In mathematics, a critical point is the argument of a function where the function derivative is zero (or undefined, as specified below).The value of the function at a critical point is a critical value.
More specifically, when dealing with functions of a real variable, a critical point is a point in the domain of the function where the function derivative is equal to zero (also known as a stationary point) or where the function is not differentiable. Similarly, when dealing with complex variables, a critical point is a point in the function's domain where its derivative is equal to zero (or the function is not holomorphic). Likewise, for a function of several real variables, a critical point is a value in its domain where the gradient norm is equal to zero (or undefined).