This document discusses finding the extrema (maximum and minimum values) of functions on intervals using calculus. It defines extrema and relative extrema of functions, and explains how derivatives can be used to find them. Critical numbers are points where the derivative is zero or undefined, and may indicate relative extrema. The document provides examples of finding the critical numbers of functions and using them along with endpoint values to determine the absolute maximum and minimum values over a closed interval. While critical numbers sometimes identify relative extrema, the converse is not always true - not all critical numbers yield an extremum.