Question

For a continuous function on a closed interval \[[a,b]\], which values must be compared to find absolute maxima and minima?

Options

• Values at critical points inside the interval, the left endpoint \[a\], and the right endpoint \[b\]

• Values only where \[f''(x)=0\]

• Values only at critical points inside the interval

• Values only at the left endpoint \[a\] and right endpoint \[b\]

Answer 1

Absolute extrema on \[[a,b]\] can occur at interior critical points or at either endpoint. Therefore all these function values must be compared.