How can I find the stationary points of a parabola given it's equation?

You can find the stationary points by differentiating the equation and then solving it for zero. What this means, is that you can take the power of the Xs in the equation, and differentiate by bringing the power to the front, and then subtracting one from the power in front of the X. For example, for y = X^2, differentiating it would give 2x. You can then set f(x) = 0, and find the value of x for which f(x) is equal to 0 by solving like an algebraic equation. This will give you the stationary x coordinate. You can then use this value and substitute it in for x in the original equation to solve for f(x) or y. The gives you the y coordinate of the stationary point.

Answered by Miriam A. Maths tutor

5255 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Solve the following simultaneous equations: 3x+y=11, 2x+y=8


Given the curve y=x^2 +1 and the line y=k, find, using graphical methods only, the value of k for which there is exactly one solution.


Simplify the algebraic expression: (3x^2-7x-6)/(x^2-6x+9)


Solve x^2 = 4(x – 3)^2


We're here to help

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

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences