Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
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.
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Critical Points
Critical points are values of the independent variable where the derivative of a function is either zero or undefined. 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 within the interval must be evaluated alongside the endpoints.
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Secant Function
The secant function, denoted as sec(x), is the reciprocal of the cosine function, defined as sec(x) = 1/cos(x). It is important to consider the domain of the secant function, as it is undefined where cos(x) = 0. In the given interval [-(π/4), π/4], the secant function is continuous and differentiable, making it suitable for analysis in finding absolute extrema.
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