Lesson 2: Extrema on an Interval

Topic 5.2: Extreme Value Theorem, Global Versus Local Extrema, and Critical Points

The maximum and minimum values (max and min) of a function are called the extreme values or
extrema (singular: extremum) of a function. The process used to finding them is referred to as
optimization. There will be times when we want to find the max and min for on the entire
domain, and at other times on a particular interval. In this lesson, we will learn how to use calculus
to find extrema, rather than a calculator.

Definition: (Absolute/Global) Extrema

If 𝑓𝑓 is a function on an interval , then = 𝑓𝑓 𝑐𝑐 is the

I. (Absolute/Global) Maximum on , if and only if 𝑓𝑓 𝑐𝑐 𝑓𝑓( ) for all in .

II. (Absolute/Global)Minimum on , if and only if 𝑓𝑓 𝑐𝑐 𝑓𝑓 for all in .

EX #1: The graph of = ( ) is shown below. Determine the extrema of on the interval
.

Defining Relative and Absolute Extrema of a Function

y-values on the graph of a function where the function changes from

Relative or Local Extrema increasing to decreasing and vice versa.

the highest or lowest y-values on the graph of a function or on a

Absolute or Global Extrema
specified domain of a function.
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 Definition of Relative/Local Extrema

1. If there is an open interval containing c on which ( ) is a maximum,

then ( ) is called a relative maximum of f.

2. If there is an open interval containing c on which ( ) is a minimum,

then ( ) is called a relative minimum of .

NOTEWORTHY THOUGHTS:
When we say an “open interval containing c” we mean that we can find some interval (𝑎𝑎, 𝑏𝑏), not
including the endpoints, such that 𝑎𝑎 < 𝑐𝑐 < 𝑏𝑏.
That is, 𝑐𝑐 will be contained somewhere inside the interval and will not be either of the endpoints.
A relative extrema is slightly different than an absolute extrema.
All that’s necessary for a point to be a relative max or min is for that point to be a maximum or
minimum in some interval of x’s around = 𝑐𝑐.
There can be smaller or larger values of the function at some other location, but relative to
= 𝑐𝑐, 𝑓𝑓 𝑐𝑐 is smaller or larger than all the other function values in the “neighborhood of c.”

In many cases, we will be asked to analyze both open interval and closed interval functions.

EX #2: Consider the graph of = ( ), shown at right.

A. State the relative extrema of ( )

B. Considering the domain for , what are the

absolute extrema of the function?

EX #3: Consider the graph of = 𝑓𝑓( ) on 0 12, shown below.

A. Find the relative extrema of 𝑓𝑓( ).

B. Considering the domain for 𝑓𝑓, what are the

absolute extrema of the function?

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 What conditions would be necessary in order to have BOTH an
ABSOLUTE MAXIMUM and an ABSOLUTE MINIMUM?

The Extreme Value Theorem (EVT)

If 𝑓𝑓 is continuous on a closed interval [𝑎𝑎, 𝑏𝑏], then 𝑓𝑓 has both a maximum value and
a minimum value on the interval 𝑎𝑎, 𝑏𝑏 .

Extreme values can occur at interior points or endpoints of an interval. A function may have both
maximum and minimum values over an interval, either a maximum or a minimum, or no extrema
on an interval. Let’s explore some examples below.

When the hypothesis (or “IF” statement) is not met, either continuity or the closed interval, there is no
guarantee of the conclusion (“THEN” statement). However, a maximum, minimum, or both may still
exist, there is just no guarantee. Let’s explore a few examples where this happens.

EX #4: For each graph below, explicitly state where the hypothesis of the EVT fails on the
interval [ , ]. Then, determine if the function has an extrema on the interval.

A. B.

C. D.

The Extreme Value Theorem gives us the knowledge of WHEN extrema occur. But how will we find
them algebraically when given an equation only, without the benefit of a graph? So our next question
should be:
How can we identify all the values of where extreme values occur?
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EX #5: For each function shown below, justify (explain) why the Extreme Value Theorem (EVT)
can be applied, or why it does not apply on the given interval.

A.

−3
𝑓𝑓 =
−2

Interval:
−4 4

B.
= +1

Interval:
−5 5

C.
= +2

Interval:
−6 6

Definition: Critical Number (Value)

A critical number (value) of a function 𝑓𝑓 is an x-value, = 𝑐𝑐, in the domain of 𝑓𝑓such that either
𝑓𝑓 ′ 𝑐𝑐 = 0 or 𝑓𝑓 ′ (𝑐𝑐) DOES NOT EXIST
If = 𝑐𝑐 is a critical value, then 𝑐𝑐, 𝑓𝑓 𝑐𝑐 is called a critical point.

Theorems:
Relative/Local Extrema can only occur at a critical value on an OPEN interval.
(Absolute/Global) Extrema must occur at a critical number OR at an ENDPOINT of an interval.

Topic 5.5: Using the Candidates Test to Determine Absolute (Global) Extrema
Now we need to put these ideas together with a little direct practice. Let’s develop an algebraic
approach to what will be called THE CANDIDATES TEST for finding extrema.

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EX #6: Find the absolute extrema of the function on the given interval, provided the EVT
is applicable. If it is not, justify why.

A. 𝑓𝑓 = − − + 2 on −1, 2

B. = − 2 sin on 0, 2

C. = sin − cos 0

D. 𝑓𝑓 = ( − 9) on −2, 5

E. = −2 on [1, 10]

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