Marking an A Level Paper: Method vs Answer

[chwala]

Homework Statement

This is a question from my own paper;
This is the second part of the question that i am marking...the first part was on finding the stationary points.

Determine the co ordinates of the maximum point of the graph amended to ;Determine which stationary point is a maximum. Giving reasons for your answer.

$y=x^4-4x^2$

Relevant Equations

differentiation

I am marking this now...just need your insight...the second part has [2] marks. I am giving [1] mark for the correct method...i expect use of second derivative test or otherwise for Method Mark...then the correct answer $(0,0)$ would realize the Answer mark.
The student has not shown any method but has indicated only the answer i.e $(0,0)$ which is correct, how to handle this? based on my previous experience of marking A level papers for an [International Examining body] ...i was advised that one cannot get Answer mark correct if the given Method is not correct or is not shown. Cheers.

 

[fresh_42]

You should judge shown understanding, not a crystal ball. Otherwise,you give marks for using WA correctly:
https://www.wolframalpha.com/input?i=y=x^4-4x^2

 

[Orodruin]

I would have specified local maximum in the question.

 

[Mark44]

I would have specified local maximum in the question.

Especially since the given function has no absolute maximum.

 

[chwala]

Agreed but i guess it depends on which particular curriculum you are teaching.

 

[Orodruin]

Agreed but i guess it depends on which particular curriculum you are teaching.

Not really. That the function has no global maximum is a mathematical fact.

 

[Mark44]

Agreed but i guess it depends on which particular curriculum you are teaching.

I agree with @Orodruin on this. The curriculum doesn't matter at all here with this question:

Determine the co ordinates of the maximum point of the graph ;

Unless you specify a restricted domain for the given function, the function has no maximum value.

 

[chwala]

Not really. That the function has no global maximum is a mathematical fact.

I agree with @Orodruin on this. The curriculum doesn't matter at all here with this question:Unless you specify a restricted domain for the given function, the function has no maximum value.

Agreed!

Let me type the second question in full. I am amending the original post.