When/why did "inflection point" replace "turning point???" nt

[LAS14]

[ProfessorGAC]

1. Are They Really The Same Thing?

I suppose one could make a case in some circumstances, but not sure they mean the same, to me.

[LAS14]

2. Can you explain what the difference is? nt

[ProfessorGAC]

5. I'll Try

My connotation of turning point is that it's where you either turn back, because after that you can't.
Inflection point, to me, means the point of maximum activity. Before that the action increases and after gradually dissipates. There's no turning back at any point along the build toward inflection.
I picture one as a straight line. Once we get passed the half way point, there's no point in turning back
The latter is a sigmoidal curve. Flat, slopes up, the more up, the starts to flatten the is flat.
The middle of the slope period is the point of maximum activity.
Just my interpretation, though.

[soothsayer]

3. When a dude wrote a "big data" book using it

That’s when our ceo started saying it anyway. I always tried to edit it out but got overruled.

I feel like an apple dude said it too.

[LAS14]

8. Thanks! Just the sort of thing I was looking for! nt

[soothsayer]

13. This one

https://www.amazon.com/Inflection-Point-Convergence-Mobility-Business/dp/172192177X

[RockRaven]

4. To people wanting to know the difference:

Inflection points are where the rate of change of the rate of change (or second derivative, or in a physical real world example the acceleration) goes from positive to negative, or the reverse.

Whereas turning points usually refer to the rate of change (or first derivative, or velocity) going from positive to negative or the reverse.

[Alex4Martinez]

7. This is how I distinguish it, as well.

A distinction lost, I'm afraid, on most everyone.

[LAS14]

10. Too true. It would be interesting to know how many people who have been using...

... inflection point have been using it correctly.

[unc70]

6. Been using inflection point about 60 years myself

It is a mathematical and statistical term.

Turning point is more typically used to refer to a narrative or story.

[LAS14]

9. Ah! We're getting more and more oriented to math vs story. Makes sense. Thanks. nt

[Ms. Toad]

11. Here's a lay version of the difference.

Turning point = the top of the peak or the bottom of the valley.

Inflection point = change from slowing down to speeding up, or vice versa.

[marybourg]

12. What I'd like to know is when "calling in sick", became

“calling OUT sick”?