# Math Help - finding absolute max and mins

1. ## finding absolute max and mins

Consider the function

This function has an absolute minimum value equal to:
which is attained at
and an absolute maximum value equal to:
which is attained at

I know I do the derivative and then set it to zero. But then what? Thanks

2. Originally Posted by softballchick
Consider the function

This function has an absolute minimum value equal to:
which is attained at
and an absolute maximum value equal to:
which is attained at

I know I do the derivative and then set it to zero. But then what? Thanks
determine if the critical values of x are locations for extrema ... use first and/or second derivative tests.

don't forget to consider the endpoints of the interval for possible absolute extrema.

3. Hi,

can you elaborate? I did the tests but got the wrong answers.

4. $\displaystyle f'(x)=e^{-6x}-6xe^{-6x}=e^{-6x}(1-6x)=0$

Since e to a power can't be 0, we only look at the $\displaystyle 1-6x=0\rightarrow x=\frac{1}{6}$

Now, use the test to see if x and the end points to see if what are your local mins and maxs.