Analyzing the Setup
The problem defines a landscape f(x,y)=ax2+2bxy+cy2 that is strictly positive for all $(x, y)
eq (0, 0)$. This condition identifies the expression as a positive definite quadratic form.
To ensure f(x,y)>0 for all non-zero vectors, we first examine the boundaries by setting one variable to zero. Setting y=0 yields ax2>0, which implies a>0. Similarly, setting x=0 yields cy2>0, which implies c>0.
The Master Inequality
To handle the interaction term 2bxy, we assume $y
eq 0$ and divide the expression by y2. Letting t=yx, we obtain the quadratic expression:
For this quadratic to remain strictly positive for all real t, the parabola must open upwards (a>0) and possess no real roots. This requires the discriminant D to be strictly negative:
Simplifying this inequality leads to our golden rule:
Evaluating the Options
We apply the condition b2<ac to evaluate the validity of the provided options.
For Option A, testing (a,b,c)=(2,27,6) yields b2=12.25 and ac=12. Since $12.25
ot< 12$, Option A is false.
For Option B, testing (3,b,121) requires b2<3×121, which simplifies to b2<41. This implies ∣b∣<21, or ∣2b∣<1, confirming that Option B is true.
Determinants and Uniqueness
We analyze the systems of linear equations by examining the determinants of their coefficient matrices.
For Option C, the matrix is:
The determinant is ac−b2. Since ac−b2>0, the determinant is non-zero, ensuring a unique solution. Thus, Option C is true.
For Option D, the matrix is:
The determinant is calculated as:
det=(a+1)(c+1)−b2=(ac−b2)+a+c+1
Given ac−b2>0, a>0, and c>0, the determinant is strictly greater than 1. Therefore, the determinant is non-zero, and Option D is true.