circle there is an infinite number of ways to approach a limit.

The good news is that if you find one limit that doesn’t equal the others then that limit doesn’t exist.

The bad news is that sometimes we can’t be sure a limit exists without formal proof.
Limits that don’t exist

The first thing we try is approaching the graph from the


y-axis. We set x=0 and we see that the limit on the y-axis
goes to 0.
Then we check the line y=x. That limit goes to 1.

0 doesn’t equal 1 so this limit doesn’t exist.


You try
You try
Go along path y=x.
Go along path y=x4
Proving a limit exists
Proving a limit exists
Proving a limit exists
Proving a limit exists

The limit is 0

Q. E. D.
Plugging in Numbers
Plugging in Numbers
Polar limits
Polar limits
Factoring

Factor xy+2x+y+2 into (x+1)(y+2) and then it becomes the limit to xy and the limit goes to 2.
Conjugate Limits

Multiply by the conjugate of the denominator and then the stuff cancels out and you get the conjugate which
is sqrt(x+y+1) + 1 which is 2.
Thank you!

A brief note about 3D and beyond limits-- most of the strategies still apply, you may to assign different
parameters, but they still work for the most part.

As always strategies for estimating limits with tables or graphs still work great. Use desmos.com/3d for 3D
limits.

Thank you for your time in learning about multivariable limits!

You might also like