How do I find the maximum/minimum of a curve?

To find the maximum/minimum of a curve you must first differentiate the function and then equate it to zero. This gives you one coordinate. To find the other you must resubstitute the one already found into the original function. To determine whether the point on the curve is a maximum or minimum differentiate to the second order and substitute a coordinate in. If the value is positive it is a minimum point & vice versa.

Example: Find the coordinates of the maximum of the curve y=6x1/2-x-3 

y=6x1/2​-x-3 

dy/dx=3x-1/2 -1  d2y/dx2=-3/2x-3/2

3x1/2 ​-1=0 

x=9 therefore y=6

Sub x=6 into  d2y/dxto give -1/18 so its a maximum point with coordinates (9,6)

KL
Answered by Kishen L. Maths tutor

117876 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

How do you differentiate 2 to the power x?


Express 2cos(x) + 5sin(x) in the form Rsin(x + a) where 0<a<90


integrate [xe^(-x)] with respect to x.


I'm supposed to calculate the differential of f(x)= sin(x)*ln(x)*(x-4)^2 using the product rule. I know what the product rule is but I can't split this into two bits that are easy to differentiate. How do I do it?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences