Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
A global extremum refers to the highest (global maximum) or lowest (global minimum) point on the entire graph of a function. These points represent the absolute maximum or minimum values of the function.
A local extremum refers to either a local maximum or minimum point on a graph. These points represent locations where there is a change in concavity and can occur within an interval.
The absolute maximum of a function is the largest value that it attains over its entire domain. It may be located at one or more points on the graph.
Absolute Minimum: The absolute minimum of a function is the smallest value that it attains over its entire domain. It may be located at one or more points on the graph.