Hessian determinant
= Hessian determinant
{c}
{title2=$\det D^2f$}
The <determinant> of the <Hessian matrix>. For a twice <continuously differentiable function> of two variables, it is $f_{xx}f_{yy}-f_{xy}^2$. A negative value at a <critical point> implies a <saddle point>; a positive value combines with the sign of $f_{xx}$ in the <second-derivative test>. A zero value is inconclusive.