When we solve extrema problems we always search for extreme values, like the maximum or minimum value of a function.

  • A function of the first degree represents a line.
    When this function increases (rico > 0) the maximum value will be found in +INF.
    When the function is declining, the maximum can be found in -INF.
  • A function of the second degree represents a parabola.
    We can calculate the top of the function in two different ways:
    1. ((-b/2a), f(-b/2a)) with f(x)= ax˛+bx+c
    2. Differentiate the function and equal this to 0.

When solving exercises where we need to find extreme values, you have to construct a function and then you have to calculate the minimum or maximum values.