How do you use derivatives to categorise stationary points?

When investigating graphs, you will often be asked to pick out features of the graph; stationary points being the most popular. You will need to know that a stationary point on f(x) can be found by solving the following equation: f'(x)=0.Once you have found the stationary points, you will need to find the second derivative of the graph, also known as f''(x). By finding the values of f''(x) at the x-coordinates where stationary points exist, you can categorise the stationary points.If f''(x) > 0, then the stationary point is a minimum point.If f''(x) < 0, then the stationary point is a maximum point.If f''(x) = 0, then the stationary point is a point of inflection.

AW
Answered by Alex W. Further Mathematics tutor

3250 Views

See similar Further Mathematics GCSE tutors

Related Further Mathematics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

How can I find the equation of a straight line on a graph?


Find the General Second Order Differential Equation Using Substitution (A2 Further Maths)


Using differentiation, show that f(x) = 2x^3 - 12x^2 + 25x - 11 is an increasing function.


The coefficient of the x^3 term in the expansion of (3x + a)^4 is 216. Find the value of a.


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