Find the stationary points of the curve y=2*x^3-15*x^2+24*x+17. Determine whether these points are maximum or minimum.

First, differentiate and put the derivative equal to zero. dy/dx=6x^2-30x+24=0. Solve this equation to get that x=4 and x=1. Substitute these values into the original equation to get the corresponding values of y. The stationary points are (1,17) and (4,-10). Calculate the second derivative to get d^2y/dx^2=12*x-30. When x=1 the second derivative is less than zero so (1,17) is a maximum point and when x=4 the second derivative is greater than zero so (4,-10) is a minimum point.

SM
Answered by Shaun M. Maths tutor

4241 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

A curve is defined by the equation y^2 - xy + 3x^2 - 5 = 0. Find dy/dx.


Find the area encompassed by y=(3-x)x^2 and y=x(4-x) between x=0 and x=2.


How do I use simple integration?


How would you determine what sort of stationary point this curve has? x^3 - 6x^2 + 9x - 4


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