Locating Critical Points | Finding the Maxima and Minima Using Derivatives

Locating Critical Points | Maxima and Minima Critical points are points on the graph of a function where the derivative is zero, y' = 0 At a point where the function is algebraically greater than any neighboring point, the function is said to have a maximum value (MAXIMA). Similarly, the point that would have a lesser value than at any neighboring point is said to have a minimum value (MINIMA). Steps in solving: 1. Solve for the y' 2. Set y' = 0 and solve for the value/s of x. 3. To get the critical points, go the function and substitute the value/s of x and solve for y. 4. Apply the second derivative test to know if the critical point is the Maximum or the Minimum Value.