Find the stationary point(s) of the curve: y = 3x^4 - 8x^3 - 3.

Firstly. Recognise which method you should use to approach this question. In this case, you can find the stationary point of a curve where its gradient is 0 i.e. at a point where the gradient changes from positive to negative or vice versa. This can be done by differentiating y (finding f'(x)) and equating to 0 (f'(x)=0) to then solve and find the x values. Let's take it step by step.
Secondly. Differentiate curve y.f(x) = 3x^4 - 8x^3 - 3f'(x) = 12x^3 - 24x^2
Thirdly. Equate to 0 and factorise the derivative (f'(x)) to make it easier to solve.12x^3 - 24x^2 = 012x^2(x - 2) = 0Treating both terms separately:12x^2 = 0 ----> x = 0x - 2 = 0 ----> x = 2
Finally. Conclude that the stationary points for curve y are found at x=0 and x=2.

LL
Answered by Laurene L. Maths tutor

5339 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

A particle A of mass 0.1kg is moving at a speed of 1.5m/s to the right. It collides with a particle B of mass 0.3kg moving at a speed of 1.1m/s to the right. Calculate change in momentum of particle A if particle B has a speed of 1.4m/s after collision.


What is the general rule for differentiation?


(Follow on from previous question) A curve has equation y= x^2+3x+2. Use your previous results to i) find the vertex of the curve ii) find the equation of the line of symmetry of the curve


1. A small stone is dropped from a height of 25 meters above the ground. i) Find the time taken for the stone to reach the ground ii) Find the speed of the stone as it reaches the ground


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