Finding Local Extrema and Critical Points for f(x,y)=ysin(x)

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding and classifying local minima, maxima, and saddle points for the function f(x,y) = ysin(x). Participants express challenges in identifying critical points and intercepts, particularly focusing on the derivatives fx = ycos(x) and fy = sin(x).

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the need to find (x,y) pairs that satisfy both ycos(x) = 0 and sin(x) = 0. Questions arise about the values of x that make sin(x) = 0 and whether these values also affect cos(x). There is a consideration of the implications of having infinitely many critical points.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with participants exploring the relationships between the equations derived from the derivatives. Some guidance has been offered regarding the nature of the critical points, but no consensus has been reached on the implications of the findings.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the challenge of finding intercepts versus critical points, and there is an acknowledgment of the potential for infinitely many critical points based on the equations discussed.

oceansoft
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Find and classify all local minima, local maxima and saddle points for the function
f(x,y)=ysin(x)

i can do this question however i am having problem with finding the x and y intercepts i get

fx= ycos(x) and fy=sin(x)
0=ycos(x) and 0=sin(x)

i start to have problem now after someone can tell me how to find the intercepts i should be fine with the rest of the question thanks.
 
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oceansoft said:
Find and classify all local minima, local maxima and saddle points for the function
f(x,y)=ysin(x)

i can do this question however i am having problem with finding the x and y intercepts i get

fx= ycos(x) and fy=sin(x)
0=ycos(x) and 0=sin(x)

i start to have problem now after someone can tell me how to find the intercepts i should be fine with the rest of the question thanks.

I guess you mean you are having trouble finding the critical points, not the intercepts.

You need to find (x,y) that make both ycos(x) and sin(x) = 0. What x make sin(x) = 0? Do any of them make cos(x) = 0? If you use the x's that make sin(x) = 0 is there any way to make ycos(x) = 0? What (x,y) work in both equations?
 
LCKurtz said:
I guess you mean you are having trouble finding the critical points, not the intercepts.

You need to find (x,y) that make both ycos(x) and sin(x) = 0. What x make sin(x) = 0? Do any of them make cos(x) = 0? If you use the x's that make sin(x) = 0 is there any way to make ycos(x) = 0? What (x,y) work in both equations?

So u mean like x= 0, pi, 2pi and so on

and then subing those x's into 0=ycos and then solving for y? but if i do it will go on forever beause it says to find all critical points
 
oceansoft said:
So u mean like x= 0, pi, 2pi and so on

and then subing those x's into 0=ycos and then solving for y? but if i do it will go on forever beause it says to find all critical points

Just say that x=\pi n \forall n \epsilon Z
 
oceansoft said:
Find and classify all local minima, local maxima and saddle points for the function
f(x,y)=ysin(x)

i can do this question however i am having problem with finding the x and y intercepts i get

fx= ycos(x) and fy=sin(x)
0=ycos(x) and 0=sin(x)

i start to have problem now after someone can tell me how to find the intercepts i should be fine with the rest of the question thanks.

LCKurtz said:
I guess you mean you are having trouble finding the critical points, not the intercepts.

You need to find (x,y) that make both ycos(x) and sin(x) = 0. What x make sin(x) = 0? Do any of them make cos(x) = 0? If you use the x's that make sin(x) = 0 is there any way to make ycos(x) = 0? What (x,y) work in both equations?

oceansoft said:
So u mean like x= 0, pi, 2pi and so on

and then subing those x's into 0=ycos and then solving for y? but if i do it will go on forever beause it says to find all critical points

Yes, x = n pi make sin(x) = 0. Now answer the next questions I asked:

Do any of them make cos(x) = 0?

If you use the x's that make sin(x) = 0 is there any way to make ycos(x) = 0?

What (x,y) work in both equations?

And, yes, there is nothing wrong with having infinitely many critical points.
 
LCKurtz said:
Yes, x = n pi make sin(x) = 0. Now answer the next questions I asked:

Do any of them make cos(x) = 0?

If you use the x's that make sin(x) = 0 is there any way to make ycos(x) = 0?

What (x,y) work in both equations?

And, yes, there is nothing wrong with having infinitely many critical points.

Am not too sure what u are asking but if i sub any of the x's i found using sin(x)=0 into cos(x)=0 i will just get 1 or -1 does that mean that y is always equal to zero?

therefore x= n pi and y=0
btw thanks for ur time
 
oceansoft said:
Am not too sure what u are asking but if i sub any of the x's i found using sin(x)=0 into cos(x)=0 i will just get 1 or -1 does that mean that y is always equal to zero?

therefore x= n pi and y=0
btw thanks for ur time

Yes, that's exactly it. So your critical points are (n pi, 0).
 

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