Chapter 14: Problem 6
Find the local maximum and minimum values and saddle point(s) of the function. If you have three-dimensional graphing software, graph the function with a domain and viewpoint that reveal all the important aspects of the function. $$f(x, y)=x^{3} y+12 x^{2}-8 y$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The function has a saddle point at (2, -4).
Step by step solution
01
Find First-Order Partial Derivatives
To locate critical points, we need the first-order partial derivatives of the function. Let's compute the partial derivative with respect to \(x\):\[ f_x(x, y) = \frac{\partial}{\partial x}(x^3y + 12x^2 - 8y) = 3x^2y + 24x \]Similarly, compute the partial derivative with respect to \(y\):\[ f_y(x, y) = \frac{\partial}{\partial y}(x^3y + 12x^2 - 8y) = x^3 - 8 \]
02
Set Partial Derivatives to Zero
Critical points occur where both partial derivatives are zero. Set \(f_x(x, y)\) and \(f_y(x, y)\) to zero:\[ 3x^2y + 24x = 0 \] \[ x^3 - 8 = 0 \] From \(x^3 - 8 = 0\), solve for \(x\):\[ x^3 = 8 \Rightarrow x = 2 \]
03
Solve for Corresponding y Values
Substitute \(x = 2\) into the equation \(3x^2y + 24x = 0\):\[ 3(2)^2y + 24(2) = 0 \] \[ 12y + 48 = 0 \] \[ 12y = -48 \] \[ y = -4 \]So the critical point is \((2, -4)\).
04
Determine Nature of Critical Point
Use second-order partial derivatives to analyze the nature of the critical point. First, compute them:\[ f_{xx} = \frac{\partial^2}{\partial x^2}(3x^2y + 24x) = 6xy + 24 \]\[ f_{yy} = \frac{\partial^2}{\partial y^2}(x^3 - 8) = 0 \]\[ f_{xy} = \frac{\partial^2}{\partial x \partial y}(3x^2y + 24x) = 3x^2 \]Calculate the determinant of the Hessian matrix at the critical point \((x, y) = (2, -4)\):\[ D = f_{xx} f_{yy} - (f_{xy})^2 = (6(2)(-4) + 24)(0) - (3(2)^2)^2 = - (12)^2 = -144 \]Since \(D < 0\), the critical point \((2, -4)\) is a saddle point.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Partial Derivatives
Partial derivatives are fundamental concepts in multivariable calculus. They measure how a function changes as only one variable is altered, keeping the others constant. This is crucial for understanding functions with more than one variable, like our given function.
- For a function of two variables, like \(f(x, y)\), the partial derivative with respect to \(x\) is denoted \(f_x(x, y)\). It tells us how \(f\) changes as \(x\) changes.
- Similarly, the partial derivative with respect to \(y\), denoted \(f_y(x, y)\), shows how \(f\) changes as \(y\) changes.
Hessian Matrix
The Hessian matrix is a square matrix composed of second-order partial derivatives of a function. It aids in classifying the nature of critical points for functions of multiple variables.
This determinant helps determine whether we have a minimum, maximum, or saddle point.
- The elements of the Hessian matrix include \(f_{xx}\), \(f_{yy}\), and \(f_{xy}\), where each represents a second-order partial derivative.
- In the exercise, \(f_{xx} = 6xy + 24\), \(f_{yy} = 0\), and \(f_{xy} = 3x^2\).
This determinant helps determine whether we have a minimum, maximum, or saddle point.
Saddle Point
A saddle point is a type of critical point in a function where the surrounding surface curves upwards in one direction and downwards in another, like a mountain pass.
Saddle points are characterized by their unique topography, unlike peaks or troughs in the graph of a function.
- It is neither a local minimum nor a maximum.
- The determinant of the Hessian matrix, \(D\), is used to identify a saddle point.
Saddle points are characterized by their unique topography, unlike peaks or troughs in the graph of a function.
Second-Order Derivatives
Second-order derivatives provide a deeper understanding of the behavior of a function’s graph.
In our solution:
- For multivariable functions, they are essential in forming the Hessian matrix.
- Second-order derivatives include \(f_{xx}\), \(f_{yy}\), and mixed derivatives like \(f_{xy}\).
In our solution:
- \(f_{xx} = 6xy + 24\) mixes \(x\) and \(y\), indicating interaction between variables.
- \(f_{yy} = 0\) shows no concavity changes in the \(y\) direction alone.
- \(f_{xy} = 3x^2\) describes how the slope in the \(x\) direction changes as \(y\) changes.