Hessian Matrix Calculator (2×2)
Determine local extrema and saddle points using the Second Derivative Test.
Calculation Results
Determinant (D):
Matrix Structure:
[ , ]
[ , ]
[ , ]
Classification:
Understanding the Hessian (Hesse) Matrix
In mathematics, the Hessian matrix (or Hesse matrix) is a square matrix of second-order partial derivatives of a scalar-valued function. It is a fundamental tool used in multi-variable calculus for optimization and identifying the nature of critical points.
The 2×2 Hessian Matrix Formula
For a function $f(x, y)$, the Hessian matrix is defined as:
H = | fxx fxy |
| fyx fyy |
| fyx fyy |
Note: According to Clairaut's Theorem, if the second derivatives are continuous, then $f_{xy} = f_{yx}$.
The Second Derivative Test
To classify a critical point $(a, b)$, we calculate the determinant D of the Hessian matrix:
D = (fxx * fyy) – (fxy)2
- If D > 0 and fxx > 0: The point is a Local Minimum.
- If D > 0 and fxx < 0: The point is a Local Maximum.
- If D < 0: The point is a Saddle Point.
- If D = 0: The test is Inconclusive.
Practical Example
Consider the function f(x, y) = x² + y². Let's analyze it at the point (0, 0):
- Find first derivatives: fx = 2x, fy = 2y.
- Find second derivatives: fxx = 2, fyy = 2, fxy = 0.
- Calculate Determinant: D = (2 * 2) – (0)² = 4.
- Since D > 0 and fxx = 2 (which is > 0), the point (0,0) is a Local Minimum.