Optimization & Turning Points
15-Question Progressive Test • 60 Marks Total • Higher Tier Mastery
⚠️ Examiner Intelligence Brief
Trap #1: Finding x-coordinate only = HALF MARKS. Always substitute back for y!
Trap #2: Positive x² coefficient → Minimum (U-shape). Negative → Maximum (∩-shape).
Trap #3: Cubic/Quartic functions have MULTIPLE turning points. Don't stop early!
Trap #4: "Show that" questions require ALL working and a clear conclusion.
Find dy/dx for y = x² + 4x
[2 marks]
Solve dy/dx = 0 for y = x² - 10x
[3 marks]
Find the x-coordinate of the turning point of y = 3x² + 6x
[3 marks]
State whether y = x² has a maximum or minimum turning point.
[1 marks]
Find the gradient of y = 5
[1 marks]
Find the coordinates of the turning point for y = x² - 4x + 9
[4 marks]
Find the turning points of the cubic y = x³ - 3x
[5 marks]
Determine the nature of the turning point at x = 2 for y = -x² + 4x
[3 marks]
Find the x-values where the gradient of y = ⅓x³ - x² - 3x is zero.
[4 marks]
A curve has gradient function dy/dx = 3x² - 12. Find the stationary points.
[5 marks]
Show that y = x³ + x has NO stationary points.
[3 marks]
Box Problem: A box has volume V = 4x³ - 10x² cm³ where x > 0. Find the value of x that gives maximum volume.
[6 marks]
Perimeter constraint: A rectangle has perimeter 40 cm. If width is x cm, show that area A = 20x - x². Find x for maximum area.
[6 marks]
Kinematics Link: A particle's velocity is v = 3t² - 12t m/s. Find when velocity is minimum and state the minimum velocity.
[5 marks]
Second Derivative: Find and classify ALL turning points of y = x⁴ - 8x² + 5 using d²y/dx².
[7 marks]
📚 Next Steps for Mastery
✓ Practice past paper questions from 2018-2024 specimen papers
✓ Master second derivative test for ALL question types
✓ Review optimization problems with real-world constraints
✓ Understand the link between calculus and kinematics (velocity/acceleration)
✓ Complete timed practice under exam conditions (2 marks per 3 minutes)
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