True or false questions about partial derivatives

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around true or false questions related to partial derivatives and differentiability in multivariable calculus. Participants are examining statements about the implications of derivatives, critical points, and local extrema.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to evaluate the truth of various statements regarding differentiability and critical points. Questions about definitions and the implications of the second derivative test are raised. There is also a discussion about the necessity of continuity for partial derivatives at a point.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants seeking clarification on definitions and the reasoning behind the statements. Some guidance has been offered regarding the interpretation of the second derivative test and the concept of directional derivatives, but no consensus has been reached on the correctness of the statements.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of potential confusion regarding the wording of the questions and the implications of having multiple local maxima without a local minimum. Participants are also questioning the assumptions related to continuity of partial derivatives.

zhuyilun
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Homework Statement


1.if the derivative of f(x,y) with respect to x and y both exist, then f is differentiable at (a,b)
2. if (2,1) is a critical point of f and fxx (2,1)* fyy (2,1) < (fxy (2,1))^2, then f has a saddle point at (1,2)
3. if f(x,y) has two local maxima, then f must have a local minimun
4. Dk f(x,y,z)= fz (x,y,z)

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


1. i think it is right, but i can't come up with a good explanation
2. i think it is right according to the second derivative test, but for some reason, the wording of this question keeps making me think this question is wrong
3. i thnk it is right, because if f( x,y) has 2 local max, then there must be a local min between those two local max because the graph must decrease after the first local max
4. i have no idea, can someone explain?

can someone tell me what i did is right or nor?
 
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so i assume you just have to decide true or false?

i) what is the definition of differentiable?
ii) check against 2nd derivative test as you said, rearrange expression to help if necessary, I can't see anything wrong with the wording
iii) that might be true for the 1 variable case, though imagine two peaks in an otherwise flat plane, is tehre any local minima?
iv) I think this means the directional derivatine in the k (z) direction
 
lanedance said:
so i assume you just have to decide true or false?

i) what is the definition of differentiable?
ii) check against 2nd derivative test as you said, rearrange expression to help if necessary, I can't see anything wrong with the wording
iii) that might be true for the 1 variable case, though imagine two peaks in an otherwise flat plane, is tehre any local minima?
iv) I think this means the directional derivatine in the k (z) direction

i) but doesn't fx and fy have to be continuous at (a,b)?
iv) can you explain a little bit more about it, i still don't get it

thank you
 
i) you still haven't said what the definition of differentiability is?
iv) say you have a vector v, the directional derivative in the direction of a unit vector v is the rate of change of the function moving in the direction of v, it is given by

[tex]D_{\textbf{v}} = \nabla f \bullet \textbf{v}[/tex]
 

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