Find the coordinates of the sationary points on the curve x^2 -xy+y^2=12

To find stationary points, we need to find dy/dx and set it equal to 0. Here we must use implicit differentiation: d/dx(x2) + d/dx(-xy) + d/dx(y2) = d/dx(12). Hence 2x - x(dy/dx) - y + 2y(dy/dx) = 0. Factorising: (2y - x)dy/dx = y - 2x . Hence dy/dx = (y - 2x)/(2y - x). dy/dx = 0: (y - 2x)/(2y - x) = 0 hence y - 2x = 0, y = 2x. Substituting this into the equation of the curve: x2 - x(2x) + (2x)2 = 12 So x2 - 2x2 + 4x2 = 12. Thus 3x2 = 12, x2 = 4 so x = 2 or -2. When x = 2, y = 4 and when x = -2, y = -4 since y = 2x at the stationary points. So the coordinates of the stationary points are (2,4) and (-2,-4).

AB
Answered by Adam B. Maths tutor

9991 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

How can I determine the stationary points of a curve and their nature?


given that angles A and B are such that, sec^2A-tanA = 13 and sinBsec^2B=27cosBcosec^2B


Differentiate y= exp(cos^2(x)+sin^2(x)) by using the chain rule.


Given f(x): 2x^4 + ax^3 - 6x^2 + 10x - 84, and knowing 3 is a root of f(x), which is the value of a?


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