October 8, 2009
No CommentsThe Local Maximum and Minimum of a Function
Description
A detailed tutorial on finding the local maximum and minimum of a function. Step by step tutorial including several examples of finding the local maximum and minumum of a function for reference.
Overview
The local maximum of a function is the largest value that a function can be. The local minimum of a function is the smallest value that a function can be. When given a graph, it is easy to point out local maxima or minima – what is the highest point on the graph you see? What is the lowest? Functions can have more than one local maximum or minimum. The local maxima and minima can be found by using the first or the second derivative test, if they are to be found locally. If they are to be found globally, a method of optimization must be used.
