How calculus identifies the precise peaks and valleys of a function

Worked example: finding relative extrema | AP Calculus AB | Khan Academy · 7:48 · Video: Khan Academy · Watch at the source

In short: Learn how to locate relative extrema by analyzing the behavior of derivatives. This video demonstrates a practical application of AP Calculus AB concepts, showing how changing signs in a derivative reveal where a curve turns.

The lesson focuses on finding relative maximum points by examining the intervals where a function's derivative is either positive or negative. By analyzing these shifts, students can determine exactly where a graph reaches its highest and lowest local points.

This specific worked example features the function g(x) = x - x. It serves as a foundational tool for mastering calculus, moving beyond simple calculation to understand the underlying mechanics of functional change.

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