ASSIGNMENT 3
1. Determine the nature of the critical points of
(a)
f (x, y) = exy ;
(b) f (x, y) = x2 + 2y 2 − xy ;
(c) f (x, y) = 3xey − x3 − e3y .
2. Let f (x, y) = x2 + 4y 2 − 4xy. Can you say whether the critical points are local
minima, maxima or saddle points?
3. Find the points on the hyperboloid
z2 −
y 2 x2
−
=1
2
3
that are closest to the origin.
4. Find the minimum value of x2 + y 2 + z 2 subject to the constraints x + y − z = 0
and x + 3y + z = 2. Give a geometrical interpretation of your answer and using it
explain why x2 + y 2 + z 2 has no maximum subject to these constraints.
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