Function in 3 variables, determinant of the Hessian=0

In summary, the function f(x,y,z)=x(z^2+y^2)-yx has inflection points for -1/2<a<1/2, and for -1/2<a<1/2, the function is convex for x≥1/2 and has infinite minima, and concave for x≤-1/2 and has infinite maxima.
  • #1
Felafel
171
0

Homework Statement



find the minima and maxima of the following function:
##f:\mathbb{R}^3 \to \mathbb{R} : f(x,y,z)=x(z^2+y^2)-yx##

The Attempt at a Solution



after computing the partials, i see ∇f=0 for every point in the x-axis: (a, 0, 0)
The Hessian is:
( 0 0 0 )
( 0 2a -1 )
( 0 -1 2a )
for every value of a, the determinant is 0.
the eigenvalues are: ##\lambda_1=0##
##\lambda_{2,3}= 2a±\sqrt{1}##=##2a\pm1 ##
##\lambda_{2,3}## are both positive if a>1/2 and both negative if a<-1/2.
Thus, for -1/2<a<1/2 i can say the points are inflection points, because the eigenvalues have oppisite sign.
But how about ##a \geq 1/2## and ## a \leq -1/2##? i get two positive/negative eigenvalues, but the first one is always zero, so i can't really say that they are maxima/minima, right? what's the method to determine if they are max/min? thank you very much
 
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  • #2
Is it correct to say that, being semidefinite positive for ##x \geq1/2## the function is convex and has therefore infinite minima and being semidefinite negative for ##x \leq -1/2## it is concave and so all the points to the left of (-1/2, 0, 0) are maxima?
 

Related to Function in 3 variables, determinant of the Hessian=0

1. What is a function in 3 variables?

A function in 3 variables is a mathematical relationship between three variables, where the value of one variable depends on the values of the other two. It can be represented graphically in three-dimensional space.

2. What is the Hessian determinant?

The Hessian determinant is a mathematical tool used to determine the nature of a critical point in a multivariable function. It is calculated using the second-order partial derivatives of the function and can indicate whether the point is a local maximum, minimum, or saddle point.

3. Why is the determinant of the Hessian important?

The determinant of the Hessian is important because it helps us identify the nature of a critical point in a multivariable function. This information is crucial in determining the behavior of the function and can be used to optimize the function or solve optimization problems.

4. What does it mean if the determinant of the Hessian is equal to 0?

If the determinant of the Hessian is equal to 0, it means that the Hessian matrix is singular and does not provide enough information to determine the nature of the critical point. In such cases, other methods such as the second derivative test or higher-order derivatives may be used to determine the behavior of the function at the critical point.

5. How is the determinant of the Hessian calculated?

The determinant of the Hessian is calculated by taking the determinant of the Hessian matrix, which is a square matrix containing the second-order partial derivatives of the function. The Hessian matrix is created by taking the second partial derivatives of the function with respect to each variable and arranging them in a particular order.

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