Question

How do you find the minimum value of a function

A) Set the derivative equal to zero and solve for x.
B) Set the function equal to zero and solve for x.
C) Find the critical points and evaluate the function at those points.
D) Evaluate the function at x = 0.

Answer 1

To find the minimum value of a function, set the derivative equal to zero, solve for x, evaluate the function at those points, and find the minimum value.

Step-by-step explanation:

1. To find the minimum value of a function, you need to find the critical points where the derivative of the function is equal to zero or undefined. Set the derivative of the function equal to zero and solve for x to find these critical points.
2. Next, evaluate the function at these critical points as well as the endpoints of the given interval, if any. This will give you a list of values.
3. The minimum value of the function is the smallest value from this list. This point will correspond to the x-value where the function reaches its minimum.