Minimum

Definition

The minimum refers to the lowest value that a function or variable can attain within a given range.

Imagine you are at the bottom of a valley, and you want to find the lowest point. The minimum is like reaching the deepest part of the valley.

Maximum: The maximum is the highest value that a function or variable can reach within a given range.

Local Minimum: A local minimum is the lowest point in a specific region of a graph, but it may not be the absolute lowest point overall.

Absolute Minimum: The absolute minimum is the lowest point on an entire graph or over an entire range.

How can you determine whether a critical point corresponds to a maximum or minimum value in an optimization problem?

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AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.