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Multiple Choice
Evaluate the limit, if it exists: .
A
The limit does not exist.
B
C
D
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the problem. We are tasked with evaluating the limit lim_{(x, y) → (0, 0)} (xy) / (x² + y²). This involves determining whether the value of the function approaches a single finite value, infinity, or does not exist as (x, y) approaches (0, 0).
Step 2: Consider approaching the limit along different paths. For example, substitute y = mx (a straight line through the origin) into the function. This gives f(x, y) = (x(mx)) / (x² + (mx)²) = (m * x²) / (x² + m² * x²). Simplify this expression to see if the limit depends on m.
Step 3: Test another path, such as y = 0 (the x-axis). Substituting y = 0 into the function gives f(x, y) = (x * 0) / (x² + 0²) = 0. This suggests the limit might depend on the path taken.
Step 4: Test a different path, such as x = 0 (the y-axis). Substituting x = 0 into the function gives f(x, y) = (0 * y) / (0² + y²) = 0. Again, the limit depends on the path taken.
Step 5: Conclude that the limit does not exist. Since the value of the function depends on the path taken as (x, y) approaches (0, 0), the limit is not well-defined and does not exist.