Question: minimum of a function using determinants

Determine using determinants the range of values of a (if any) such that
f(x,y,z)=4x^2+y^2+2z^2+2axy-4xz+2yz
has a minimum at (0,0,0).

From the theory, I understand that if the matrix corresponding to the coefficients of the function is positive definite, the function has a local min at the point. But, how do I get the range of values of a such that f is a min? Is this equivalent to finding a such that det(A) > 0?

2.

Now modify the function to also involve a parameter b: g(x,y,z)=bx^2+2axy+by^2+4xz-2a^2yz+2bz^2. We determine conditions on a and b such that g has a minimum at (0,0,0).
By plotting each determinant (using implicitplot perhaps, we can identify the region in the (a,b) plane where g has a local minimum.

Which region corresponds to a local minimum?

Now determine region(s) in the (a,b) plane where g has a local maximum.

I don't understand this part at all..