Turning Point - GCSE Maths Definition

Reviewed by: Dan Finlay

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In GCSE Mathematics, a turning point is a point on the curve of a graph where the curve changes direction. Technically, it is the point where the curve changes from having positive gradient to negative gradient, or vice versa.

Turning points can either be a (local) maximum point or a (local) minimum point.
A maximum point would be like a peak on the graph (e.g. top of a hill) and would indicate the maximum value that the graph (function) would take (at least within the nearby region of the graph).
A minimum point would be like the trough of a valley and would indicate the minimum value that the graph (function) would take (at least within the nearby region of the graph).

Some graphs may have a mixture of maximum and minimum turning points.

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Dan Finlay

Reviewer: Dan Finlay

Expertise: Maths Subject Lead

Dan graduated from the University of Oxford with a First class degree in mathematics. As well as teaching maths for over 8 years, Dan has marked a range of exams for Edexcel, tutored students and taught A Level Accounting. Dan has a keen interest in statistics and probability and their real-life applications.

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