How to Find and Verify Stationary Points in a Differentiation Problem

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding and verifying stationary points in a differentiation problem involving a function F(x,y). Participants are focused on deriving the correct partial derivatives and solving the resulting equations to identify stationary points.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to derive the partial derivatives of the function and is uncertain about treating them as simultaneous equations. Some participants question the correctness of the derivatives and suggest verifying them before proceeding.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively discussing the correct form of the partial derivatives and how to solve the resulting equations. There is a recognition of the need to ensure accuracy in the derivatives to find the correct stationary points, but no consensus has been reached on the next steps.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted typo in the original poster's derivatives, which could affect the identification of stationary points. The discussion includes confusion regarding handling fractional terms in the equations.

smn
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Hello,
I'm trying to complete the question below:
Consider F(x,y)=1/3x^3+y^2+2xy+2x+2y+1
Find the 2 stationary points of F and show that one of them is a minimum of F.
I've got as far as getting:
dF/dx = 2/3x+2y+2
dF/dy = 2x+2y+2
I would like to know what i need to do next (do i have to treat the above two terms as simultaneous equations?)
Any help will be appreciated
Regards
smn
 
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Be careful, if your initial function F(x,y) is correct then you've got a wrong partial derivative with respect to x. I see a x³/3 and its derivative should give x² and I don't see that term in your dF/dx. dF/dy seems to be correct.

Once you have the right partial derivatives, let them equal zero and solve them together (system of 2 equations). This gives the stationary points.
 
Thanks for your reply,

You're correct, it should read:

dF/dx = 2/3x^2+2y+2, which i wrote down in my notes!Typo error.

When you say, solve them together, do you mean like you do with simultaneous equations?

I tried that route but I'm getting confused with what to do with the term that's a fraction.

I get:

2+2/3x^2+2y=0-----eq.1

2+2x+2y=0----------eq.2

so i assume that the 2 term cancels,as does the 2y and then i get lost.
 
Yes, a system of equations so simultaneous equations.
By the way, (x³/3)' = x² and not 2x²/3...

Be careful with your derivatives, else the stationary points will be wrong too of course!
 

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