How do you calculate critical points of derivatives? - Answers

The "critical points" of a function are the points at which the derivative equals zero or the derivative is undefined. To find the critical points, you first find the derivative of the function. You then set that derivative equal to zero. Any values at which the derivative equals zero are "critical points". You then determine if the derivative is ever undefined at a point (for example, because the denominator of a fraction is equal to zero at that point). Any such points are also called "critical points". In essence, the critical points are the relative minima or maxima of a function (where the graph of the function reverses direction) and can be easily determined by visually examining the graph.