What topic is the maths question on

im stuck on this question as i dont know how to start it: Find the Co-ordinates of the stationary points on the curve y=x^3 + x^2 - x + 3

If the equation was a quadratic, i know i could complete the square to find out this answer but you cannot do that for a rubix. do i put them into bracket form or???

Any help will be amazing. Thanks

Just differentiate it (find dy/dx). Then let dy/dx=0, and find your x values. Then substitute those x values into your y equation, and you have your coordinates of the stationary points.

If you need any help in finding dy/dx, let me know :)

You can use calculus to derivate x^3 + x^2 - x + 3
The derivative would be 3x^2 + 2x - 1
Make this equal to zero and get two solutions
these solutions are the x-coordinates of the stationary points.
plug them individually into x^3 + x^2 - x + 3 to get corresponding y-value for both
i dont think there is any other way except CALCULUS

Differentiation is your first step ...

Edit: Beaten to it by CeCiLia! Her advice is good.