Relative and Absolute Extrema

Lucky Galvez
Institute of Mathematics
University of the Philippines
Diliman

Math 55

Relative and Absolute Extrema

Recall

R
R
R

For a function f (x)

a is a critical number of f if either f 0 (a) = 0 or f 0 (a) does
not exist.
The relative extrema of f occurs at the critical number, i.e.
if a has a relative extremum at a, then a is a critical
number of f .
If f is continuous on a closed interval [a, b], then f attains
its abolute extrema on [a, b] at the critical points in [a, b] or
at the endpoints a and b.

Math 55

Relative and Absolute Extrema

Relative and Absolute Extrema

Definition
A function f (x, y) has a
relative minimum at (a, b) if f (a, b) f (x, y);
relative maximum at (a, b) if f (a, b) f (x, y)
for all (x, y) on some disk centered at (a, b). If the above
inequality holds for all (x, y) in the domain of f , then f has an
absolute minimum or absolute maximum at (a, b).

Math 55

Relative and Absolute Extrema

Critical Point

Definition
The point (a, b) is a critical point or stationary point of
f (x, y) if either
f (a, b) = ~0 (i.e., fx (a, b) = 0 and fy (a, b) = 0),
one of fx (a, b) or fy (a, b) does not exist.

Math 55

Relative and Absolute Extrema

Relative Extrema

Theorem
If f (x, y) has a relative extremum at (a, b), then (a, b) is a
critical point of f (x, y) and in fact, f (a, b) = ~0.

Math 55

Relative and Absolute Extrema

Relative Extrema

Theorem
If f (x, y) has a relative extremum at (a, b), then (a, b) is a
critical point of f (x, y) and in fact, f (a, b) = ~0.
Proof. Define g(x) = f (x, b)

Math 55

Relative and Absolute Extrema

Relative Extrema

Theorem
If f (x, y) has a relative extremum at (a, b), then (a, b) is a
critical point of f (x, y) and in fact, f (a, b) = ~0.
Proof. Define g(x) = f (x, b) and suppose f has a relative
extremum at (a, b).

Math 55

Relative and Absolute Extrema

Relative Extrema

Theorem
If f (x, y) has a relative extremum at (a, b), then (a, b) is a
critical point of f (x, y) and in fact, f (a, b) = ~0.
Proof. Define g(x) = f (x, b) and suppose f has a relative
extremum at (a, b). Then g(x) has relative extremum (of the
same kind) at x = a,

Math 55

Relative and Absolute Extrema

Relative Extrema

Theorem
If f (x, y) has a relative extremum at (a, b), then (a, b) is a
critical point of f (x, y) and in fact, f (a, b) = ~0.
Proof. Define g(x) = f (x, b) and suppose f has a relative
extremum at (a, b). Then g(x) has relative extremum (of the
same kind) at x = a, i.e., g 0 (a) = 0.

Math 55

Relative and Absolute Extrema

Relative Extrema

Theorem
If f (x, y) has a relative extremum at (a, b), then (a, b) is a
critical point of f (x, y) and in fact, f (a, b) = ~0.
Proof. Define g(x) = f (x, b) and suppose f has a relative
extremum at (a, b). Then g(x) has relative extremum (of the
same kind) at x = a, i.e., g 0 (a) = 0. Thus, g 0 (a) = fx (a, b) = 0.

Math 55

Relative and Absolute Extrema

Relative Extrema

Theorem
If f (x, y) has a relative extremum at (a, b), then (a, b) is a
critical point of f (x, y) and in fact, f (a, b) = ~0.
Proof. Define g(x) = f (x, b) and suppose f has a relative
extremum at (a, b). Then g(x) has relative extremum (of the
same kind) at x = a, i.e., g 0 (a) = 0. Thus, g 0 (a) = fx (a, b) = 0.
By defining h(y) = f (a, y) and using similar aruments, we have
fy (a, b) = 0.

Math 55

Relative and Absolute Extrema

Relative Extrema

Theorem
If f (x, y) has a relative extremum at (a, b), then (a, b) is a
critical point of f (x, y) and in fact, f (a, b) = ~0.
Proof. Define g(x) = f (x, b) and suppose f has a relative
extremum at (a, b). Then g(x) has relative extremum (of the
same kind) at x = a, i.e., g 0 (a) = 0. Thus, g 0 (a) = fx (a, b) = 0.
By defining h(y) = f (a, y) and using similar aruments, we have
fy (a, b) = 0.
This means f (a, b) = ~0

Math 55

Relative and Absolute Extrema

Relative Extrema

Theorem
If f (x, y) has a relative extremum at (a, b), then (a, b) is a
critical point of f (x, y) and in fact, f (a, b) = ~0.
Proof. Define g(x) = f (x, b) and suppose f has a relative
extremum at (a, b). Then g(x) has relative extremum (of the
same kind) at x = a, i.e., g 0 (a) = 0. Thus, g 0 (a) = fx (a, b) = 0.
By defining h(y) = f (a, y) and using similar aruments, we have
fy (a, b) = 0.
This means f (a, b) = ~0 and hence (a, b) is a critical point of f


Math 55

Relative and Absolute Extrema

Saddle Point
Consider f (x, y) = x2 y 2 .

Math 55

Relative and Absolute Extrema

Saddle Point
Consider f (x, y) = x2 y 2 . Note that
fx (x, y) = 2x

Math 55

fy (x, y) = 2y

Relative and Absolute Extrema

Saddle Point
Consider f (x, y) = x2 y 2 . Note that
fx (x, y) = 2x

fy (x, y) = 2y

so the only critical point of f is (0, 0).

Math 55

Relative and Absolute Extrema

Saddle Point
Consider f (x, y) = x2 y 2 . Note that
fx (x, y) = 2x

fy (x, y) = 2y

so the only critical point of f is (0, 0).

Graph of f (x, y) = x2 y 2

Math 55

Relative and Absolute Extrema

Saddle Point
Consider f (x, y) = x2 y 2 . Note that
fx (x, y) = 2x

fy (x, y) = 2y

so the only critical point of f is (0, 0).

Graph of f (x, y) = x2 y 2

In this case we call (0, 0) a saddle point of f .

Math 55

Relative and Absolute Extrema

Relative Extrema and Saddle point

Second Derivatives Test
Suppose (a, b) is a critical point of f (x, y), with second order
partial derivatives of f continuous on some region containing
(a, b). Define D = fxx (a, b)fyy (a, b) [fxy (a, b)]2 . Then f has
a relative minimum at (a, b) if D > 0 and fxx > 0;
a relative maximum at (a, b) if D > 0 and fxx < 0;
a saddle point at (a, b) if D < 0.

Math 55

Relative and Absolute Extrema

Relative Extrema and Saddle point

Second Derivatives Test
Suppose (a, b) is a critical point of f (x, y), with second order
partial derivatives of f continuous on some region containing
(a, b). Define D = fxx (a, b)fyy (a, b) [fxy (a, b)]2 . Then f has
a relative minimum at (a, b) if D > 0 and fxx > 0;
a relative maximum at (a, b) if D > 0 and fxx < 0;
a saddle point at (a, b) if D < 0.

RR

Remarks.
No conclusion can be made if D = 0.
The formula
for D can

 be written as the determinant of the
fxx fxy
matrix
.
fyx fyy
Math 55

Relative and Absolute Extrema

Relative Extrema and Saddle point

Example
Find and classify all critical points of f (x, y) = 4 + x3 + y 3 3xy

Math 55

Relative and Absolute Extrema

Relative Extrema and Saddle point

Example
Find and classify all critical points of f (x, y) = 4 + x3 + y 3 3xy
(
f (x, y)
Solution. Solving the system x
fy (x, y)

Math 55

=0
=0

Relative and Absolute Extrema

Relative Extrema and Saddle point

Example
Find and classify all critical points of f (x, y) = 4 + x3 + y 3 3xy
(
f (x, y)
Solution. Solving the system x
fy (x, y)

Math 55

=0

=0

3x2 3y
3y 2 3x

Relative and Absolute Extrema

=0
=0

Relative Extrema and Saddle point

Example
Find and classify all critical points of f (x, y) = 4 + x3 + y 3 3xy
(
f (x, y)
Solution. Solving the system x
fy (x, y)
gives the solutions (0, 0) and (1, 1).

Math 55

=0

=0

3x2 3y
3y 2 3x

Relative and Absolute Extrema

=0
=0

Relative Extrema and Saddle point

Example
Find and classify all critical points of f (x, y) = 4 + x3 + y 3 3xy
(
f (x, y)
Solution. Solving the system x
fy (x, y)
gives the solutions (0, 0) and (1, 1).

=0

=0

3x2 3y
3y 2 3x

Note that fxx (x, y) = 6x;

Math 55

Relative and Absolute Extrema

=0
=0

Relative Extrema and Saddle point

Example
Find and classify all critical points of f (x, y) = 4 + x3 + y 3 3xy
(
f (x, y)
Solution. Solving the system x
fy (x, y)
gives the solutions (0, 0) and (1, 1).
Note that fxx (x, y) = 6x;

=0

=0

3x2 3y
3y 2 3x

fyy (x, y) = 6y;

Math 55

Relative and Absolute Extrema

=0
=0

Relative Extrema and Saddle point

Example
Find and classify all critical points of f (x, y) = 4 + x3 + y 3 3xy
(

(
f (x, y)
Solution. Solving the system x
fy (x, y)
gives the solutions (0, 0) and (1, 1).

=0

=0

Note that fxx (x, y) = 6x;

fxy (x, y) = 3

fyy (x, y) = 6y;

Math 55

3x2 3y
3y 2 3x

Relative and Absolute Extrema

=0
=0

Relative Extrema and Saddle point

Example
Find and classify all critical points of f (x, y) = 4 + x3 + y 3 3xy
(

(
f (x, y)
Solution. Solving the system x
fy (x, y)
gives the solutions (0, 0) and (1, 1).

=0

=0

Note that fxx (x, y) = 6x;

fxy (x, y) = 3

fxx

fyy

fyy (x, y) = 6y;

fxy

3x2 3y
3y 2 3x

(0, 0)
(1, 1)

Math 55

Relative and Absolute Extrema

=0
=0

Relative Extrema and Saddle point

Example
Find and classify all critical points of f (x, y) = 4 + x3 + y 3 3xy
(

(
f (x, y)
Solution. Solving the system x
fy (x, y)
gives the solutions (0, 0) and (1, 1).

=0

=0

Note that fxx (x, y) = 6x;

fxy (x, y) = 3

(0, 0)
(1, 1)

fxx
0

fyy

fyy (x, y) = 6y;

fxy

3x2 3y
3y 2 3x

Math 55

Relative and Absolute Extrema

=0
=0

Relative Extrema and Saddle point

Example
Find and classify all critical points of f (x, y) = 4 + x3 + y 3 3xy
(

(
f (x, y)
Solution. Solving the system x
fy (x, y)
gives the solutions (0, 0) and (1, 1).

=0

=0

Note that fxx (x, y) = 6x;

fxy (x, y) = 3

(0, 0)
(1, 1)

fxx
0

fyy
0

fyy (x, y) = 6y;

fxy

3x2 3y
3y 2 3x

Math 55

Relative and Absolute Extrema

=0
=0

Relative Extrema and Saddle point

Example
Find and classify all critical points of f (x, y) = 4 + x3 + y 3 3xy
(

(
f (x, y)
Solution. Solving the system x
fy (x, y)
gives the solutions (0, 0) and (1, 1).

=0

=0

Note that fxx (x, y) = 6x;

fxy (x, y) = 3

(0, 0)
(1, 1)

fxx
0

fyy
0

fyy (x, y) = 6y;

fxy
3

3x2 3y
3y 2 3x

Math 55

Relative and Absolute Extrema

=0
=0

Relative Extrema and Saddle point

Example
Find and classify all critical points of f (x, y) = 4 + x3 + y 3 3xy
(

(
f (x, y)
Solution. Solving the system x
fy (x, y)
gives the solutions (0, 0) and (1, 1).

=0

=0

Note that fxx (x, y) = 6x;

fxy (x, y) = 3

(0, 0)
(1, 1)

fxx
0

fyy
0

fxy
3

fyy (x, y) = 6y;

3x2 3y
3y 2 3x

D
0 (3)2 = 9

Math 55

Relative and Absolute Extrema

=0
=0

Relative Extrema and Saddle point

Example
Find and classify all critical points of f (x, y) = 4 + x3 + y 3 3xy
(

(
f (x, y)
Solution. Solving the system x
fy (x, y)
gives the solutions (0, 0) and (1, 1).

=0

=0

Note that fxx (x, y) = 6x;

fxy (x, y) = 3

(0, 0)
(1, 1)

fxx
0

fyy
0

fxy
3

fyy (x, y) = 6y;

3x2 3y
3y 2 3x

D
0 (3)2 = 9

Hence f (x, y) has a saddle point at (0, 0) (since

D < 0)

Math 55

Relative and Absolute Extrema

=0
=0

Relative Extrema and Saddle point

Example
Find and classify all critical points of f (x, y) = 4 + x3 + y 3 3xy
(

(
f (x, y)
Solution. Solving the system x
fy (x, y)
gives the solutions (0, 0) and (1, 1).

=0

=0

Note that fxx (x, y) = 6x;

fxy (x, y) = 3

(0, 0)
(1, 1)

fxx
0
6

fyy
0

fxy
3

fyy (x, y) = 6y;

3x2 3y
3y 2 3x

D
0 (3)2 = 9

Hence f (x, y) has a saddle point at (0, 0) (since

D < 0)

Math 55

Relative and Absolute Extrema

=0
=0

Relative Extrema and Saddle point

Example
Find and classify all critical points of f (x, y) = 4 + x3 + y 3 3xy
(

(
f (x, y)
Solution. Solving the system x
fy (x, y)
gives the solutions (0, 0) and (1, 1).

=0

=0

Note that fxx (x, y) = 6x;

fxy (x, y) = 3

(0, 0)
(1, 1)

fxx
0
6

fyy
0
6

fxy
3

fyy (x, y) = 6y;

3x2 3y
3y 2 3x

D
0 (3)2 = 9

Hence f (x, y) has a saddle point at (0, 0) (since

D < 0)

Math 55

Relative and Absolute Extrema

=0
=0

Relative Extrema and Saddle point

Example
Find and classify all critical points of f (x, y) = 4 + x3 + y 3 3xy
(

(
f (x, y)
Solution. Solving the system x
fy (x, y)
gives the solutions (0, 0) and (1, 1).

=0

=0

Note that fxx (x, y) = 6x;

fxy (x, y) = 3

(0, 0)
(1, 1)

fxx
0
6

fyy
0
6

fxy
3
3

fyy (x, y) = 6y;

3x2 3y
3y 2 3x

D
0 (3)2 = 9

Hence f (x, y) has a saddle point at (0, 0) (since

D < 0)

Math 55

Relative and Absolute Extrema

=0
=0

Relative Extrema and Saddle point

Example
Find and classify all critical points of f (x, y) = 4 + x3 + y 3 3xy
(

(
f (x, y)
Solution. Solving the system x
fy (x, y)
gives the solutions (0, 0) and (1, 1).

=0

=0

Note that fxx (x, y) = 6x;

fxy (x, y) = 3

(0, 0)
(1, 1)

fxx
0
6

fyy
0
6

fxy
3
3

fyy (x, y) = 6y;

3x2 3y
3y 2 3x

D
0 (3)2 = 9
6(6) (3)2 = 27

Hence f (x, y) has a saddle point at (0, 0) (since

D < 0)

Math 55

Relative and Absolute Extrema

=0
=0

Relative Extrema and Saddle point

Example
Find and classify all critical points of f (x, y) = 4 + x3 + y 3 3xy
(

(
f (x, y)
Solution. Solving the system x
fy (x, y)
gives the solutions (0, 0) and (1, 1).

=0

=0

Note that fxx (x, y) = 6x;

fxy (x, y) = 3

(0, 0)
(1, 1)

fxx
0
6

fyy
0
6

fxy
3
3

fyy (x, y) = 6y;

3x2 3y
3y 2 3x

D
0 (3)2 = 9
6(6) (3)2 = 27

Hence f (x, y) has a saddle point at (0, 0) (since

D < 0) and a relative minimum at (1, 1) (since
D > 0 and fxx > 0)

Math 55

Relative and Absolute Extrema

=0
=0

Relative Extrema and Saddle point

Example
Find and classify all critical points of f (x, y) = 4 + x3 + y 3 3xy
(

(
f (x, y)
Solution. Solving the system x
fy (x, y)
gives the solutions (0, 0) and (1, 1).

=0

=0

Note that fxx (x, y) = 6x;

fxy (x, y) = 3

(0, 0)
(1, 1)

fxx
0
6

fyy
0
6

fxy
3
3

fyy (x, y) = 6y;

3x2 3y
3y 2 3x

=0
=0

D
0 (3)2 = 9
6(6) (3)2 = 27

Hence f (x, y) has a saddle point at (0, 0) (since

D < 0) and a relative minimum at (1, 1) (since
D > 0 and fxx > 0)
Graph of
f (x, y) = 4 + x3 + y 3 3xy

Math 55

Relative and Absolute Extrema

Example
Consider the function f (x, y) = x2 yex

Math 55

2 y 2

Relative and Absolute Extrema

Example
2

Consider the function f (x, y) = x2 yex y .

To find the critical points, we solve the system
(
2
2
fx (x, y) = 2xy(x2 1)ex y = 0
2
2
fy (x, y) = x2 (1 2y 2 )ex y
=0

Math 55

Relative and Absolute Extrema

Example
2

Consider the function f (x, y) = x2 yex y .

To find the critical points, we solve the system
(
2
2
fx (x, y) = 2xy(x2 1)ex y = 0
2
2
fy (x, y) = x2 (1 2y 2 )ex y
=0
Observe that y, (0, y) is a solution to the system above.

Math 55

Relative and Absolute Extrema

Example
2

Consider the function f (x, y) = x2 yex y .

To find the critical points, we solve the system
(
2
2
fx (x, y) = 2xy(x2 1)ex y = 0
2
2
fy (x, y) = x2 (1 2y 2 )ex y
=0
Observe that y, (0, y) is a solution to the system above.
fxx = 2y(2x4 5x2 + 1)ex
2

x2 y 2

fyy = 2x y(2y 3)e

2 y 2

;
2 y 2

fxy = 2x(x2 1)(2y 2 1)ex

Math 55

Relative and Absolute Extrema

Example
2

Consider the function f (x, y) = x2 yex y .

To find the critical points, we solve the system
(
2
2
fx (x, y) = 2xy(x2 1)ex y = 0
2
2
fy (x, y) = x2 (1 2y 2 )ex y
=0
Observe that y, (0, y) is a solution to the system above.
fxx = 2y(2x4 5x2 + 1)ex
2

x2 y 2

fyy = 2x y(2y 3)e

2 y 2

;
2 y 2

fxy = 2x(x2 1)(2y 2 1)ex

Note that when x = 0, fyy (0, y) = 0

and fxy (0, y) = 0.

Math 55

Relative and Absolute Extrema

Example
2

Consider the function f (x, y) = x2 yex y .

To find the critical points, we solve the system
(
2
2
fx (x, y) = 2xy(x2 1)ex y = 0
2
2
fy (x, y) = x2 (1 2y 2 )ex y
=0
Observe that y, (0, y) is a solution to the system above.
fxx = 2y(2x4 5x2 + 1)ex
2

x2 y 2

fyy = 2x y(2y 3)e

2 y 2

;
2 y 2

fxy = 2x(x2 1)(2y 2 1)ex

Note that when x = 0, fyy (0, y) = 0

and fxy (0, y) = 0.
Thus, D = fxx (0, y)fyy (0, y) fxy (0, y) = 0.
Math 55

Relative and Absolute Extrema

Example
2

Consider the function f (x, y) = x2 yex y .

To find the critical points, we solve the system
(
2
2
fx (x, y) = 2xy(x2 1)ex y = 0
2
2
fy (x, y) = x2 (1 2y 2 )ex y
=0
Observe that y, (0, y) is a solution to the system above.
fxx = 2y(2x4 5x2 + 1)ex
2

x2 y 2

fyy = 2x y(2y 3)e

2 y 2

;
2 y 2

fxy = 2x(x2 1)(2y 2 1)ex

Note that when x = 0, fyy (0, y) = 0

and fxy (0, y) = 0.

2
2
Graph of f (x, y) = x2 yex y

Thus, D = fxx (0, y)fyy (0, y) fxy (0, y) = 0.

Math 55

Relative and Absolute Extrema

Relative Extrema
Recall. If a continuous function f (x) has only one critical
number, then a relative maximum(minimum) has to be the
absolute maximum(minimum).

Math 55

Relative and Absolute Extrema

Relative Extrema
Recall. If a continuous function f (x) has only one critical
number, then a relative maximum(minimum) has to be the
absolute maximum(minimum). However, this is not true for
f (x, y).

Math 55

Relative and Absolute Extrema

Relative Extrema
Recall. If a continuous function f (x) has only one critical
number, then a relative maximum(minimum) has to be the
absolute maximum(minimum). However, this is not true for
f (x, y).
Consider f (x, y) = 3xey x3 e3y .

Math 55

Relative and Absolute Extrema

Relative Extrema
Recall. If a continuous function f (x) has only one critical
number, then a relative maximum(minimum) has to be the
absolute maximum(minimum). However, this is not true for
f (x, y).
Consider f (x, y) = 3xey x3 e3y . The only critical point of f
is (1, 0).

Math 55

Relative and Absolute Extrema

Relative Extrema
Recall. If a continuous function f (x) has only one critical
number, then a relative maximum(minimum) has to be the
absolute maximum(minimum). However, this is not true for
f (x, y).
Consider f (x, y) = 3xey x3 e3y . The only critical point of f
is (1, 0).
Observe from the graph that

f has a relative maximum at (1, 0) but it is not the absolute

maximum.
Math 55

Relative and Absolute Extrema

Absolute Extrema
Definition
Let R R2 . Then R is said to be
closed if it contains all its boundary points; open if it
does not contain any of its boundary points
bounded if it can be contained in a disk (of some radius).

Math 55

Relative and Absolute Extrema

Absolute Extrema
Definition
Let R R2 . Then R is said to be
closed if it contains all its boundary points; open if it
does not contain any of its boundary points
bounded if it can be contained in a disk (of some radius).
Theorem
If f (x, y) is continuous on some closed and bounded region
R R2 , then there exist points (x1 , y1 ), (x2 , y2 ) R such that
f (x1 , y1 ) f (x, y) and f (x2 , y2 ) f (x, y) for all (x, y) R, i.e.
f attains its absolute maximum and absolute minimum in R at
(x1 , y1 ) and (x2 , y2 ), resp.

Math 55

Relative and Absolute Extrema

Absolute Extrema
Definition
Let R R2 . Then R is said to be
closed if it contains all its boundary points; open if it
does not contain any of its boundary points
bounded if it can be contained in a disk (of some radius).
Theorem
If f (x, y) is continuous on some closed and bounded region
R R2 , then there exist points (x1 , y1 ), (x2 , y2 ) R such that
f (x1 , y1 ) f (x, y) and f (x2 , y2 ) f (x, y) for all (x, y) R, i.e.
f attains its absolute maximum and absolute minimum in R at
(x1 , y1 ) and (x2 , y2 ), resp.
Remark. If f has an absolute extremum at (x1 , y1 ), then
(x1 , y1 ) is either a critical point or a boundary point of f .
Math 55

Relative and Absolute Extrema

Absolute Extrema
Example
Find the absolute minimum and maximum values of
f (x, y) = x2 2xy + 2y on the triangular region D with vertices
(0, 0), (4, 0) and (0, 2).

Math 55

Relative and Absolute Extrema

Absolute Extrema
Example
Find the absolute minimum and maximum values of
f (x, y) = x2 2xy + 2y on the triangular region D with vertices
(0, 0), (4, 0) and (0, 2).
Solution.

Math 55

Relative and Absolute Extrema

Absolute Extrema
Example
Find the absolute minimum and maximum values of
f (x, y) = x2 2xy + 2y on the triangular region D with vertices
(0, 0), (4, 0) and (0, 2).
Solution. We first find the critical points of f .

Math 55

Relative and Absolute Extrema

Absolute Extrema
Example
Find the absolute minimum and maximum values of
f (x, y) = x2 2xy + 2y on the triangular region D with vertices
(0, 0), (4, 0) and (0, 2).
Solution.
We first find the critical points of f . The system
(
fx = 2x 2y = 0
has a unique solution (1, 1)
fy = 2x + 2 = 0

2
1

4
Math 55

Relative and Absolute Extrema

Absolute Extrema
Example
Find the absolute minimum and maximum values of
f (x, y) = x2 2xy + 2y on the triangular region D with vertices
(0, 0), (4, 0) and (0, 2).
Solution.
We first find the critical points of f . The system
(
fx = 2x 2y = 0
has a unique solution (1, 1)
fy = 2x + 2 = 0

2
1

(1, 1)

4
Math 55

Relative and Absolute Extrema

Absolute Extrema
Example
Find the absolute minimum and maximum values of
f (x, y) = x2 2xy + 2y on the triangular region D with vertices
(0, 0), (4, 0) and (0, 2).
Solution.
We first find the critical points of f . The system
(
fx = 2x 2y = 0
has a unique solution (1, 1) D.
fy = 2x + 2 = 0

2
1

(1, 1)

4
Math 55

Relative and Absolute Extrema

Absolute Extrema
Example
Find the absolute minimum and maximum values of
f (x, y) = x2 2xy + 2y on the triangular region D with vertices
(0, 0), (4, 0) and (0, 2).
Solution.
Next, consider the boundary of D composed of 3 line segments:
2
1

Math 55

Relative and Absolute Extrema

Absolute Extrema
Example
Find the absolute minimum and maximum values of
f (x, y) = x2 2xy + 2y on the triangular region D with vertices
(0, 0), (4, 0) and (0, 2).
Solution.
Next, consider the boundary of D composed of 3 line segments:
2
1
l1

Math 55

Relative and Absolute Extrema

Absolute Extrema
Example
Find the absolute minimum and maximum values of
f (x, y) = x2 2xy + 2y on the triangular region D with vertices
(0, 0), (4, 0) and (0, 2).
Solution.
Next, consider the boundary of D composed of 3 line segments:
2
1

l2
l1

Math 55

Relative and Absolute Extrema

Absolute Extrema
Example
Find the absolute minimum and maximum values of
f (x, y) = x2 2xy + 2y on the triangular region D with vertices
(0, 0), (4, 0) and (0, 2).
Solution.
Next, consider the boundary of D composed of 3 line segments:
2
1

l3
l2
l1

Math 55

Relative and Absolute Extrema

Absolute Extrema
Example
Find the absolute minimum and maximum values of
f (x, y) = x2 2xy + 2y on the triangular region D with vertices
(0, 0), (4, 0) and (0, 2).
Solution.
Next, consider the boundary of D composed of 3 line segments:
On l1 , y = 0. Define g1 (x) = f (x, 0) = x2 .

2
1
l1

Math 55

Relative and Absolute Extrema

Absolute Extrema
Example
Find the absolute minimum and maximum values of
f (x, y) = x2 2xy + 2y on the triangular region D with vertices
(0, 0), (4, 0) and (0, 2).
Solution.
Next, consider the boundary of D composed of 3 line segments:
On l1 , y = 0. Define g1 (x) = f (x, 0) = x2 .
Note that g(x) attains its extremum when
g 0 (x) = 2x = 0,

2
1
l1

Math 55

Relative and Absolute Extrema

Absolute Extrema
Example
Find the absolute minimum and maximum values of
f (x, y) = x2 2xy + 2y on the triangular region D with vertices
(0, 0), (4, 0) and (0, 2).
Solution.
Next, consider the boundary of D composed of 3 line segments:
On l1 , y = 0. Define g1 (x) = f (x, 0) = x2 .
Note that g(x) attains its extremum when
g 0 (x) = 2x = 0, i.e. at the point (0, 0) and
at the other endpoint (4, 0).

2
1
l1

Math 55

Relative and Absolute Extrema

Absolute Extrema
Example
Find the absolute minimum and maximum values of
f (x, y) = x2 2xy + 2y on the triangular region D with vertices
(0, 0), (4, 0) and (0, 2).
Solution.
Next, consider the boundary of D composed of 3 line segments:
2

On l2 , x = 0. Define g2 (y) = f (0, y) = 2y.

1

l2

Math 55

Relative and Absolute Extrema

Absolute Extrema
Example
Find the absolute minimum and maximum values of
f (x, y) = x2 2xy + 2y on the triangular region D with vertices
(0, 0), (4, 0) and (0, 2).
Solution.
Next, consider the boundary of D composed of 3 line segments:
2
1

On l2 , x = 0. Define g2 (y) = f (0, y) = 2y.

Note that g2 (y) attains its extremum at the
endpoints (0, 0) and (0, 2).

l2

Math 55

Relative and Absolute Extrema

Absolute Extrema
Example
Find the absolute minimum and maximum values of
f (x, y) = x2 2xy + 2y on the triangular region D with vertices
(0, 0), (4, 0) and (0, 2).
Solution.
Next, consider the boundary of D composed of 3 line segments:
On l3 , y =

4x
2 .

2
l3

Math 55

Relative and Absolute Extrema

Absolute Extrema
Example
Find the absolute minimum and maximum values of
f (x, y) = x2 2xy + 2y on the triangular region D with vertices
(0, 0), (4, 0) and (0, 2).
Solution.
Next, consider the boundary of D composed of 3 line segments:
On l3 , y = 4x
2 . Define


g3 (x) = x2 2x 4x
+2
2
= 2x2 5x + 4.

2
l3

4x
2

Math 55

Relative and Absolute Extrema

Absolute Extrema
Example
Find the absolute minimum and maximum values of
f (x, y) = x2 2xy + 2y on the triangular region D with vertices
(0, 0), (4, 0) and (0, 2).
Solution.
Next, consider the boundary of D composed of 3 line segments:
On l3 , y = 4x
2 . Define




g3 (x) = x2 2x 4x
+ 2 4x
2
2
= 2x2 5x + 4.
It attains its extremum when
g 0 (x) = 4x 5 = 0,

2
l3

Math 55

Relative and Absolute Extrema

Absolute Extrema
Example
Find the absolute minimum and maximum values of
f (x, y) = x2 2xy + 2y on the triangular region D with vertices
(0, 0), (4, 0) and (0, 2).
Solution.
Next, consider the boundary of D composed of 3 line segments:
On l3 , y = 4x
2 . Define




g3 (x) = x2 2x 4x
+ 2 4x
2
2
= 2x2 5x + 4.
It attains its extremum when


g 0 (x) = 4x 5 = 0, i.e. at 45 , 11
8 .

2
l3

Math 55

Relative and Absolute Extrema

Absolute Extrema
Example
Find the absolute minimum and maximum values of
f (x, y) = x2 2xy + 2y on the triangular region D with vertices
(0, 0), (4, 0) and (0, 2).
Solution.
Next, consider the boundary of D composed of 3 line segments:
So the candidates for the absolute extrema


are: (1, 1), (0, 0), (4, 0), (0, 2) and 45 , 11
8

2
l3

Math 55

Relative and Absolute Extrema

Absolute Extrema
Example
Find the absolute minimum and maximum values of
f (x, y) = x2 2xy + 2y on the triangular region D with vertices
(0, 0), (4, 0) and (0, 2).
Solution.
Next, consider the boundary of D composed of 3 line segments:
So the candidates for the absolute extrema


are: (1, 1), (0, 0), (4, 0), (0, 2) and 45 , 11
8

2
l3

f (1, 1) = 1
f (0, 0) = 0
1

f (4, 0) = 16
f (0, 2) = 4

5 11
4, 8

Math 55

Relative and Absolute Extrema

7
8

Absolute Extrema
Example
Find the absolute minimum and maximum values of
f (x, y) = x2 2xy + 2y on the triangular region D with vertices
(0, 0), (4, 0) and (0, 2).
Solution.
Next, consider the boundary of D composed of 3 line segments:
So the candidates for the absolute extrema


are: (1, 1), (0, 0), (4, 0), (0, 2) and 45 , 11
8

2
l3

f (1, 1) = 1
f (0, 0) = 0
1

f (4, 0) = 16
f (0, 2) = 4

5 11
4, 8

Hence f has a maximum value of 16 at (4, 0) and minimum

value of 0 at (0, 0).
Math 55

Relative and Absolute Extrema

7
8

Exercises
1

Find and classify all critical points of

a. f (x, y) = x3 y + 12x2 8y

Math 55

Relative and Absolute Extrema

Exercises
1

Find and classify all critical points of

a. f (x, y) = x3 y + 12x2 8y
b. f (x, y) = ex cos y

Math 55

Relative and Absolute Extrema

Exercises
1

Find and classify all critical points of

a. f (x, y) = x3 y + 12x2 8y
b. f (x, y) = ex cos y

Math 55

c. f (x, y) = xy + x1 + y 1

Relative and Absolute Extrema

Exercises
1

Find and classify all critical points of

a. f (x, y) = x3 y + 12x2 8y
b. f (x, y) = ex cos y

Math 55

c. f (x, y) = xy + x1 + y 1
2
2
d. f (x, y) = (x2 + y 2 )ey x

Relative and Absolute Extrema

Exercises
1

Find and classify all critical points of

a. f (x, y) = x3 y + 12x2 8y
b. f (x, y) = ex cos y

c. f (x, y) = xy + x1 + y 1
2
2
d. f (x, y) = (x2 + y 2 )ey x



Show that 1, 22 are critical points of
f (x, y) = x2 yex

2 y 2

and classify each of them.

Math 55

Relative and Absolute Extrema

Exercises
1

Find and classify all critical points of

a. f (x, y) = x3 y + 12x2 8y
b. f (x, y) = ex cos y



Show that 1, 22 are critical points of
f (x, y) = x2 yex

c. f (x, y) = xy + x1 + y 1
2
2
d. f (x, y) = (x2 + y 2 )ey x

2 y 2

and classify each of them.

Find the points on the surface y 2 = 9 + xz that are closest

to the origin. What is the distance of the surface from the
origin?

Math 55

Relative and Absolute Extrema

Exercises
1

Find and classify all critical points of

a. f (x, y) = x3 y + 12x2 8y
b. f (x, y) = ex cos y



Show that 1, 22 are critical points of
f (x, y) = x2 yex

c. f (x, y) = xy + x1 + y 1
2
2
d. f (x, y) = (x2 + y 2 )ey x

2 y 2

and classify each of them.

Find the points on the surface y 2 = 9 + xz that are closest

to the origin. What is the distance of the surface from the
origin?
Find the absolute extrema of f (x, y) = 2x3 + y 4 over the
unit disk centered at the origin.

Math 55

Relative and Absolute Extrema

Exercises
1

Find and classify all critical points of

a. f (x, y) = x3 y + 12x2 8y
b. f (x, y) = ex cos y



Show that 1, 22 are critical points of
f (x, y) = x2 yex

c. f (x, y) = xy + x1 + y 1
2
2
d. f (x, y) = (x2 + y 2 )ey x

2 y 2

and classify each of them.

Find the points on the surface y 2 = 9 + xz that are closest

to the origin. What is the distance of the surface from the
origin?
Find the absolute extrema of f (x, y) = 2x3 + y 4 over the
unit disk centered at the origin.
Find the dimension of the rectangular box with largest
volume if the total surface area is 64 cm2 .

Math 55

Relative and Absolute Extrema

References

Stewart, J., Calculus, Early Transcendentals, 6 ed., Thomson

Brooks/Cole, 2008

Leithold, L., The Calculus 7

Dawkins, P., Calculus 3, online notes available at

http://tutorial.math.lamar.edu/

Math 55

Relative and Absolute Extrema