INTRODUCTION

In mathematics, particularly in calculus,

understanding the behavior of functions
is essential for solving optimization
problems and analyzing various real-
world scenarios. Two fundamental
concepts in this realm are absolute
maxima and absolute minima. These
concepts are crucial for determining the
highest and lowest values a function can
attain over a given domain. They play a
pivotal role in fields ranging from
economics and engineering to physics
and computer science
ABSOLUTE MAXIMA
An absolute maximum of a function is the highest value
that the function reaches over its entire domain. If f(x) is
a function defined on a domain D, then f(x) achieves its
absolute maximum at a point x=c if:
f(c)≥f(x) for all x in D.
In simpler terms, among all possible values that f(x) can
take within the domain, f(c) is the greatest.

ABSOLUTE MINIMA
Conversely, an absolute minimum of a function is the
lowest value that the function reaches over its domain.
For a function f(x) defined on a domain D, f(x) achieves
its absolute minimum at a point x=d if:
f(d)≤f(x) for all x in D.
This means that among all possible values of f(x) within
the domain, f(d) is the smallest.
IMPORTANCE OF ABSOLUTE
MAXIMA AND MINIMA
 Optimization: In optimization problems, finding
the absolute maximum or minimum helps in
determining the best possible outcome or the
most efficient solution. For instance, businesses
use these concepts to maximize profit or minimize
costs.
 Real-world Applications: Engineers might use
these concepts to design systems that perform
optimally under various conditions, while
economists use them to model and predict market
behaviors.
 Theoretical Significance: In mathematical analysis,
understanding where a function attains its
extreme values is crucial for studying the
function’s behavior and properties.
Absolute Minima and Maxima in
Closed Interval
Now to find the extreme points in any interval, we need
to follow some basic steps. Let’s say we have a function
f(x) and a region D. We want to find the extreme value of
the function in this interval.
Step 1: Find the critical points of the function in the
interval D-
f'(x) = 0
Step 2: Find the value of the function at the extreme
points of interval D.
Step 3: The largest value and smallest value found in the
above two steps are the absolute maximum and absolute
minimum of the function.

Absolute Minima and Maxima in

Entire Domain
Absolute minimum and maximum values of the function
in the entire domain are the highest and lowest value of
the function wherever it is defined. A function can have
both maximum and minimum values, either one of them
or neither of them. For example, a straight line extends
up to infinity in both directions so it neither has a
maximum value nor minimum value.
We need to follow some steps similar to the previous
case to find out the absolute maxima and minima for the
entire domain.
Step 1: Find the critical points of the function wherever it
is defined.
Step 2: Find the value of the function at these extreme
points.
Step 3: Check for the value of the function when x tends
to infinity and negative infinity. Also, check for the points
of discontinuity.
Step 4: Maximum and minimum of all these values give
us the absolute maximum and absolute minimum for the
function in its entire domain.
GRAPHICAL ILLUSTRATION
The highest point of the function within the entire range
is known as the absolute maxima of the function.
The lowest point of the function within the full range of
the function is known as the absolute minima of the
function.

In the figure above, the point x = a is the absolute

maximum of the function and x = b is the absolute
minimum of the function.
A function could include either an absolute maximum or
a minimum, neither an absolute maximum nor a
minimum, or neither an absolute maximum nor a
minimum.
The graphs below illustrate several scenarios for how
many distinct absolute extrema a function might possess.
Examples of Absolute Maxima
and Minima
Example 1: Determine the absolute maxima and minima of
the function f(x)=x²–2x+5 in the interval [0,2].
Solution:
Given function,
 f(x)=x²-2x+5
The first step is to differentiate the function f(x) to find the
critical point.
F′(x)=2x−2
F′(x)=0
⇒2x–2=0
⇒x=1
So x = 1 is the critical point of the function.
F(1)=(1)²–2(1)+5
⇒f(1)=1−2+5
⇒f(1)=4
Now check the end of the interval,
F(0) = 5
F(2) = 5
From all these values we can conclude that
X = 1 is the minimum and x = 2.0 is the largest.
Therefore, the absolute maximum and absolute minimum of
the function are 5 and 4, respectively.
Example 2: Find the absolute maximum and absolute minimum
values of the function f(x) = 5x + 2 in the interval [0,2].
Solution:
Given function,
F(x) = 5x + 2
First step is to find the critical points by differentiating the
function f(x),
F’(x) = 5
This equation has no roots, therefore there are no critical
points which means no maxima or minima. This function is
continuously increasing. Thus, the maxima and minima will
occur at the end points of the interval.
F(0) = 2
F(2) = 12
Thus, f(0) = 2 is the minimum and f(2) = 12 is the maximum
value of the function.
Example 3: Find the absolute maximum and absolute minimum
values of the function f(x) = x³– 2x²+ 5 in the interval [-2,2].
Solution:
Given function,
F(x) = x³ – 2x²+ 5
First step is to find the critical points by differentiating the
function f(x),
F’(x) = 3x² – 4x
F’(x) = x(3x – 4)
⇒ x(3x – 4) = 0
⇒ x = 0 and 4/3
Thus, x = 0 and 4/3 are Critical Points of the function.
F(0) = 5
⇒f(4/3) = (4/3)³ – 2(4/3)² + 5
⇒f(4/3) = 64/27 – 32/9 + 5
⇒f(4/3) = (64 – 96)/27 + 5 = -32/27 + 5/1
⇒f(4/3) = (-32 + 135)/27 = 103/27
Checking End points of the Interval,
F(-2) = (-2)³ – 2(-2)²+ 5
⇒ f(-2) = -8 -2(4) + 5
⇒f(-2) = -16 + 5
⇒f(-2) = -11
F(2) = (2)³ – 2(2)²+ 5
⇒ f(2) = 5
Out of all these values,
Minimum value is at x = -2, f(-2) = 11
Maximum value is at x = 0 and 2, f(0) = f(2) = 5
Thus, absolute maximum and absolute minimum values of the
function are 5 and 4 respectively.
 CONCLUSION
Absolute maxima and absolute minima are fundamental
concepts in calculus that describe the extreme values a
function can achieve over its entire domain.
Understanding these concepts is crucial for various
applications across mathematics and the sciences.
The study of absolute maxima and minima not only
deepens our understanding of function behavior but also
equips us with the tools needed to tackle complex
optimization problems. By integrating mathematical
techniques with practical applications, these concepts
help us make better decisions, solve real-world
problems, and enhance our theoretical knowledge.
Whether in academic research or everyday problem-
solving, grasping the principles of absolute extrema is
indispensable for achieving optimal outcomes and
advancing various fields of study.