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

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SUMMARY

Local extremum can exist at the endpoints of a closed bounded interval, contrary to common belief. This discussion highlights a discrepancy between textbook definitions and Wikipedia's interpretation of neighborhoods in the context of continuous functions. Specifically, if a neighborhood is defined within the domain, the textbook's claim holds true; however, if defined within the reals, Wikipedia's assertion prevails. The conclusion emphasizes the importance of adhering to the definitions provided by one's textbook while acknowledging the variability in terminology across different references.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of continuous functions in real analysis
  • Familiarity with the concept of closed and bounded intervals
  • Knowledge of the definitions of local maxima and minima
  • Awareness of the term 'neighborhood' in mathematical contexts
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the definitions of neighborhoods in real analysis
  • Study the properties of continuous functions on compact sets
  • Examine different mathematical textbooks for varying definitions of extremum
  • Explore the implications of endpoint behavior in calculus
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Students of real analysis, mathematics educators, and anyone interested in the nuances of function behavior on closed intervals.

Oneiromancy
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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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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.
 

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