Critical Points

AP Calculus · Axiom Academy

Finding where the derivative is zero or undefined A critical point is a place in the domain where the derivative is zero or undefined. These are the candidates for local extrema (peaks and valleys). Stationary point: (derivative is zero) Singular point: (derivative undefined) Finding Critical Points: Step-by-Step Check that these x values are in the domain of f Example: Finding Critical Points Step 3: Where is f'(x) undefined? Never (polynomial)

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