Level 2 Certificate Mathematics · key term

Second derivative test

Definition

A method for classifying a stationary point: $\frac{d^2y}{dx^2}>0$ gives a local minimum, while gives a local maximum. A value of zero is inconclusive.

How each exam board covers it

AQA Level 2 Certificate Further Mathematics · 8365

Specification 4.7 · Paper 1, Paper 2

The second derivative test is often quicker, but if its value is zero, the test is inconclusive: use the signs of the first derivative on either side. If those signs do not change, the stationary point is not a maximum or minimum.
Revise: Maxima and Minima Points

AQA Further Mathematics past papers

Get more free notes every week

Create a free account to keep every note you open and track your progress.

Create free account Log in

2

y

>

0

\frac{d^2y}{dx^2}<0

Used by AQA

Definition

How each exam board covers it

AQA Level 2 Certificate Further Mathematics · 8365

Related key terms

Get more free notes every week