AP Calculus BC 5.5 Absolute Extrema Overview
Review absolute-extrema questions by comparing critical values with endpoints and reporting global maxima or minima across a stated closed interval.
- Syllabus
- Effective Fall 2025
- Course
- AP Calculus BC
Review absolute-extrema questions by comparing critical values with endpoints and reporting global maxima or minima across a stated closed interval.
The continuous function f is defined on the closed interval −6≤x≤12. The graph of f,
consisting of two semicircles and one line segment, is shown in the figure.

Graph of \(f\)
Let g be the function defined by g(x)=∫6xf(t)dt.
Find the value of x at which g attains an absolute minimum on the closed interval
−6≤x≤12. Justify your answer.
D Find the value of x at which g attains an absolute minimum on the closed interval −6≤x≤12. Justify
your answer.
| For −6≤x≤12,g attains a minimum either when g′(x)=f(x)=0 or at an endpoint. g′(x)=f(x)=0 | Considers g′(x)=0 Point 7 (P7) |
|---|---|
| ⇒x=0,xx−60612g(x)0−29π | Justification Point 8 (P8) |
| Therefore, on the closed interval −6≤x≤12,g attains an absolute minimum value at x=0. | Answer Point 9 (P9) |
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