Definition For Single Variable Functions
A critical point of a function of a single real variable, ƒ(x), is a value x0 in the domain of ƒ where either the function is not differentiable or its derivative is 0, ƒ′(x0) = 0. Any value in the codomain of ƒ that is the image of a critical point under ƒ is a critical value of ƒ. These concepts may be visualized through the graph of ƒ: at a critical point, either the graph does not admit a tangent or the tangent is a vertical or horizontal line. In the last case, the derivative is zero and the point is called a stationary point of the function.
Read more about this topic: Critical Point (mathematics)
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