Explanation

\(f_{xx}=f_{yy}=2\) and \(f_{xy}=3\): \(D=4-9=-5<0\), saddle point. Even though \(f_{xx}>0\), the sign of \(D\) comes first.

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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

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