Introduction to
Maxima and
Minima
Maxima and minima are critical points in a function where the function reaches its
highest and lowest values, respectively. Understanding how to identify and
analyze these points is essential in calculus and optimization problems.
SV by Sri Lalitha Voleti
Definitions and Concepts
1 Local Maxima 2 Local Minima
A local maximum is a point where the A local minimum is a point where the
function value is greater than or equal to function value is less than or equal to the
the function values in the immediate function values in the immediate vicinity.
vicinity.
3 Global Maxima and Minima
Global maxima and minima are the absolute highest and lowest points of a function across its
entire domain.
Identifying Local Maxima and Minima
Step 1
Find the critical points of the function by setting
Step 3
the derivative equal to zero and solving for the x- Check the sign of the second derivative at each
values. critical point to confirm the type of critical point.
1 2 3
Step 2
Evaluate the function at the critical points to
determine if they are local maxima or minima.
Techniques for Finding Maxima and
Minima
Differentiation Graphing Optimization
Algorithms
Taking the derivative of a function Plotting the function and visually
and setting it equal to zero to find identifying the maxima and Using advanced techniques like
critical points. minima points. gradient descent to numerically
find the optimal points.
PROBLEM
Applications of Maxima and Minima
Economics Engineering
Determining optimal pricing, production levels, Designing structures, mechanisms, and systems
and resource allocation. that maximize efficiency or minimize cost.
Science Finance
Modeling natural phenomena and finding the Optimizing investment portfolios and minimizing
extrema of physical quantities. risk.
Constraints and Lagrange Multipliers
1 2 3
Define Objective Identify Constraints Apply Lagrange
Identify the function to be Determine the limitations or
Multipliers
maximized or minimized. restrictions on the variables. Use a specialized technique to
solve the constrained
optimization problem.
Conclusion and Key Takeaways
1 Critical Points 2 Optimization Techniques
Understanding how to identify and classify Differentiation, graphing, and optimization
critical points is essential for finding maxima algorithms are powerful tools for solving
and minima. extrema problems.
3 Real-World Applications 4 Lagrange Multipliers
Maxima and minima have numerous practical This specialized technique allows us to solve
applications in fields like economics, constrained optimization problems.
engineering, science, and finance.
