The $\max$ and $\min$ functions

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Lesson Summary: 
We define the $\max$ and $\min$ functions here. The $\max$ function returns the largest number and the $\min$ function returns the smallest number.

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Lesson: 

Let's say that we have a set of real numbers <Sign in to see all the formulas>. The $\max$ function will return the largest number in the set and the $\min$ function will return the smallest number. The function <Sign in to see all the formulas> will return the largest number in the set and <Sign in to see all the formulas> will return the smallest number in the set.

Both functions can have many arguments. So our notation of <Sign in to see all the formulas> or <Sign in to see all the formulas> are both valid notations for two different $\max$ functions.

Some examples:

The notation $\max$ comes from the fact that it returns the largest or maximum value. Similarly, the notation $\min$ comes from the fact that it returns the smallest or minimum value.