absolute maximum

noun

mathematics

: the largest value that a mathematical function can have over its entire curve (see curve entry 3 sense 5a)

The absolute maximum on the graph occurs at x = d, and the absolute minimum of the graph occurs at x = a.

—W. Michael Kelley, The Complete Idiots Guide To Calculus, 2002

compare maximum sense 3b

Word History

First Known Use

1810, in the meaning defined above

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