Find the coordinates of the minimum point on the curve: y = x^2 - x - 2

Start with the given equation from the question and differentiate it with respect to x to give you:dy/dx = 2x - 1The value of this gives you the slope of the curve and we know that the minimum point has a slope of zero. So by setting the differentiated equation to zero and rearranging the equation, the value of x can be found:2x - 1 = 02x = 1x = 0.5This value of x is the x coordinate of the minimum, to then get the corresponding y value, sub this value of x into the equation given in the question:y = x2 - x - 2y = 0.52 - 0.5 - 2 = -2.25So the coordinates of the minimum are (0.5,-2.25)

AR
Answered by Alex R. Maths tutor

4560 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

Find the equation of the tangent to the curve y = 3x^2 + 4 at x = 2 in the form y = mx + c


What are the limits of an inverse tan graph.


A curve C has equation y = 3x^4 - 8x^3 - 3. Find dy/dx and d2y/dx2. Verify C has a stationary point at x = 2. Determine the nature of this stationary point, giving a reason for the answer.


Which A-level modules did you take?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences