What are turning points in a graph?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking for an explanation of what turning points are in the context of a graph, namely points where the direction of the graph changes (like from increasing to decreasing).
Answer
A turning point is where a graph changes direction.
A turning point is a point on the graph where the graph changes direction from increasing to decreasing or from decreasing to increasing.
Answer for screen readers
A turning point is a point on the graph where the graph changes direction from increasing to decreasing or from decreasing to increasing.
More Information
Turning points are crucial in understanding the behavior of polynomial functions, as they indicate local maxima and minima.
Tips
A common mistake is confusing turning points with inflection points. Turning points change the direction of the graph, while inflection points change the concavity.
Sources
- Graphs of Polynomial Functions - LibreTexts - math.libretexts.org
- Zeros, End Behavior, and Turning Points | College Algebra - coursesidekick.com