A curve has the equation .
- (a)
Find the coordinates of the stationary point on the curve.
- (b)
Observe the changes in the sign of the gradient of the curve and determine the nature of this stationary point.
It won't just hand you the answer — it asks where you're stuck.How the checker works
Worked solution
3(a)
1. Find the first derivative of the curve equation
2. Set the derivative to zero to find the $x$-coordinate of the stationary point
For stationary points, .
3. Find the corresponding $y$-coordinate
When ,
The coordinates of the stationary point are .
3(b)
1. Recall the derivative from part (a) and test the sign of the gradient for values of $x$ just before and after the stationary point at $x = 1$.
From part (a), .
Let us test values of around :
When , (Positive)
When ,
When , (Positive)
2. Determine the nature of the stationary point based on the gradient signs.
Since the gradient is positive on both sides of the stationary point (it does not change sign), the point is a stationary point of inflexion.
Stationary point of inflexion
AI analysis — may contain mistakes.
Worked this one out on paper? Snap your steps and Gigle's AI math checker will circle the step where it went wrong.
More questions on this topic
- 1The curve has equation . Without using a calculator, find the set of values that …
- 2The diagram shows a greenhouse built on a rectangular base. of polyethene is used to build the curved r…
- 3The equation of a curve is given by for . Write down the expression for …
- 4A curve has equation where , , and are constants. The curve cuts the x…
- 5A cone of height, and radius, fits exactly inside a sphere of radius as shown below. …