Table of contents
- 0. Functions7h 52m
- Introduction to Functions16m
- Piecewise Functions10m
- Properties of Functions9m
- Common Functions1h 8m
- Transformations5m
- Combining Functions27m
- Exponent rules32m
- Exponential Functions28m
- Logarithmic Functions24m
- Properties of Logarithms34m
- Exponential & Logarithmic Equations35m
- Introduction to Trigonometric Functions38m
- Graphs of Trigonometric Functions44m
- Trigonometric Identities47m
- Inverse Trigonometric Functions48m
- 1. Limits and Continuity2h 2m
- 2. Intro to Derivatives1h 33m
- 3. Techniques of Differentiation3h 18m
- 4. Applications of Derivatives2h 38m
- 5. Graphical Applications of Derivatives6h 2m
- 6. Derivatives of Inverse, Exponential, & Logarithmic Functions2h 37m
- 7. Antiderivatives & Indefinite Integrals1h 26m
- 8. Definite Integrals3h 25m
5. Graphical Applications of Derivatives
Finding Global Extrema
Problem 4.R.12
Textbook Question
Find the critical points of the following functions on the given intervals. Identify the absolute maximum and absolute minimum values (if they exist).
ƒ(x) = sin 2x + 3 on [-π , π]

1
To find the critical points of the function ƒ(x) = sin(2x) + 3 on the interval [-π, π], first compute the derivative of the function. The derivative of sin(2x) is 2cos(2x), so the derivative of ƒ(x) is ƒ'(x) = 2cos(2x).
Set the derivative ƒ'(x) = 2cos(2x) equal to zero to find the critical points. Solve the equation 2cos(2x) = 0, which simplifies to cos(2x) = 0.
The solutions to cos(2x) = 0 are 2x = π/2 + kπ, where k is an integer. Solve for x to find x = π/4 + kπ/2.
Determine which solutions for x fall within the interval [-π, π]. Substitute k = -2, -1, 0, 1, 2 into x = π/4 + kπ/2 to find the valid critical points within the interval.
Evaluate the function ƒ(x) = sin(2x) + 3 at the critical points and at the endpoints x = -π and x = π to determine the absolute maximum and minimum values. Compare these values to identify the absolute extrema.

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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Critical Points
Critical points of a function occur where its derivative is zero or undefined. These points are essential for identifying local maxima and minima, as they represent potential locations where the function's behavior changes. To find critical points, one must first compute the derivative of the function and solve for the values of x that satisfy the condition.
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Absolute Maximum and Minimum
The absolute maximum and minimum values of a function on a closed interval are the highest and lowest values the function attains within that interval. To determine these values, one must evaluate the function at its critical points and at the endpoints of the interval. The largest and smallest of these values will be the absolute maximum and minimum, respectively.
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Finding Extrema Graphically Example 4
Interval Notation
Interval notation is a mathematical notation used to represent a range of values. In this context, the interval [-π, π] indicates that the function is being analyzed from -π to π, including both endpoints. Understanding interval notation is crucial for correctly identifying where to evaluate the function and its critical points.
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