How do you find the stationary points of the curve with equation y=4x^3-12x+1

The stationary points are located where the gradient of the function is equal to 0. The first derivative of the function describes the gradient so we must differentiate the function to find dy/dx.
Using differentiation rules, we find that dy/dx = 12x^2 - 12.
Now we must set the derivative to zero and solve for x:
dy/dx = 12x^2-12 = 0 12(x^2-1) = 012(x-1)(x+1) = 0
This has solutions x=1 and x=-1. Therefore the curve has 2 stationary points; one with x-coordinate 1 and one with x coordinate -1.
To find the corresponding y-coordinates we substitute these x values into the equation of the curve y=4x^3-12x+1.
When x=1, y = 4*(1)^3 - 121+1 = 4 - 12 +1 = -7.
When x=-1, y = 4
(-1)^3 - 12*(-1) + 1 = -4 + 12 + 1 = 9.
Hence the stationary points of the curve with the equation y=4x^3-12x+1 are (1, -7) and (-1, 9).

PL
Answered by Polly L. Maths tutor

8427 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

Using methods of substitution solve the following simultaneous equations: y - 2x - 1 = 0 and 4x^2 + y^2 - 25 = 0


2 equations intersect each other, y = x + 2 and y = x^2. Find the area of the shaded region between the points of intersection giving your answer to 3 significant figures. (shaded region will be shown)


Find the stationary points of y = (x-7)(x-3)^2.


A child of m1=48 kg, is initially standing at rest on a skateboard. The child jumps off the skateboard moving horizontally with a speed v1=1.2 ms^-1. The skateboard moves with a speed v2=16 ms^-1 in the opposite direction. Find the mass of the skateboard.


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