Explain how to find the extrema of a continuous function on a closed interval [a, b].

College Algebra
7th Edition
ISBN:9781305115545
Author:James Stewart, Lothar Redlin, Saleem Watson
Publisher:James Stewart, Lothar Redlin, Saleem Watson
Chapter2: Functions
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 9CC
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Explain how to find the extrema of a continuous function on a closed interval [a, b].

Expert Solution
Step 1

First, you have to find f'(x)

Then solve f ' (x)=0 to find the critical points. 

Take the critical points which are inside [a,b]. Ignore others.

 

Then find the values of f(x) at the endpoints and at the critical points inside [a,b].

Check which value is maximum and which is minimum. They are the absolute extrema. 

 

 

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