How do I determine if a stationary point on a curve is the maximum or minimum?

If you are comfortable with differentiation. You can take the second derviatve of the equation of the cruve and plug in the x value of the curve. Based on this answer you can determine if it's a maximum, minimum or stationary. A maximum would have a negative value, a minimum a positive and stationary 0. If however you are not comfortable with this method and cannot memorize the different cases you can always substitute a point slightly before and after the point you're interested in. For example if you're considering x =3. You can subsitute 2.5 and 3.5 into your derivative and based on the signs draw a diagram representing the shape of the curve.

ES
Answered by Eryk S. Further Mathematics tutor

1873 Views

See similar Further Mathematics GCSE tutors

Related Further Mathematics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Find and describe the stationary points of the curve y = x^2 + 2x - 8


Plot the graph of 1/x for x greater than 0.


Let Curve C be f(x)=(1/3)(x^2)+8 and line L be y=3x+k where k is a positive constant. Given that L is tangent to C, find the value of k. (6 marks approx)


Given a^2 < 4 and a+2b = 8. Work out the range of possible values of b. Give your answer as an inequality.


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