I don't understand critical points? (1 Viewer)

[.ben]

Can someone explain please. I get the part where it says dy/dx is not defined, but vertical tangents and how it helps you to sketch a graph?

thanks

 

[Riviet]

When dy/dx is undefined means when the gradient is undefined, this is when the tangent to the curve at a point is vertical, ie perpendicular to the x-axis.

It's useful in determining where a curve might look something like:

#____
|/this
|\____

OR

____
t his \|
____/|

 

[pLuvia]

It basically means when the graph has a sharp point \/ this \_/ or this usually in graphs like |x-2|+|x+3|=1. Or points with vertical tangents to them

 

[.ben]

wow is that all. i get it now thanks