How do you find the extrema for f(x) = sec xf(x)=secx on the closed interval [-pi/6, pi/3][π6,π3]?

1 Answer
Sep 12, 2015

Evaluate ff at the endpoints of the interval and at the critical point(s) in the interval.

Explanation:

f(x) = sec xf(x)=secx on the closed interval [-pi/6, pi/3][π6,π3]

f'(x) =secxtanx = 0 nlyat 0+pik for integer k.

The only such value in the interval is x=0 so there is only one critical number to consider in the interval.

f(-pi/6) = sec(-pi/6) = 2/sqrt3

f(0) = sec(0) = 1

f(pi/3) = sec(pi/3) =2

The minimum is 1 (at 0)
The maximum is 2 (at pi/3)