The Hessian matrix | Multivariable calculus | Khan Academy

Khan Academy
16 Jun 201606:10
EducationalLearning
32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRThis video script introduces the Hessian matrix, a crucial concept in multivariable calculus for packaging second derivatives of a function. It demonstrates the computation of the Hessian for a specific function involving exponential and trigonometric components. The script explains the formation of the matrix, including the upper left and mixed partial derivatives, emphasizing the symmetry often found in these matrices. The Hessian matrix is presented as a matrix-valued function that extends to any number of variables, simplifying the expression of quadratic approximations in multivariable functions.

Takeaways
  • ๐Ÿงฎ The Hessian matrix packages all second derivatives of a multivariable function.
  • ๐Ÿ“š It's denoted by a bold-faced H.
  • ๐Ÿ” The first component is the second partial derivative of f with respect to x twice.
  • ๐Ÿ” The second component involves mixed partial derivatives: first with respect to x, then y, and vice versa.
  • ๐Ÿ“Š The Hessian matrix includes all combinations of second partial derivatives.
  • ๐Ÿ“ For the function e^(x/2) * sin(y), the Hessian components are computed step by step.
  • โœ๏ธ The process involves differentiating with respect to x and y, both individually and in combination.
  • ๐Ÿ”„ The mixed partial derivatives are symmetric for most functions.
  • ๐Ÿงฉ The Hessian is a matrix-valued function, allowing extension to functions with more variables.
  • ๐Ÿ”ข The Hessian matrix size grows with the number of variables, forming a square matrix.
Q & A
  • What is the Hessian matrix?

    -The Hessian matrix is a way to package all the information of the second derivatives of a multivariable function. It is denoted with a bold-faced H and contains all the second partial derivatives of the function.

  • How is the Hessian matrix structured?

    -The Hessian matrix is structured as a square matrix where each component is a second partial derivative of the function with respect to its variables. The first column, for example, contains the second derivatives with respect to the first variable, both mixed and squared.

  • Can you give an example of a multivariable function used in the script?

    -The example function given in the script is e^(x/2) multiplied by sine(y), which is a multivariable function involving both x and y.

  • What are the first partial derivatives of the example function with respect to x and y?

    -The first partial derivative with respect to x is (1/2)e^(x/2)sine(y), and with respect to y, it is e^(x/2)cosine(y).

  • How do you compute the second partial derivatives for the Hessian matrix?

    -To compute the second partial derivatives, you differentiate the first partial derivatives with respect to the same variable again, or mix them with respect to the other variable, depending on the position in the matrix.

  • What is the significance of the mixed partial derivatives in the Hessian matrix?

    -Mixed partial derivatives are important in the Hessian matrix as they represent the rate of change of the function with respect to two different variables in sequence, and they often exhibit symmetry in the matrix.

  • Why is the symmetry of the Hessian matrix important?

    -The symmetry of the Hessian matrix is important because it simplifies the computation and analysis of the matrix. For most functions, the mixed partial derivatives are the same regardless of the order of differentiation, leading to a symmetric Hessian.

  • How does the Hessian matrix help in the quadratic approximation of multivariable functions?

    -The Hessian matrix helps in the quadratic approximation by providing a compact representation of the second-order behavior of the function, which is essential for local approximations around a point.

  • Can the Hessian matrix be extended to functions with more than two variables?

    -Yes, the Hessian matrix can be extended to functions with any number of variables. For a function with three variables, for example, the Hessian would be a 3x3 matrix, and this pattern can be followed for functions with even more variables.

  • What is the role of the Hessian matrix in expressing multivariable functions?

    -The Hessian matrix plays a crucial role in expressing multivariable functions by encapsulating all the second-order information in a matrix form, which simplifies the notation and allows for matrix operations to be performed.

Outlines
00:00
๐Ÿ“š Introduction to the Hessian Matrix

The first paragraph introduces the concept of the Hessian matrix, a mathematical tool used to encapsulate the second derivative information of a multivariable function. It explains that the Hessian is denoted by a bold H and is a matrix composed of all second partial derivatives of a function, such as the example function e^(x/2) * sin(y). The explanation includes the process of calculating the first partial derivatives with respect to x and y, which are necessary for determining the Hessian's components. The paragraph also illustrates the computation of the second partial derivatives, emphasizing the symmetry often found in the Hessian matrix, where mixed partial derivatives taken in different orders yield the same result.

05:03
๐Ÿ” Expanding the Hessian Matrix for More Variables

The second paragraph builds upon the initial explanation by discussing how the Hessian matrix can be extended to functions with more than two variables. It demonstrates the pattern for constructing the Hessian for a three-variable function, showing the matrix's structure with second partial derivatives arranged in a 3x3 format. The paragraph further generalizes this concept, indicating that the Hessian matrix can be expanded to accommodate any number of variables, resulting in a matrix of corresponding size. The summary underscores the utility of the Hessian matrix in simplifying the expression of quadratic approximations for multivariable functions and facilitating matrix operations without the need to reference individual components explicitly.

Mindmap
Keywords
๐Ÿ’กHessian Matrix
The Hessian Matrix is a square matrix of second-order partial derivatives of a scalar-valued function, used to measure the curvature of a function at a given point. In the script, it is introduced as a method to package all the second derivative information of a multivariable function, which is crucial for understanding the function's behavior, especially in optimization problems and in the context of the quadratic approximation of multivariable functions.
๐Ÿ’กSecond Derivatives
Second derivatives are the derivatives of the first derivative of a function. They provide information about the concavity or convexity of a function. In the script, second derivatives are used to fill the Hessian matrix, with each element representing the rate of change of the function's slope in different directions, which is essential for analyzing the local behavior of the function.
๐Ÿ’กMultivariable Function
A multivariable function is a function that depends on multiple variables, as opposed to a single-variable function. The script uses an example of a multivariable function, e^(x/2) * sin(y), to demonstrate how to compute the Hessian matrix, highlighting the importance of understanding the function's behavior in multiple dimensions.
๐Ÿ’กPartial Derivative
A partial derivative is the derivative of a function with respect to one of its variables, while treating the other variables as constants. The script explains the process of finding the partial derivatives of a multivariable function, which are then used to construct the Hessian matrix, emphasizing the role of partial derivatives in understanding how changes in one variable affect the function's value.
๐Ÿ’กQuadratic Approximation
Quadratic approximation is a method used to approximate a function near a point by a quadratic function. In the script, it is mentioned that the Hessian matrix plays a role in expressing the quadratic approximation of multivariable functions, providing a simplified model that captures the local behavior of the function around a specific point.
๐Ÿ’กMatrix
A matrix is a rectangular array of numbers, symbols, or expressions, arranged in rows and columns. The Hessian matrix, as described in the script, is a specific type of matrix that organizes the second partial derivatives of a function, allowing for a compact representation of the function's curvature in multiple dimensions.
๐Ÿ’กCurvature
In the context of the script, curvature refers to the rate of change of the slope of a function, which is captured by the second derivatives. The Hessian matrix is used to analyze the curvature of a function, providing insights into whether the function is concave or convex at a given point.
๐Ÿ’กOptimization
Optimization involves finding the best solution within a set of available options, often in the context of minimizing or maximizing a function. The script mentions the Hessian matrix's role in optimization problems, as it helps determine whether a critical point is a maximum, minimum, or saddle point.
๐Ÿ’กSymmetric
A matrix is symmetric if it is equal to its transpose, meaning the elements above the main diagonal are the same as those below. The script notes that for most functions, the Hessian matrix is symmetric, which simplifies the analysis of the function's second-order properties.
๐Ÿ’กVariable
In mathematics, a variable represents a value that can change. The script discusses how the Hessian matrix can be extended to functions with any number of variables, illustrating the generalization of the concept from two-variable functions to those with multiple variables.
๐Ÿ’กMatrix Operations
Matrix operations refer to the mathematical processes that can be performed on matrices, such as addition, multiplication, and inversion. The script suggests that once the Hessian matrix is defined, matrix operations can be applied to it, which is useful for further analysis of the function's properties.
Highlights

Introduction to the Hessian matrix, a method to encapsulate second derivative information of a multivariable function.

The Hessian matrix is represented by a bold H and contains all second partial derivatives of a function.

Explanation of the Hessian matrix components for a function of e^(x/2) * sin(y).

Derivation of the first partial derivatives with respect to x and y.

Calculation of the second partial derivatives for the function, including mixed partials.

The Hessian matrix's upper left component represents the second derivative with respect to x twice.

Mixed partial derivative calculation, showing the process of differentiation with respect to x then y and vice versa.

The importance of symmetry in the Hessian matrix for most functions, with exceptions for non-symmetric cases.

The last component of the Hessian matrix is the second derivative with respect to y twice.

The Hessian matrix is a matrix-valued function that varies with x and y inputs.

Generalization of the Hessian matrix for functions with more than two variables, such as three or four variables.

Potential extension of the Hessian matrix pattern to functions with any number of variables.

The Hessian matrix's utility in expressing the quadratic approximation of multivariable functions.

The simplification of notation when using the Hessian matrix for complex functions.

The Hessian matrix's role in facilitating matrix operations for function analysis.

Anticipation of the next video discussing the quadratic approximation of multivariable functions using the Hessian matrix.

Transcripts
Rate This

5.0 / 5 (0 votes)

Thanks for rating: