Math Problem Statement
For each of the numbers a, b, c, d, r, and s, state whether the function whose graph is shown has an absolute maximum or minimum, a local maximum or minimum, or neither a maximum nor a minimum. (Enter your answers as comma-separated lists.)
The x y-coordinate plane is given. A curve with three parts is graphed. The x−axis has values labeled a, b, c, d, r, and s. The curve begins at a closed point above x = a at its lowest point on the graph, goes up and right becoming less steep, ends at a closed point above x = b, begins again at an open point directly below the previous point and above x = b, goes up and right becoming less steep, ends at an open point above x = c, begins again at a closed point below the previous point and above x = c, goes down and right becoming less steep, changes direction at a point above x = d, goes up and right becoming more steep, sharply changes direction at its highest point on the graph above x = r, goes down and right becoming less steep, and ends at a closed point above x = s. absolute maximum
absolute minimum
local maximum
local minimum
neither a maximum nor a minimum
Solution
Based on the description of the graph with points labeled , , , , , and , we can analyze each point for whether it represents an absolute or local maximum, minimum, or neither.
- Absolute Maximum: This is the highest point on the entire graph.
- Absolute Minimum: This is the lowest point on the entire graph.
- Local Maximum: A peak within a small region where the function's value is higher than nearby points but may not be the highest on the entire graph.
- Local Minimum: A valley within a small region where the function's value is lower than nearby points but may not be the lowest on the entire graph.
- Neither Maximum nor Minimum: A point that doesn't represent a peak or valley in the graph.
Let's break down the situation at each labeled point:
At :
- The graph begins at a closed point above and is at its lowest point.
- Therefore, represents an absolute minimum.
At :
- The graph has a closed point above (ends) and then starts again at an open point directly below that point.
- Since the point is open after the gap, it cannot be a maximum or minimum.
- Therefore, is neither a maximum nor a minimum.
At :
- The graph begins at a closed point above and continues, but the graph does not indicate a peak or valley at this point.
- Therefore, is neither a maximum nor a minimum.
At :
- The graph changes direction at a point above , indicating a local minimum since the graph has a valley here.
- Therefore, represents a local minimum.
At :
- The graph reaches a highest point above , and then sharply changes direction.
- This point is a peak, so represents a local maximum.
At :
- The graph ends at a closed point above but is not the highest point, nor is it at the lowest point.
- Therefore, is neither a maximum nor a minimum.
Final Answers:
- Absolute maximum: None.
- Absolute minimum: .
- Local maximum: .
- Local minimum: .
- Neither a maximum nor a minimum: , , .
Would you like further details or have any questions?
Here are five related questions to explore:
- What is the difference between an absolute and a local maximum?
- Why can't an open point be considered a maximum or minimum?
- How would the graph change if the point at were closed instead of open?
- Can a function have more than one absolute maximum or minimum?
- How do we determine if a critical point is a local minimum or maximum?
Tip: Always check whether a point is open or closed when determining maximum or minimum values on a graph.
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Math Problem Analysis
Mathematical Concepts
Graph Analysis
Functions
Local and Absolute Extrema
Formulas
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Theorems
First Derivative Test
Maximum and Minimum Theorems
Suitable Grade Level
Grades 11-12