Mathematics A-Level
Stationary points and their nature
What Stationary points and their nature means in Mathematics A-Level, as defined for AQA.
Definition of Stationary points and their nature
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Reference: AQA
These occur where dy/dx = 0, and are classified using the second derivative: if d²y/dx² > 0 it's a minimum, if < 0 a maximum, and if = 0 further investigation is needed.
Topics that use Stationary points and their nature
- G: Differentiation (AQA A-Level)
Related terms
- Chain rule
- Derivative
- Differential equation
- Gradients and rates of change
- Graphical interpretation of derivatives
- Implicit differentiation
- Isolating dy/dx
- Limits and first principles
Using Stationary points and their nature in the exam
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