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Mathematics
Key terms
Local maximum

Level 2 Certificate Mathematics · key term

Local maximum

Definition

A point where the curve changes from increasing to decreasing, with a y-coordinate greater than those of nearby points.

Used by AQA

How each exam board covers it

AQA Level 2 Certificate Further Mathematics · 8365

Specification 4.7, 4.9 · Paper 1, Paper 2

A curve can have a local maximum and still reach greater heights elsewhere.
Revise: Maxima and Minima Points
A point whose y-coordinate is greater than those of nearby points on either side.
Revise: Curve Sketching and Interpretation

AQA Further Mathematics past papers

Exam tips

1
A local maximum need not be the highest point on the whole curve, and a local minimum need not be the lowest.

Related key terms

Local minimum
Stationary point
Decreasing function
Increasing function
Second derivative test

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Local maximum — AQA Level 2 Certificate Further Maths Definition