Mathematics

To find an absolute minimum on a closed interval, you need to check both critical points (where $f'(x) = 0$) and the endpoints. The minimum will be whichever of these candidates gives the smallest output value. Start by taking the derivative, setting it equal to zero to find where the function flattens out, then evaluate $f$ at those points and at $x = -1$ and $x = 4$.

To find an absolute minimum on a closed interval, you need to check both critical points (where $f'(x) = 0$) and the endpoints. The minimum will be whichever of these candidates gives the smallest output value. Start by taking the derivative, setting it equal to zero to find where the function flattens out, then evaluate $f$ at those points and at $x = -1$ and $x = 4$.