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2-3 Study Guide and Intervention
Extrema and End Behavior
End Behavior of Graphs of Functions The behavior of a graph at its ends is its end behavior. When the values
of x are increasing toward infinity, this is denoted as x . When the values of x are decreasing toward negative
infinity, this is denoted as x . The end behavior of a linear graph and the end behavior of a non-linear graph
can be found. Even when two functions have very different graphic representations, they can have the same end
behavior.
Example: Describe the end behavior of the graph.
Study the behavior on the left side of the graph.
The arrow on the left of the graph is pointing down. This means the values are decreasing.
When the values of x are decreasing, the values of f(x) are decreasing.
So, the end behavior at the left end of the graph is “as x → –∞, f(x) → –∞.”
Study the behavior on the right side of the graph.
The arrow on the right of the graph is pointing up. This means the values are increasing.
When the values of x are increasing, the values of f(x) are increasing,
So, the end behavior at the right end of the graph is “as x → +∞, f(x) → +∞.”
Exercises
Describe the end behavior of the graph.
1. 2. 3.
Chapter 2 17 Glencoe Algebra 2
2-3 Study Guide and Intervention (continued)
Extrema and End Behavior
Extrema of Functions A point A is a relative maximum of a function when no other nearby points have a greater
y-coordinate. The graph is increasing as it approaches A and decreasing as it moves away from A. A point B is a
relative minimum of a function when no other nearby points have a lesser y-coordinate. The graph is decreasing as it
approaches B and increasing as it moves away from B.
Example: The table and graph below are of a function with extrema. Estimate the zeros. Then estimate the
x-coordinates at which the relative maxima and minima occur.
x f(x)
Zeros occur between x = –6
–6 –3 ← zero between x = –6, x = –5
and –5, x = –1 and 0, and x = 0
–5 22 and 1.
–4 29 ← indicates a relative maximum
A relative maximum occurs at
x = –4 and a relative minimum
–3 24 occurs at x = 0.
–2 13
–1 2 ← zero between x = –1, x = 0
0 –3 ←indicates a relative minimum
1 4 ← zero between x = 0, x = 1
Exercises
Estimate the x-coordinates at which the relative maxima and relative minima occur.
1. 2. 3.
4. 5. 6.
Chapter 2 18 Glencoe Algebra 2