Relative Maxima and Minima

Definition

Relative maxima and minima are points on a graph where there are local maximum or minimum values compared to their neighboring points.

Analogy

Think about hiking up and down hills in your neighborhood. When you reach the topmost point on your hike, it's like finding a relative maximum. And when you reach your lowest point in between hills, it's similar to finding a relative minimum.

Related terms

Absolute Maxima and Minima: The highest and lowest points on a graph, regardless of their surroundings.

Critical Points: Points on a graph where the derivative is either zero or undefined, which can indicate the presence of relative maxima or minima.

Concavity: A property of a function's graph that describes whether it curves upward (concave up) or downward (concave down).