Find the stationary point(s) of the curve: y = 3x^4 - 8x^3 - 3.

Firstly. Recognise which method you should use to approach this question. In this case, you can find the stationary point of a curve where its gradient is 0 i.e. at a point where the gradient changes from positive to negative or vice versa. This can be done by differentiating y (finding f'(x)) and equating to 0 (f'(x)=0) to then solve and find the x values. Let's take it step by step.
Secondly. Differentiate curve y.f(x) = 3x^4 - 8x^3 - 3f'(x) = 12x^3 - 24x^2
Thirdly. Equate to 0 and factorise the derivative (f'(x)) to make it easier to solve.12x^3 - 24x^2 = 012x^2(x - 2) = 0Treating both terms separately:12x^2 = 0 ----> x = 0x - 2 = 0 ----> x = 2
Finally. Conclude that the stationary points for curve y are found at x=0 and x=2.

LL
Answered by Laurene L. Maths tutor

4935 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

A curve has equation y = 3x^3 - 7x + 10. Point A(-1, 14) lies on this curve. Find the equation of the tangent to the curve at the point A.


Differentiate a^x with respect to x


The curve C has equation 4x^2 – y^3 – 4xy + 2^y = 0 The point P with coordinates (–2, 4) lies on C . Find the exact value of dy/dx at the point P .


What qualifications and experience do you have at this level?


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:

© 2025 by IXL Learning