Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Local Extrema
Local extrema refer to the points in a function where it reaches a local maximum or minimum within a given interval. To find these points, one typically examines the derivative of the function to identify critical points where the derivative is zero or undefined, and then uses the second derivative test or evaluates the function at these points to determine the nature of the extrema.
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Derivative and Critical Points
The derivative of a function provides the rate of change of the function with respect to its variable. Critical points occur where the derivative is zero or undefined, indicating potential locations for local extrema. By solving f'(x) = 0, we can find these critical points, which are essential for determining where the function's slope changes direction, potentially indicating maxima or minima.
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Interval Analysis
Interval analysis involves examining the behavior of a function within a specified range of values. For the function f(x) = x/2 − 2sin(x/2) on the interval [0, 2π], it is crucial to evaluate the function at the endpoints and any critical points within this interval to identify local extrema. This ensures that all potential maxima and minima are considered within the given domain.
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