Multivariable Calculus, 7th Edition

Published by Brooks Cole
ISBN 10: 0-53849-787-4
ISBN 13: 978-0-53849-787-9

Chapter 14 - Partial Derivatives - 14.2 Exercises - Page 923: 12

Answer

limit does not exist

Work Step by Step

We notice that if we directly substitute limits in the given function $f(x,y)=\frac{xy-y}{(x-1)^{2}+y^{2}}$ Then $f(0,0)=\frac{0}{0}$ To evaluate limit along x-axis; put $y=0$ $f(x,0)=\frac{xy-y}{(x-1)^{2}+y^{2}}=\frac{x.0-0}{(x-1)^{2}+y^{2}}=0$ To evaluate limit along y-axis; put $x=1$ $f(1,y)=\frac{xy-y}{(x-1)^{2}+y^{2}}=\frac{y-y}{(1-1)^{2}+y^{2}}=0$ However, the obtained identical limits along the axes do not show that the given limit is 0. Then, approach (0,0) along another line, $y=x-1$ and $x\ne0$ $f(x,x-1)=\frac{x(x-1)-(x-1)}{(x-1)^{2}+(x-1)^{2}}=\frac{1}{2}$ For a limit to exist, all the paths must converge to the same point. Hence, both the limits are different and follow different paths, therefore, the limit does not exist.
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