Stationary point
A stationary point is a point where the derivative of a function is zero. In other words, it is a point where the gradient of the graph of the function is zero.
Types of stationary points
- local minimum - a point where the function is lower than the points either side of it
- local maximum - a point where the function is higher than the points either side of it
- point of inflection - a point where the function flattens out, but then continues to increase or decrease - the same as it was before.
Finding stationary points
We find them using the derivative. stationary points from derivative.
flashcards
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Stationary point | A point on a graph where the derivative (gradient) is 0. |
| Local minimum | A stationary point where the y-coordinate of the point is lower than the points either side of it |
| Local maximum | A stationary point where the y-coordinate of the point is higher than the points either side of it |