How do I know if a curve is convex?

The second differential of the equation of the curve will be positive if it is convex. This is because, by definition, convex means that the gradient of a curve is increasing. To find the gradient of a curve we do the first differential of the curve as that shows us the rate of change of the initial curve. Therefore, to find whether or not the rate of the change of the initial curve is increasing (i.e. the curve is convex) we find the rate of change of the gradient by finding the differential of the equation of the gradient curve. We are therefore finding the differential of the differential and checking whether or not it is greater than 0. If it is then we know that the rate of change of the gradient of the initial curve is increasing and it is therefore convex.

JW
Answered by Josh W. Maths tutor

4502 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

Derive the formula for differentiation from first principles


How do i know where a stationary point is and what type of stationary point it is?


Prove the change of base formula for logarithms. That is, prove that log_a (x) = log_b (x) / log_b (a).


Express 5/[(x-1)(3x+2)] as partial fractions.


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