absolute minimum

noun

mathematics

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

The function defined by y = 3 - x has an absolute maximum M = 2 and an absolute minimum m = O on the interval 1 < x < 3.

—John A. Tierney, Calculus & Analytic Geometry, 1968

compare minimum sense 3b

Word History

First Known Use

1810, in the meaning defined above

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