[Math] How to find critical points of multidimensional function

calculusmultivariable-calculusself-learning

I have this function:

$$ f(x,y) = x^2 – 2xy+ 4y^3$$

I calculated the gradient without problems:

$$\nabla f(x,y) = \left(2x-2y , -2x + 12y^3\right)^T$$

This is where kind of got stuck, I know from looking at the gradient that for $(0,0)$ the gradient is $0$, so we have a critical point there but, other than that I'm lost.

I know from $ 2x-2y$ that for for the first part of the gradient to be zero $x$ has to be equal to $y$.

I dont know how to find out the other critical points.

Best Answer

I have this function: $$ f(x,y) = x^2 - 2xy+ 4y^3$$ I calculated the gradient without problems: $$\nabla f(x,y) = \left(2x-2y , -2x \color{red}{-} 12y^\color{red}{3}\right)^T$$

Careful, you have a small sign and exponent mistake: $\left(2x-2y , -2x \color{green}{+} 12y^\color{green}{2}\right)^T$.

I dont know how to find out the other critical points.

But you haven't found any critical points yet, as you only used one equation so far. Keep in mind that requiring that the gradient is equal to $(0,0)$ is equivalent to a system of two equations: $$\left\{ \begin{array}{rcl} 2x-2y &=& 0 \\ -2x + 12y^2 &=& 0 \end{array}\right. \iff \left\{ \begin{array}{rcl} x &=& y \\ -2x + 12y^2 &=& 0 \end{array}\right.$$ Now plug $x=y$ into the second equation and solve: $$-2x + 12x^2 = 0 \iff -2 x\left( 1 -6x \right) = 0 \iff x = \ldots$$ Since $y=x$, each solution $x$ will correspond to a critical point $(x,x)$. Can you finish?

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