Minium and maxium points...

Hey,

I know that its a stationary point when its equal to 0 but i'm not quite sure when you know when its a minium and maxium point and how you work it out...is it first or second derivative??

Thanks xx

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Originally Posted by katiethegreat

Hey,

I know that its a stationary point when its equal to 0 but i'm not quite sure when you know when its a minium and maxium point and how you work it out...is it first or second derivative??

Thanks xx

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This should be in Calculus.

The first derivative determines the stationary points (they occur when the derivative is 0).

The second derivative determines whether it is maximum or a minimum.

If the second derivative is negative at the stationary point, you have a maximum.

If the second derivative is positive at the stationary point, you have a minimum.

If the second derivative is 0 at the stationary point, you may or may not have a stationary point of inflexion.