Question

Find the absolute maximum and absolute minimum values of f on the given interval. f(x) = ln(x2 + 5x + 12), [−3, 1]

Answer 1

A graphing calculator shows the minimum to be located at the vertex of the quadratic, x = -2.5, and the maximum to be located at the right end of the interval.

The absolute maximum value of f(x) is ln(18) ≈ 2.89037.
The absolute minimum value of f(x) is ln(5.75) ≈ 1.74920.