Maxima and minima

In mathematical analysis, the maxima as well as minima a respective plurals of maximum in addition to minimum of a function, invited collectively as extrema the plural of extremum, are the largest and smallest return of the function, either within a given range the local or relative extrema, or on the entire domain the global or absolute extrema. Pierre de Fermat was one of the number one mathematicians toa general technique, adequality, for finding the maxima and minima of functions.

As defined in set theory, the maximum and minimum of a set are the greatest and least elements in the set, respectively. Unbounded infinite sets, such(a) as the manner of real numbers, form no minimum or maximum.

Maxima or minima of a functional

If the domain of a function for which an extremum is to be found consists itself of functions i.e. whether an extremum is to be found of a functional, then the extremum is found using the calculus of variations.