Absolute minimum
This original textbook reading covers part of the AP topic. Follow the AP course outline for complete topic instruction and practice.
- Absolute minimum
Within a given interval (a, b), a point at which the function reaches its lowest value. There can be more than one absolute minimum within an interval if both points reach an equally low value. They can also change, depending on the interval of interest.
Examples:
- Related Glossary Terms
Absolute maximum, Critical points, Local maximum, Local minimum
- Index
Glossary and deeper reading · 1 refreshers
These editorial refreshers supplement the reading. Definitions and examples are added guidance; original source wording and recorded answers remain in their original context.
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Absolute extremum
An absolute extremum is the greatest or least function value on the domain or interval under discussion. The comparison includes every allowed input, including included endpoints. For example, x² on [−1,2] has absolute maximum 4 at x=2 and absolute minimum 0 at x=0. An absolute extremum must be attained rather than merely approached.