Critical points and 2nd partials test

In summary, the critical point for the function f(x,y) = 12xy-x^2 y-2xy^2 is (5,3) and the second partial derivatives are fxx(x,y)= -2, fyy(x,y)= -4, and fxy(x,y)= 0. Plugging in the values of the critical point, we get d=8, indicating that the function has a saddle point at (5,3).
  • #1
camino
42
0

Homework Statement



Find all critical points of f(x,y) = 12xy-x^2 y-2xy^2 and test them for relative extrema using the 2nd partials test.

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



{0=fx(x,y)=12-2x-2 10x-2 x=5
{0=fy(x,y)=12-4y y=3

Critical point: (5,3)

fxx(x,y)= -2
fyy(x,y)= -4
fxy(x,y)= 0

d(5,3)=fxx(5,3)fyy(5,3)-(fxy(5,3))^2
d=(0)(0)-(0)
d=0 no conclusion
---------------------------------------

Just wondering if I did this right?
 
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  • #2
camino said:

Homework Statement



Find all critical points of f(x,y) = 12xy-x^2 y-2xy^2 and test them for relative extrema using the 2nd partials test.

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



{0=fx(x,y)=12-2x-2 10x-2 x=5
{0=fy(x,y)=12-4y y=3

Critical point: (5,3)

fxx(x,y)= -2
fyy(x,y)= -4
fxy(x,y)= 0

d(5,3)=fxx(5,3)fyy(5,3)-(fxy(5,3))^2
d=(0)(0)-(0)
d=0 no conclusion
---------------------------------------

Just wondering if I did this right?
fxx(5,3)fyy(5,3)= (-2)(-4), not (0)(0)!
 
  • #3
Ok, so

d=(-2)(-4)-(0)
d=8

Is that right?
 

1. What are critical points in terms of mathematical functions?

Critical points are points on the graph of a mathematical function where the derivative of the function is equal to 0 or undefined. These points are important in determining the relative maximum and minimum values of the function.

2. How are critical points related to the 2nd partials test?

The 2nd partials test is a mathematical tool used to determine if a critical point is a relative maximum, minimum, or saddle point. It involves finding the second derivative of the function at the critical point and evaluating it to see if it is positive, negative, or 0.

3. Is it possible to have more than one critical point on a function?

Yes, it is possible to have multiple critical points on a function. In fact, most functions have multiple critical points. These points can be found by setting the first derivative of the function equal to 0 and solving for the variable.

4. Can a critical point be a maximum, minimum, and saddle point at the same time?

No, a critical point can only be one of these three types. The 2nd partials test helps determine which type of critical point it is by analyzing the concavity of the function at that point.

5. Why are critical points important in mathematical analysis?

Critical points are important because they provide valuable information about the behavior of a function. They help us identify important points such as maximum and minimum values, which can be used in optimization problems. They also help us understand the shape and behavior of a function in different regions.

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