Examples 6.4.7(b):
Does the function
have
an absolute maximum and minimum on [-2, 1] ? How about on the
interval [0,
)
?
![](../graphics/darctan.gif)
![](../../symbols/infinity.gif)
![](../graphics/imag2.gif)
![](../graphics/darctan.gif)
On the other hand, on the unbounded interval [0, )
the function fails to possess both absolute maximum and minimum.
While 1 is still the absolute maximum, there no longer is an absolute
minimum.
Thus, the boundedness condition in the Max/Min theorem for continuous functions is essential.