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"Turning Points"

A "turning point" on a graph is a point at which the graph changes from increasing to decreasing (it looks like a "hill"), or from decreasing to increasing (it looks like a "valley"). These turning points are referred to as relative (or local) maxima or minima. The designation of "relative" (or "local") tells you that this point may not be the largest (or smallest) value reached by this function. It is only a maximum (or minimum) "relative" to a small interval of the function surrounding this point.

There is some disagreement among textbook authors as to whether a relative maximum (or minimum) can occur at an endpoint (on a closed interval). Some references say "a relative max/min must occur in an open interval within the domain" (not at an endpoint), while others say "a relative max/min may occur at an endpoint." Some texts even introduce the terminology "endpoint maxima/minima" to avoid this issue. Note: An "absolute" maximum (or minimum) can occur at an endpoint.

A relative maximum may also be an absolute maximum. In the graph shown above, the absolute maximum is also a relative maximum.

The plural of maximum is maxima, and the plural of minimum is minima. Such references fall under the category of "extrema".

For calculator help with maximum and minimum click here.

We have seen that the graph of a parabola is a symmetric graph. The graph has an axis of symmetry over which the graph becomes a reflection (or mirror image) of itself. We saw, when graphing parabolas, that knowing one portion of the graph let us quickly know how to graph its symmetric portion as well. Not all graphs have symmetry. Of those functions that do possess symmetry, there are two types of symmetries that are popular: vertical symmetry and symmetry about the origin.

If a graph possesses horizontal symmetry (such as a reflection over the x-axis), the graph is not a function. possesses both (x,y) and (x,-y).

A function graph may possess vertical symmetry (such as a reflection over the y-axis). possesses both (x,y) and (-x,y).

A function graph may possess symmetry about the origin (0,0). This is the same as a rotation of 180º possesses both (x,y) and (-x,-y).

End behavior refers to the appearance of a graph as it is followed farther and farther in either direction (as the x-value gets very large or very small).

We have seen graphs with an arrow on either (or both) ends of the function indicating that the function continues "in the same manner" as the x-values continue to increase or decrease. In the graph at the right, the arrow on the right end of the function tells us that as the x-values get larger and larger, the function (the y-values) will also get larger and larger. We say: "as x approaches positive infinity, f (x) approaches positive infinity." And we write: The arrow on the left end of this function says, as the x-values get smaller and smaller, the function will get smaller and smaller. We say: "as x approachers negative infinity, f (x) approaches negative infinity." And we write: .

The arrow (→) is read "approaches".

Both ends approaching positive infinity.

Right end approaching + infinity. Left end approaching zero.

Right end approaching + infinity. Left end approaching three.

Special End Behavior Information for Polynomial Functions:
Polynomial functions have some special characteristics regarding end behavior, based upon whether the DEGREE of the polynomial is an odd or even number, and whether the SIGN of the leading coefficient is positive or negative. You can predict the end behavior of these functions without looking at the graph.

For calculator help with determining end behavior click here.