Absolute maxima and minima Determine the location and value of the absolute extreme values of ƒ on the given interval, if they exist.


ƒ(x) cos² x on [0,π]

Verified step by step guidance

1. First, understand that absolute extrema refer to the highest and lowest values a function can take on a given interval. For the function ƒ(x) = cos²(x) on the interval [0, π], we need to find these values.
2. To find the critical points where extrema might occur, take the derivative of ƒ(x) with respect to x. The derivative of cos²(x) can be found using the chain rule: ƒ'(x) = 2cos(x)(-sin(x)) = -2cos(x)sin(x).
3. Set the derivative ƒ'(x) = -2cos(x)sin(x) equal to zero to find critical points. This simplifies to 0 = -2cos(x)sin(x), which can be factored as 0 = -sin(2x). Solve for x to find the critical points within the interval [0, π].
4. Evaluate the function ƒ(x) = cos²(x) at the critical points found in the previous step, as well as at the endpoints of the interval, x = 0 and x = π. This will help determine the absolute maximum and minimum values.
5. Compare the values of ƒ(x) at the critical points and the endpoints to identify the absolute maximum and minimum values on the interval [0, π]. The largest value is the absolute maximum, and the smallest value is the absolute minimum.

Key Concepts

Absolute Extrema

Absolute extrema refer to the highest and lowest values of a function over a specified interval. To find these values, one must evaluate the function at critical points, where the derivative is zero or undefined, as well as at the endpoints of the interval. The largest of these values is the absolute maximum, while the smallest is the absolute minimum.

Critical Points

Critical points are values of the independent variable where the derivative of the function is either zero or does not exist. These points are essential in determining the behavior of the function, as they can indicate potential locations for local maxima, minima, or points of inflection. In the context of finding absolute extrema, critical points must be evaluated alongside the endpoints of the interval.

Evaluating Functions on an Interval

Evaluating functions on a closed interval involves calculating the function's values at both endpoints and at any critical points found within the interval. This process is crucial for identifying absolute extrema, as it ensures that all potential maximum and minimum values are considered. For the function ƒ(x) = cos²(x) on the interval [0, π], this means checking the values at x = 0, x = π, and any critical points in between.