extreme point
"Extreme point" can refer to a concept in mathematics, a geographical location, or a general standpoint that extends farthest in some dimension.
Definition
C1Mathematics
(technical, academic)A point in a convex set that does not lie within any open line segment joining two other points in the set.
Example
- In a triangle, the vertices are extreme points of the convex set defined by the triangle.
C1Calculus
(technical, academic)A point on a graph where a function reaches a local maximum or minimum.
Example
- The extreme points of the function were found by setting its derivative to zero.
B2Geography
(general)The location that is the farthest north, south, east, or west in a given area.
Example
- Cape Horn is considered the southern extreme point of South America.
B2General
(general)A standpoint or position that goes farthest in some dimension or criterion.
Example
- His opinion represents an extreme point on the political spectrum.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "extreme point":
critical pointsaddle pointdeep pointpoint massdouble pointsharp endbreaking pointinflection pointhigh pointtrig pointfixed pointtriple pointoutside edgeaxial point