Mathematics

Mathematics

Problem

Suppose a function ff is continuous on the closed interval [a,b][a,b] and differentiable on (a,b)(a,b). Assume that ff has exactly one critical point cc in (a,b)(a,b). a. Part 1: (a) Explain why, if f′′(c)>0f''(c) > 0, then f(c)f(c) must be the absolute minimum value of ff on [a,b][a,b]. Your explanation should reference any relevant existence principles for extrema on closed intervals. b. Part 2: (b) Describe how the conclusion changes when f′′(c)<0f''(c) < 0, providing reasoning analogous to part (a). c. Part 3: (c) Give a brief argument or explicit example to show that if the hypothesis of continuity on [a,b][a,b] is removed, the conclusion in part (a) can fail even when f′′(c)>0f''(c) > 0.

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