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Critical Point

A point (x, y) on the graph of a function at which the derivative is either 0 or undefined. A critical point will often be a minimum or maximum, but it may be neither.

Note: Finding critical points is an important step in the process of curve sketching.

 

See also

Second order critical point

 


  this page updated 15-jul-23
Mathwords: Terms and Formulas from Algebra I to Calculus
written, illustrated, and webmastered by Bruce Simmons
Copyright © 2000 by Bruce Simmons
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