Editing Hessian matrix (section)

{{short description|Matrix of second derivatives}}
{{Calculus|Multivariable}}

In [[mathematic]]s, the '''Hessian matrix''', '''Hessian''' or (less commonly) '''Hesse matrix''' is a [[square matrix]] of second-order [[partial derivative]]s of a scalar-valued [[Function (mathematics)|function]], or [[scalar field]]. It describes the local [[curvature]] of a function of many variables. The Hessian matrix was developed in the 19th century by the German mathematician [[Otto Hesse|Ludwig Otto Hesse]] and later named after him. Hesse originally used the term "functional determinants". The Hessian is sometimes denoted by H or, <math>\nabla\nabla</math> or <math>\nabla\otimes\nabla</math> or <math>D^2</math>.