True or false questions about partial derivatives

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the validity of four statements regarding partial derivatives and differentiability in multivariable calculus. The first statement is confirmed as true, asserting that if the partial derivatives of a function f(x,y) exist at a point (a,b), then f is differentiable at that point. The second statement about saddle points is also deemed true based on the second derivative test, specifically when the product of the second derivatives is less than the square of the mixed derivative. The third statement is true, as local maxima necessitate the existence of a local minimum between them. The fourth statement regarding the directional derivative is clarified as the rate of change of the function in the direction of a unit vector.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of multivariable calculus concepts, specifically partial derivatives.
  • Familiarity with the second derivative test for classifying critical points.
  • Knowledge of differentiability and its definition in the context of functions of multiple variables.
  • Basic understanding of directional derivatives and gradient vectors.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the definition and properties of differentiability in multivariable calculus.
  • Learn how to apply the second derivative test for functions of two variables.
  • Explore the concept of saddle points and their characteristics in multivariable functions.
  • Investigate directional derivatives and their computation using gradient vectors.
USEFUL FOR

Students of multivariable calculus, educators teaching calculus concepts, and anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of partial derivatives and their applications in optimization problems.

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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

D_{\textbf{v}} = \nabla f \bullet \textbf{v}
 

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