Function in 3 variables, determinant of the Hessian=0

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on finding the minima and maxima of the function f(x,y,z) = x(z² + y²) - yx, where the Hessian determinant equals zero for all values of a along the x-axis. The Hessian matrix is given as a 3x3 matrix with specific eigenvalues dependent on the parameter a. For values of a greater than 1/2, the function exhibits convexity with infinite minima, while for a less than -1/2, it is concave with all points to the left of (-1/2, 0, 0) being maxima. The critical points along the x-axis require further analysis to determine their nature due to the presence of a zero eigenvalue.

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  • Understanding of multivariable calculus, specifically partial derivatives
  • Familiarity with Hessian matrices and their role in determining concavity and convexity
  • Knowledge of eigenvalues and their significance in classifying critical points
  • Experience with optimization techniques in mathematical functions
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Homework Statement



find the minima and maxima of the following function:
##f:\mathbb{R}^3 \to \mathbb{R} : f(x,y,z)=x(z^2+y^2)-yx##

The Attempt at a Solution



after computing the partials, i see ∇f=0 for every point in the x-axis: (a, 0, 0)
The Hessian is:
( 0 0 0 )
( 0 2a -1 )
( 0 -1 2a )
for every value of a, the determinant is 0.
the eigenvalues are: ##\lambda_1=0##
##\lambda_{2,3}= 2a±\sqrt{1}##=##2a\pm1 ##
##\lambda_{2,3}## are both positive if a>1/2 and both negative if a<-1/2.
Thus, for -1/2<a<1/2 i can say the points are inflection points, because the eigenvalues have oppisite sign.
But how about ##a \geq 1/2## and ## a \leq -1/2##? i get two positive/negative eigenvalues, but the first one is always zero, so i can't really say that they are maxima/minima, right? what's the method to determine if they are max/min? thank you very much
 
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Is it correct to say that, being semidefinite positive for ##x \geq1/2## the function is convex and has therefore infinite minima and being semidefinite negative for ##x \leq -1/2## it is concave and so all the points to the left of (-1/2, 0, 0) are maxima?
 

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