After completing this section, students should be able to do the following.

  • Define a critical point.
  • Find critical points.
  • Define absolute maximum and absolute minimum.
  • Find the absolute max or min of a continuous function on a closed interval.
  • Define local maximum and local minimum.
  • Compare and contrast local and absolute maxima and minima.
  • Identify situations in which an absolute maximum or minimum is guaranteed.
  • Classify critical points.