Find all relative maxima/minima and saddle points

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The discussion focuses on finding critical points for the function f(x,y)=2x^3+xy^2+5x^2+y^2 by calculating its partial derivatives. The user successfully derived the first derivatives fx and fy but encountered difficulties in solving for critical points. A suggestion was made to set fy equal to zero and factor it, leading to two potential solutions: y=0 or x=-1. The user acknowledged a mistake in their calculations and expressed gratitude for the guidance. The conversation emphasizes the importance of careful arithmetic in solving multivariable calculus problems.
stolencookie

Homework Statement


f(x,y)=2x^3+xy^2+5x^2+y^2

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


fx(x,y)=6x^2+y^2+25x
fy(x,y)=2xy+2y
fxx(x,y)=12x+25
fyy(x,y)=2y+2
fxy(x,y)=2y
I found the partial derivatives from the equation. I am stuck at finding the critical points from the first two fx(x,y) and fy(x,y). I equaled 0=6x^2+y^2+25x and solved for y^2. I then got y^2=-6x^2-25x and tried substituting it in, fy(x,y)= 2x(6-x^2-25x)^2+2(-6x^2-25x)^2. which did not work out well as I was able to do in similar problems.
 
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stolencookie said:

Homework Statement


f(x,y)=2x^3+xy^2+5x^2+y^2

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


fx(x,y)=6x^2+y^2+25x
fy(x,y)=2xy+2y
fxx(x,y)=12x+25
fyy(x,y)=2y+2
fxy(x,y)=2y
I found the partial derivatives from the equation. I am stuck at finding the critical points from the first two fx(x,y) and fy(x,y). I equaled 0=6x^2+y^2+25x and solved for y^2. I then got y^2=-6x^2-25x and tried substituting it in, fy(x,y)= 2x(6-x^2-25x)^2+2(-6x^2-25x)^2. which did not work out well as I was able to do in similar problems.
You have ##f_y = 2xy+2y##. Set that equal to ##0##, and factor it getting ##2y(x+1)=0##. That tells you there are two possibilities, either ##y=0## or ##x=-1##. Go from there.
Edit: Added, check your arithmetic for ##f_x## too.
 
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LCKurtz said:
You have ##f_y = 2xy+2y##. Set that equal to ##0##, and factor it getting ##2y(x+1)=0##. That tells you there are two possibilities, either ##y=0## or ##x=-1##. Go from there.
Edit: Added, check your arithmetic for ##f_x## too.

that was a mistype on the fx either than that thank you.
 
Question: A clock's minute hand has length 4 and its hour hand has length 3. What is the distance between the tips at the moment when it is increasing most rapidly?(Putnam Exam Question) Answer: Making assumption that both the hands moves at constant angular velocities, the answer is ## \sqrt{7} .## But don't you think this assumption is somewhat doubtful and wrong?

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