Critical Point(s) of a Multivariable Function

In summary, the critical points of the function f(x,y)=2+\sqrt{3(x-1)^2+4(y+1)^2} are x = 1 and y = -1. However, these values do not exist in the function. It is unclear if the function still has a critical point at (x,y) = (1,-1). When input into Wolfram Alpha, the function is shown to have no critical points. A critical point is a point where the function's derivative is equal to 0, indicating a potential local maximum or minimum.
  • #1
johnhuntsman
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Homework Statement


Find the critical points of f.
[tex]f(x,y)=2+\sqrt{3(x-1)^2+4(y+1)^2}[/tex]

Homework Equations


For fx(x,y) I get:
[tex]f_x(x,y)=0+\frac{1*6(x-1)}{2\sqrt{3(x-1)^2+4(y+1)^2}}=\frac{3(x-1)}{\sqrt{3(x-1)^2+4(y+1)^2}}[/tex]
For fy(x,y) I get:
[tex]f_y(x,y)=0+\frac{1*8(y+1)}{2\sqrt{3(x-1)^2+4(y+1)^2}}=\frac{4(y+1)}{\sqrt{3(x-1)^2+4(y+1)^2}}[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution


Solving both of these for x and y when set equal to 0, gets me x = 1 and y = -1. However neither of these functions exist when x and y equal those values. Does the original function still have a critical point at (x,y) = (1,-1)?

Additionally, when I put the function into Wolfram Alpha it says that it has no critical points.
 
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  • #2
What is the definition of the critical point?
 

1. What is a critical point of a multivariable function?

A critical point of a multivariable function is a point where all partial derivatives of the function are equal to zero. This means that the slope of the function in all directions is zero at this point.

2. Why are critical points important in multivariable calculus?

Critical points are important because they can help us identify local extrema (maximum or minimum values) of a multivariable function. They also play a key role in optimization problems, where we want to find the maximum or minimum value of a function.

3. How do you find critical points of a multivariable function?

To find critical points, we need to take the partial derivatives of the function with respect to each variable and set them equal to zero. Then, we solve the resulting system of equations to find the values of the variables at the critical point.

4. Can a multivariable function have more than one critical point?

Yes, a multivariable function can have multiple critical points. In fact, there can be infinitely many critical points in some cases. It is important to examine all critical points to determine the global maximum or minimum of the function.

5. Are all critical points local extrema?

No, not all critical points are local extrema. A critical point can also be a saddle point, where the function changes from increasing to decreasing or vice versa. It is important to use the second derivative test or other methods to determine the type of critical point.

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