Final answer:
To find the absolute minimum and maximum values of the function f(x) = x⁴ - 18x² + 8, follow these steps: Find the critical points, identify any points of discontinuity, evaluate the function at critical points and endpoints, and compare the results.
Step-by-step explanation:
To find the absolute minimum and maximum values of the function f(x) = x⁴ - 18x² + 8, we need to follow these steps:
- Find the critical points of the function by setting the derivative equal to zero and solving for x.
- Identify any points of discontinuity within the given range.
- Evaluate the function at the critical points and endpoints of the range.
- Compare the function values to determine the absolute minimum and maximum.
In this case, the critical points can be found by solving for x when f'(x) = 0. Then, evaluate the function at these critical points and the endpoints of the given range.