Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Absolute Extrema
Absolute extrema refer to the highest or lowest points on a function within a given interval. An absolute maximum is the highest point, while an absolute minimum is the lowest. These points are crucial in understanding the overall behavior of a function on a specified interval, such as [a, b].
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Closed Interval
A closed interval [a, b] includes all the points between a and b, as well as the endpoints themselves. This is important when determining extrema because the function must be evaluated at the endpoints to ensure all possible extreme values are considered, especially if the function is continuous.
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Theorem 1 (Extreme Value Theorem)
The Extreme Value Theorem states that if a function is continuous on a closed interval [a, b], it must have both a maximum and minimum value on that interval. This theorem is essential for identifying extrema, as it guarantees their existence under the right conditions, guiding the analysis of the graph.
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