Exercise · ZW-EXTREME-VALUE-THEOREM-015 · ★★☆ Intermediate

Let \(f(x)=\cos x\) on \([0,\pi]\). At which points does it attain its maximum and minimum?

Choose one option.

Show answer
  • D. Maximum at \(x=0\), minimum at \(x=\pi\)

Explanation

\(\cos\) decreases from \(1\) to \(-1\) on \([0,\pi]\): the maximum \(1\) occurs at \(x=0\) and the minimum \(-1\) at \(x=\pi\).

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Review the concept: Extreme value theorem

If \(f\) is continuous on a closed and bounded interval \([a,b]\), then \(f\) attains an absolute maximum and minimum on \([a,b]\).

\[f\ \text{continuous on }[a,b]\ \Rightarrow\ \exists\,m,M\in[a,b]:\ f(m)\le f(x)\le f(M)\]

More practice problems: extreme value theorem

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