In mathematics, particularly in calculus, a stationary point is an input to a function where the derivative is zero (equivalently, the slope is zero): where the function "stops" increasing or decreasing (hence the name).
For the graph of a one-dimensional function, this corresponds to a point on the graph where the tangent is parallel to the x-axis. For the graph of a two-dimensional function, this corresponds to a point on the graph where the tangent plane is parallel to the xy plane.
The term is mostly used in two dimensions, which this article discusses: stationary points in higher dimensions are usually referred to as critical points; see there for higher dimensional discussion.
Read more about Stationary Point: Stationary Points, Critical Points and Turning Points, Classification, Curve Sketching
Famous quotes containing the words stationary and/or point:
“It is the dissenter, the theorist, the aspirant, who is quitting this ancient domain to embark on seas of adventure, who engages our interest. Omitting then for the present all notice of the stationary class, we shall find that the movement party divides itself into two classes, the actors, and the students.”
—Ralph Waldo Emerson (18031882)
“As one delves deeper and deeper into Etiquette, disquieting thoughts come. That old Is- It-Worth-It Blues starts up again softly, perhaps, but plainly. Those who have mastered etiquette, who are entirely, impeccably right, would seem to arrive at a point of exquisite dullness. The letters and the conversations of the correct, as quoted by Mrs. Post, seem scarcely worth the striving for. The rules for finding topics of conversation fall damply on the spirit.”
—Dorothy Parker (18931967)