How do I find a stationary point on the curve?

Well that depends on the curve, but if it is a quadratic, we can do it with the following method. We know that differentiating the equation of the curve will give us the equation of the tangent to that curve at this point. Therefore, since the gradient of the tangent to a stationary point will be zero, we can set the differentiated equation to zero and solve for x. Once we solved for x, we can plug that value back into the original function to get the y value.

NR
Answered by Natalia R. Maths tutor

2998 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

The quadratic equation x^2 + 4kx+2(k+1) = 0 has equal roots, find the possible values of k.


Use the double angle formulae and the identity cos(A+B)≡cos(A)cos(B)−sin(A)sin(B) to obtain an expression for cos 3x in terms of cos x only


Solve the simultaneous equations: y = x - 2 and y^2 + x^2 = 10


The line L has equation y=5-2x. Find an equation of the line perpendicular to L, which passes through the point P (3,-1).


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