A curve is defined for x > 0. The gradient of the curve at the point (x,y) is given by dy/dx = x^(3/2)-2x. Show that this curve has a minimum point and find it.

This is a typical exam style question, taken from an AQA paper. This question is testing your knowledge of stationary points and differentiation. Step 1: Find all stationary points by setting the first derivate to 0, and solving the equation. Step 2: Determine what type of stationary points those we found in step 1 are. This is done by obtaining the second derivative, and substituting in the x values found in step 1. (Optional step 3: interpretationFirst derivative - gradientSecond derivative - rate of change of gradient)

YC

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

if f(x) = 7x-1 and g(x) = 4/(x-2), solve fg(x) = x


A) Differentiate ln(x) b) integrate ln(x)


Core 3: Find all the solutions of 2cos(2x) = 1-2sin(x) in the interval 0<x<360


Using partial fractions find the integral of (15-17x)/((2+x) (1-3x)^2 )