Finding Absolute Extrema - Group Activity/Independent Practice

This is an engaging and collaborative group activity on finding the absolute extrema of a function (extrema on an interval). The functions included are polynomial, rational, involving radicals, exponential, logarithmic and trigonometric.

There are 10 sections - 10 functions. Students work in groups of two, three or/and four. In each section, each member of a group is asked to find the absolute extrema of the given function on a specified closed interval . Thus one and the same function will be examined for absolute extrema at most in four different particular intervals.

The collaborative part of this activity is in the initial stage of solving where partners find the first derivative of the given function and determine all the critical values. Students compare their results, find and fix any errors to continue solving in the right direction. They evaluate the function at the critical points found and the end points again having the opportunity to compare their calculations. As a consequence their final (different) answers must be all correct.

Student recording sheets with steps that lead to solution and answer keys are included.

The product can be also used as an independent/extra practice with 4 different forms and assignment or homework.