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 aa, bb, cc, dd, rr, and ss, we can analyze each point for whether it represents an absolute or local maximum, minimum, or neither.

  1. Absolute Maximum: This is the highest point on the entire graph.
  2. Absolute Minimum: This is the lowest point on the entire graph.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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 aa:

  • The graph begins at a closed point above aa and is at its lowest point.
  • Therefore, aa represents an absolute minimum.

At bb:

  • The graph has a closed point above bb (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, bb is neither a maximum nor a minimum.

At cc:

  • The graph begins at a closed point above cc and continues, but the graph does not indicate a peak or valley at this point.
  • Therefore, cc is neither a maximum nor a minimum.

At dd:

  • The graph changes direction at a point above dd, indicating a local minimum since the graph has a valley here.
  • Therefore, dd represents a local minimum.

At rr:

  • The graph reaches a highest point above rr, and then sharply changes direction.
  • This point is a peak, so rr represents a local maximum.

At ss:

  • The graph ends at a closed point above ss but is not the highest point, nor is it at the lowest point.
  • Therefore, ss is neither a maximum nor a minimum.

Final Answers:

  • Absolute maximum: None.
  • Absolute minimum: aa.
  • Local maximum: rr.
  • Local minimum: dd.
  • Neither a maximum nor a minimum: bb, cc, ss.

Would you like further details or have any questions?


Here are five related questions to explore:

  1. What is the difference between an absolute and a local maximum?
  2. Why can't an open point be considered a maximum or minimum?
  3. How would the graph change if the point at bb were closed instead of open?
  4. Can a function have more than one absolute maximum or minimum?
  5. 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

-

Theorems

First Derivative Test
Maximum and Minimum Theorems

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 11-12