Find the x and y coordinates of the turning points of the curve 'y = x^3 - 3x^2 +4'. Identify each turning point as either a maximum or a minimum.

The first part of the problem is solved by differentiating once and equating this to zero:
y = x^3 - 3x^2 +4 .dy/dx = 3x^2 - 6x .dy/dx = x(3x - 6) .
At the turning points;
x(3x - 6) = 0 (turning points occur where the gradient, dy/dx, equals zero) .
Hence, x = 0 or 2.
Inputting these x-values into the original equation yields the respective y-coridnates or the turning points. The locations are (0, 4) and (2, 0).
The nature of the turning points can be determined by finding the second derivative of the original equation:
d^2y/dx^2 = 6x - 6 .
At (0, 4), d^2y/dx^2 = -6 .At (2, 0), d^2y/dx^2 = 6 .
Therefore (0, 4) is a maximum and (2, 0) is a minimum (positive second derivative --> minimum, negative second derivative --> maximum).

Answered by Robbie M. Maths tutor

11498 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

How do I solve a quadratic equation?


Find an equation for the straight line connecting point A (7,4) and point B(2,0)


For the curve f(x) = 2x^3 - 54x, find the stationary points and state the nature of these points


Integrate the function : F'(x)=3x^2+4x-5


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo
Cookie Preferences