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 specific interval. These are points where the function changes direction, and can be identified by analyzing the derivative of the function. In the context of the given domain, local extrema are found by evaluating the function's behavior at critical points and endpoints.
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Derivative and Critical Points
The derivative of a function provides information about its rate of change and helps identify critical points where the derivative is zero or undefined. These points are potential locations for local extrema. For the function f(x) = (x + 1)², the derivative f'(x) = 2(x + 1) can be used to find critical points by setting it equal to zero and solving for x.
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Domain Considerations
The domain of a function specifies the set of input values for which the function is defined. In this problem, the domain is −∞ < x ≤ 0, which affects where extrema can occur. It's crucial to consider endpoints and any restrictions in the domain when identifying extrema, as they can influence the function's behavior and the location of extrema.
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