Finding bend(maxima/minima) in plotted curve

  • Thread starter KN2007
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In summary: I'm not sure what you mean by solving for the equations of the curves.Can you give me an example?I'm not sure what you mean.Can you post a picture of the curve you are trying to describe?I can't post a picture of the curve.Can you give me an example of how I would determine the degree of the curve equations?I'm not sure what you mean.
  • #1
KN2007
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I want to write a computer program or subroutine to find the number of bends or maxima/minima on a plotted curve of points. How can I use the points defining the curve to do this. I would expect that the change in slope would tell me, but how significant of a change should I be looking for? I think this is the right approach. Any help would be appreciated.
 
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  • #2
Well when the slope changes sign is how we usually tell there is a local maximum or minimum.
 
  • #3
Well, what if the curve does not reverse directions, but only has a steeper slope?
 
  • #4
Then the slope will not have changed sign. I'm not sure what you mean by a curve reversing direction. Could you clarify?
 
  • #5
Well, I suppose in a sine wave the curve oscillates and reverses direction.
 
  • #6
Ok well a sine wave consists of a lot of local maxima and minima. at these maximum and minimum points the gradient of the curve changes sign. That would indicate the curve reversing direction as you put it. If the curve doesn't reverse direction but the gradient gets steeper then there is no local maximum or minimum. Perhaps you are talking of a verticle asymptote however?
 
  • #7
Perhaps it is a vertical asymptote. Actually it is a pump curve. I suppose this would simply be a 1st order curve or curve of one degree still?

OK, yes, I suppose a pump curve would be a vertical asymptote. So how would I find the order of the equation based on the plot. Should I assume it to be a second order equation?
 
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  • #8
I think you'll need an engineer to help you with that. I'm not sure what a pump curve is. From having a quick google it doesn't look as if they have any verticle asymptotes.
 
  • #9
OK, it looks like it will be a 1st order or degree equation. Maybe it will curve or maybe it will be straight, but it probably should not have more than one degree or order.
 
  • #10
It might help if you could posta picture of the curve you are trying to describe.
 
  • #11
Yes, I was thinking of posting some sample curves, but I could not figure out how to do it. How do I upload a file here? Would pasting it work?
 
  • #12
You can host an image on an image hosting site and use image tags, or there is a facility to upload files but their size is limited and they need to be approved by a mentor before anyone can see them which sometimes takes a while.
 
  • #13
OK, here is the link to the image for some typical pump curves.

http://blogpost.imageshack.us/blogpost/postblog.php?id=img260/5971/typicalpumpcurvesjuly29ty6.jpg

I think you can access it. Please let me know.
 
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  • #14
KN2007 said:
OK, here is the link to the image for some typical pump curves.

http://blogpost.imageshack.us/blogpost/postblog.php?id=img260/5971/typicalpumpcurvesjuly29ty6.jpg

I think you can access it. Please let me know.

These graphs do not have any maxima or minima. They do, however, have a vertical asymptote towards the right of the graph.
 
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  • #15
So how can I determine the degree of the curve equations and better yet solve for the equations of the curves?
 

FAQ: Finding bend(maxima/minima) in plotted curve

How do you identify the maximum and minimum points on a plotted curve?

To identify the maximum and minimum points on a plotted curve, you must first find the derivative of the curve. The maximum points will be where the derivative changes from positive to negative and the minimum points will be where the derivative changes from negative to positive. You can also find these points by visually looking at the curve and locating the highest and lowest points.

What is the purpose of finding the bend (maxima/minima) in a plotted curve?

The purpose of finding the bend in a plotted curve is to understand the behavior and trends of the data. These points can indicate important changes or patterns in the data and can be used to make predictions or decisions.

Can there be more than one maximum or minimum point on a plotted curve?

Yes, there can be multiple maximum and minimum points on a plotted curve. This will depend on the complexity and shape of the curve. It is important to analyze the entire curve to accurately identify all the maximum and minimum points.

What factors can affect the location of the maximum and minimum points on a plotted curve?

The location of the maximum and minimum points on a plotted curve can be affected by various factors such as the shape of the curve, the range of the data, and the type of function used to plot the curve. Other external factors such as noise or outliers in the data can also impact the location of these points.

Is there a specific mathematical formula for finding the maximum and minimum points on a plotted curve?

Yes, the mathematical formula for finding the maximum and minimum points on a plotted curve involves taking the derivative of the curve and setting it equal to zero. This will give you the x-values of the maximum and minimum points. However, in some cases, it may be more practical to visually locate these points on the curve.

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