How do I find the turning points of a curve?

At turning points, the gradient is 0. Differentiating an equation gives the gradient at a certain point with a given value of x. To find turning points, find values of x where the derivative is 0.Example:y=x2-5x+6dy/dx=2x-52x-5=0x=5/2Thus, there is on turning point when x=5/2. To find y, substitute the x value into the original formula. y=(5/2)2-5x(5/2)+6y=99/4Thus, turning point at (5/2,99/4).Additional pointsOnce turning point is identified, you can work out if it is a maximum or minimum by finding d2y/dx2. d2y/dx2<0 - maximumd2y/dx2.>0 - minimumThus for our example aboved2y/dx2=2 - minimum

SG
Answered by Shannon G. Maths tutor

88185 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

Work out the equation of the tangent at x = 3, knowing that f(x) =x^2


Consider the function F(x)=17(x^4)+13(x^3)+12(x^2)+7x+2. A) differentiate F(x) B)What is the gradient at the point (2,440)


A line has an equation y = e^(2x) - 10e^(x) +12x, find dy/dx


F ind all values of x in the range 0° <= x <= 180° satisfying tan(x+45°)= 8tan(x)


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning