Calculus Terms

Calculus Glossary
Absolute Maximum The maximum value of the function over its entire domain.
(See Global Maximum)
Absolute Minimum The minimum value of the function over its entire domain.
(See Global Minimum)
Antiderivative An antiderivative of f is a function F such that F' = f.
Asymptote A linear boundary which a graph approaches, but never touches.
Closed Interval An Interval which includes both endpoints. Another way to write
this interval above is: [a,b]. The "squared" brackets indicate that a and b are to
be included.
Closed Interval Method To find the absolute maximum and minimum values of
a continuous function f on a closed interval [a,b]: 1. Find the values of f at the
critical numbers of f in (a,b) 2. Find the values of f at the endpoints of the interval.
3. The largest of the values from Steps 1 and 2 is the absolute maximum value;
and the smallest of these values is the absolute minimum value.
Composition of Functions The composition of functions has the second
function substituted into the first function
Continuous A function is continuous at a number a if xlim
a
f(x) = f(a)
Three things must take place for this to be true:
1) a must be in the domain of f,
2) xlim
a
f(x) exists, and
3) xlim f(x) = f(a)
a
Continuous from the left A function is continuous from the left if lim f(x) = f(a)
-
xa
(This is called a left-hand limit.)
Continuous from the right A function is continuous from the right if
lim f(x) = f(a) (This is called a right-hand limit.)
x a+
Continuous on an interval A function is continuous on an interval if it is
continuous at every point of the interval. At the endpoints of the interval, the
function must be continuous from right (at the right end) and continuous from the
left (at the left end).
Critical Number A critical number of a function f is a number c in the domain of f
such that either f'(c)=0 or f'(c) does not exist.
Derivative The slope of the tangent line to a curve at any instant a. This is
calculated by taking the slope of a secant line through the curve, and then taking
the limit of that secant slope as x gets closer and closer to a. This is expressed
as: lim [f(x) – f(a)]/[x – a]. Another way to express this same concept uses the
xa
letter h to symbolize the gap between the point where the derivative is desired
and a nearby point. Then the derivative is expressed as: lim [f(x + h) – f(x)]/h.
h0
Differentiable A function is differentiable at c if f '(c) exists. To be differentiable
over an interval, it must be differentiable at every point in the interval.
Differentiate is the verb form of derivative. For f '(c) to exist, f (c) must be defined
and f(c) =xlim-
f(x) =xlim
+
f(x).
c c
Discontinuous A function which cannot be drawn with a writing device without a
gap or picking up of the writing device. There are either separate parts of the
graph, or a hole(s) in the graph.
Extreme Values The absolute maximum and absolute minimum of a function.
Extreme Value Theorem If f is continuous over a, then it must attain an
absolute maximum and an absolute minimum in that interval.
Fermat's Theorem If a function as a local maximum or local minimum at c, and
if f '(c) exists, then f '(c)=0.
Global Maximum The maximum value of the function over its entire domain.
(See Absolute Maximum)
Global Minimum The minimum value of the function over its entire domain.
(See Absolute Minimum)
Infinite That which has no limit or end.
Infinite Discontinuity A discontinuity where the jump is infinite.
Interval A mathematical expression of "betweeness" Another way to write this
interval above is: [a,b]. The "squared" brackets indicate that a and b are to be
included.
Jump Discontinuity A discontinuity where there the function "jumps" from one
value to another.
Local Maximum The maximum value of the function near a specified value in
the domain. (See Relative Maximum)
Local Minimum The minimum value of the function near a specified value in the
domain. (See Relative Minimum)
Product Rule (for derivatives) The derivative of a product is the first function
multiplied by the derivative of the second function plus the second function
multiplied by the derivative of the first function. In symbols, this is shown below:
Quotient Rule The derivative of a quotient is the denominator times the
derivative of the numerator minus the numerator times the derivative of the
denominator, all divided by the square of the denominator. In symbols, this is
shown below:
Relative Maximum The maximum value of the function near a specified value in
the domain.(See Local Maximum)
Relative Minimum The minimum value of the function near a specified value in
the domain. (See Local Minimum)
Removable Discontinuity A discontinuity at a point which could be removed by
defining the function at just that one point. This often appears as a graph with a
hole in it. Here is an example:

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Calculus Glossary

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