---
title: "Absolute Extrema — AP Calculus Definition & Exam Guide"
description: "Absolute extrema are a function's highest and lowest values on an interval. Learn how the Candidates Test and Extreme Value Theorem find them on the AP exam."
canonical: "https://fiveable.me/ap-calc/key-terms/absolute-extrema"
type: "key-term"
subject: "AP Calculus AB/BC"
---

# Absolute Extrema — AP Calculus Definition & Exam Guide

## Definition

The absolute extrema of a function are the highest and lowest values that the function reaches over a given interval.

## Related Study Guides

- [Unit 5 Overview: Analytical Applications of Differentiation](/ap-calc/unit-5/review/study-guide/22AdFpcITnvM0bXKRl55)
- [5.5 Using the Candidates Test to Determine Absolute (Global) Extrema](/ap-calc/unit-5/using-candidates-test-to-determine-absolute-global-extrema/study-guide/2ONEsyKKR6nyMs3UOpOZ)
- [Unit 6 Overview: Integration and Accumulation of Change](/ap-calc/unit-6/review/study-guide/GcRakhgwYqAcIAg0y7WB)
- [5.2 Extreme Value Theorem, Global vs Local Extrema, and Critical Points](/ap-calc/unit-5/extreme-value-theorem-global-vs-local-extrema-critical-points/study-guide/xcQI1ZzNbmWJ5uRNiFCo)

## Review

### Related Terms

- [Local Extrema](/ap-calc/key-terms/local-extrema): These are points where a function reaches its highest or lowest value within a small neighborhood, but not necessarily over an entire interval.
- [Critical Points](/ap-calc/key-terms/critical-points): These are points where the derivative of a function is either zero or undefined. They can help identify potential extrema.
- [Global Extrema](/ap-calc/key-terms/global-extrema): These are the absolute maximum and minimum values of a function over its entire domain.