In this lesson, we learn about critical numbers and the first derivative test. A critical number is a point where the derivative of a function equals zero or is undefined. The first derivative test allows us to classify critical points as local maxima, local minima, or neither. By analyzing the sign of the derivative near each critical point, we can determine the nature of the critical point. This lesson includes several examples that demonstrate how to find and classify critical numbers.
Critical numbers of a function. The first derivative test for local extrema.
Copyright 2005, Department of Mathematics, University of Houston. Created by Selwyn Hollis. Find more information on videos, resources, and lessons at http://online.math.uh.edu/HoustonACT/videocalculus/index.html.