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
Optimizing refers to the process of finding the maximum or minimum value of a function. This is done by analyzing the behavior of the function and determining where it reaches its highest or lowest point.
Related terms
Local Maximum/Minimum: These are points on a graph where the function reaches its highest or lowest value within a specific interval.
Absolute Maximum/Minimum: These are points on a graph where the function reaches its overall highest or lowest value across its entire domain.
A critical point is an input value in which either the derivative does not exist, or it equals zero. It can be a potential location for local maxima/minima, but not all critical points guarantee extrema.