How do you find a turning point of a function using differentiation?

To find the location of turning points on a function, find the first derivative of the function, and then set the result to 0. if you then solve this equation, you will find the locations of the turning points. To find what type of turning point it is, find the second derivative (i.e. differentiate the function you get when you differentiate the original function), and then find what this equals at the location of the turning points. If it's positive, the turning point is a minimum. If negative it is a maximum, and if it is equal to 0 it is a Inflection point.

NS
Answered by Nathan S. Maths tutor

54402 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

A tunnel has height, h, (in metres) given by h=14-x^2 where x is the horizontal distance from the centre of the tunnel. Find the cross sectional area of the tunnel. Also find the maximum height of a truck passing through the tunnel that is 4m wide.


When I integrate by parts how do I know which part of the equation is u and v'?


A curve has the equation y=3 + x^2 -2x^3. Find the two stationary points of this curve.


What is the derivative with respect to x of the function f(x)=1+x^3+ln(x), x>0 ?


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:

© 2025 by IXL Learning