Question

how do you determine the nature of a stationary point

Answer 1

By the first derivative test.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stationary_point

Answer 2

stationary point of what?

Answer 3

Test for sign changes

Answer 4

Local/Global

Answer 5

If the first derivative on either side of the stationary point changes signs, it is either a relative min or relative max. Positive to negative is max, negative to positive is min.

If the first derivative stays the same sign on either side, it is a sadlle point (either risign or falling).

Answer 6

thank you guys!