The potential energy, VVV Joules, of a mechanical system depends on a configuration parameter xxx according to the model:
V=13x3+52x2−24x+10 V = \frac{1}{3}x^3 + \frac{5}{2}x^2 - 24x + 10 V=31x3+25x2−24x+10Use calculus to find the values of xxx for which the system's potential energy is stationary.
By using the second derivative, determine the nature of each of these stationary points.
57 exam-style questions on Edexcel A Level Maths 9.9 Using Second Derivatives. Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.