Exercise · ZW-SECOND-DERIVATIVE-TEST-006 · ★★☆ Intermediate

For \(f(x,y)=x^2+xy+y^2\), compute \(D=f_{xx}f_{yy}-f_{xy}^{2}\) at the critical point \((0,0)\).

Choose one option.

Show answer
  • D. 3

Explanation

\(f_{xx}=2\), \(f_{yy}=2\), \(f_{xy}=1\), so \(D=2\cdot2-1^2=3\). Forgetting to subtract \(f_{xy}^2\) gives 4.

Study Multivariable calculus in ZWMath →

Review the concept: Second derivative test

The second derivative test classifies a critical point of \(f\) as a minimum, maximum or saddle according to the sign of the discriminant \(D\) and of \(f_{xx}\) at that point.

\[D=f_{xx}f_{yy}-\left(f_{xy}\right)^{2}\]

More practice problems: second derivative test

← ZW-SECOND-DERIVATIVE-TEST-005 ZW-SECOND-DERIVATIVE-TEST-007 →