What is the saddle point?a)Point where function has maximum valueb)Poi...
Saddle point is a point where function have neither maximum nor minimum value.
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What is the saddle point?a)Point where function has maximum valueb)Poi...
The saddle point refers to a point on a function's graph where the function neither has a maximum value nor a minimum value. It is a critical point where the function changes concavity, similar to how a saddle changes its shape. In other words, a saddle point is a point of inflection on a function's graph.
Definition:
A saddle point occurs at a point (x, y) on a function's graph where the function has a horizontal tangent line (slope is zero) but changes concavity. Mathematically, it is a point where the function's second derivative changes sign.
Graphical Representation:
To visualize a saddle point on a graph, imagine a curve that initially goes upwards, then flattens out at the saddle point, and finally goes downwards. At the saddle point, the curve changes from being concave up to concave down or vice versa.
Example:
Let's consider the function f(x, y) = x^2 - y^2. To find the saddle point, we need to find the critical points where the partial derivatives are zero. Taking the partial derivatives, we get:
∂f/∂x = 2x = 0
∂f/∂y = -2y = 0
Solving these equations, we find that the critical point is (0, 0). To determine if it is a saddle point, we need to examine the second-order partial derivatives. Taking the second partial derivatives, we get:
∂²f/∂x² = 2
∂²f/∂y² = -2
At the critical point (0, 0), the second partial derivatives have opposite signs, indicating a change in concavity. Therefore, (0, 0) is a saddle point.
Conclusion:
In summary, a saddle point is a point on a function's graph where the function has a horizontal tangent line but changes concavity. It is neither a maximum nor a minimum point. Saddle points are important in optimization problems and can have significant implications in various fields such as economics, physics, and engineering.