16/12/2025
📈 Pure Math: Stationary Points 📈
Question:
Find the nature of the stationary point at x = 2 for the curve:
y = 2x³ - 9x² + 12x + 5
✅ Solution:
Step 1: Differentiate (dy/dx)
dy/dx = 6x² - 18x + 12
Step 2: Verify Stationary Point
Sub x = 2 into dy/dx:
6(2)² - 18(2) + 12 = 24 - 36 + 12 = 0 (Confirmed)
Step 3: Find y-coordinate
y = 2(2)³ - 9(2)² + 12(2) + 5
y = 9
Point is (2, 9)
Step 4: Second Derivative Test (d²y/dx²)
d²y/dx² = 12x - 18
Sub x = 2:
12(2) - 18 = +6
Since d²y/dx² > 0 (Positive), the point is a Local Minimum.
💡 Tip:
(+) Positive 2nd Derivative = Minimum ∪
(-) Negative 2nd Derivative = Maximum ∩
(See the full visual breakdown in the image below!)
Did you get the answer right? 🤔
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