Are local extremum possible at endpoints of a closed bounded interval?

In summary, there is a discrepancy between what the textbook and Wikipedia claim about the existence of local extrema at the endpoints of a closed bounded interval. While Wikipedia states that a continuous function on a compact set will have maximum and minimum values, the textbook argues that a local maximum or minimum cannot exist at an endpoint. This difference may be due to different definitions of terms such as "neighborhood." It is recommended to follow the textbook's definition until a different source is used.
  • #1
Oneiromancy
22
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I thought local extremum did not exist at the endpoints of a closed bounded interval, however my textbook claims this.

Wikipedia:

"A continuous (real-valued) function on a compact set always takes maximum and minimum values on that set. An important example is a function whose domain is a closed (and bounded) interval of real numbers (see the graph above). The neighborhood requirement precludes a local maximum or minimum at an endpoint of an interval."
 
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  • #2
If you consider a 'neighborhood' to be a 'neighborhood in the domain' your textbook is right. If you consider it to be a 'neighborhood in the reals' then Wikipedia is right. There are a lot of terms that are defined somewhat differently in different references. I think you'd better live by your textbooks definition. Until you change textbooks.
 

1. What is a local extremum at endpoints?

A local extremum at endpoints refers to the highest or lowest point of a function within a specific interval that includes the endpoints of the interval. This means that no other point within the interval has a higher or lower value than the endpoints.

2. How is a local extremum at endpoints different from a global extremum?

A global extremum is the highest or lowest point of a function over its entire domain, while a local extremum at endpoints is limited to a specific interval. This means that a function can have multiple local extremums at endpoints within different intervals, but only one global extremum.

3. How can I identify a local extremum at endpoints?

A local extremum at endpoints can be identified by taking the derivative of the function and setting it equal to zero. Then, solving for the critical points within the interval and evaluating the function at those points. The highest or lowest value will be the local extremum at endpoints.

4. Can a function have more than one local extremum at endpoints?

Yes, a function can have multiple local extremums at endpoints within different intervals. This is because the function may have different values at the endpoints of each interval, making each endpoint a local extremum.

5. How can local extremums at endpoints affect the shape of a function?

The local extremums at endpoints can affect the shape of a function by creating a sharp peak or valley at the endpoints within a specific interval. This can cause the function to have a non-smooth or discontinuous shape at those points.

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