Relative Extrema
Definition
Relative extrema are points on a graph where there is either a local maximum (highest point) or a local minimum (lowest point). These points are compared to their neighboring points rather than the entire graph.
Analogy
Imagine you're hiking on a mountain trail. The relative extrema would be like the highest and lowest points along your path, regardless of whether they are the highest or lowest overall in the entire mountain range.
Related terms
Critical Point: A point on a graph where its derivative is either zero or undefined, which could potentially correspond to a relative extremum.
First Derivative Test: A method used to analyze whether critical points on a graph correspond to relative maxima or minima based on the sign changes of the first derivative.
Absolute Extrema: The highest and lowest values of a function over its entire domain, including both local and global maximums and minimums.
"Relative Extrema" appears in:
Study guides (1)
Additional resources (1)
Are you a college student?
Study guides for the entire semester
200k practice questions
Glossary of 50k key terms - memorize important vocab
Resources
© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.