Given the function y=(x+1)(x-2)^2 find i) dy/dx ii) Stationary points and determine their nature

Here we have a function made from the product of two functions, so we canuse the product differenciation rule.

y=uv  =>  dy/dx=udv/dx + vdu/dx

Therefore dy/dy=(x-2)^2 + 2(x-2)(x+1)

Stationary points occur when the gradient is zero, we solve for (x-2)^2 + 2(x-2)(x+1)=0 which gives (0,4), (2,0)

Solving for nature of stationary point we find the second derivative d^2y/dx^2=6x-6

When x=0 we get a maximum, when x=2 we get a minimum point.

RB
Answered by Russell B. Maths tutor

5143 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

i) Using implicit differentiation find dy/dx for x^2 + y^2 = 4 ii) At what points is the tangent to the curve parallel to the y axis iii) Given the line y=x+c only intersects the circle once find c given that c is positive.


How to solve polynomials


integration by parts: x^-2lnx


How do you find the area between two lines?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning