Local min/max/saddle points of 3d graphs

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on identifying local minima, maxima, and saddle points for the function f(x,y) = e^x cos y. The derivatives are given as fx = e^x cos y and fy = -e^x sin y. The initial conclusion that there are no critical points is incorrect; the function is infinitely differentiable across all x and y, and the perceived sharp crevices are due to inappropriate scaling rather than a lack of differentiability.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of multivariable calculus
  • Familiarity with partial derivatives
  • Knowledge of critical points in functions
  • Experience with graphing functions in 3D
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the concept of critical points in multivariable functions
  • Learn how to apply the second derivative test for local extrema
  • Explore the implications of differentiability in multivariable calculus
  • Practice graphing functions like f(x,y) = e^x cos y to identify features visually
USEFUL FOR

Students in calculus courses, educators teaching multivariable calculus, and anyone interested in understanding the behavior of 3D functions and their critical points.

karadda
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Hello, just got done taking a test and one problem kinda confused me.

Homework Statement



f(x,y) = e^x cos y

find local min/max and saddle points

Homework Equations



fx = e^x cos y
fy = -e^x sin y

The Attempt at a Solution



I answered that there were no critical points for this function and therefore no extrema. I looked at a graph of this here. To me, those sharp crevices indicate the function is not differentiable at those points. Is this correct?
 
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No. [itex]e^x cos(x)[/itex] and [itex]e^x sin(x)[/itex] (and, in fact, are infinitely differentiable) for all x and y. Those peaks look like "sharp crevices" only because your scale is too large.
 

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