Session Overview
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In calculus, the second derivative decides whether a critical point of y(x) is a minimum. For functions of multiple variables, the test is whether a matrix of second derivatives is positive definite. In this session we learn several ways of testing for positive definiteness and also how the shape of the graph of ƒ(x) = x_T A_x is determined by the entries of A.
Session Activities
Lecture Video and Summary
- Watch the video lecture
- Read the accompanying lecture summary (PDF)
- Lecture video transcript (PDF)
Suggested Reading
- Read Section 6.5 in the 4th or 5th edition.
Problem Solving Video
- Watch the recitation video on
- Recitation video transcript (PDF)
Check Yourself
Problems and Solutions
Work the problems on your own and check your answers when you’re done.