Concept:
To find the absolute maximum of a function on a closed interval $[a,b]$, we evaluate:
• Function values at critical points (where $f'(x)=0$ or undefined)
• Function values at the endpoints
The largest among these gives the absolute maximum.
Step 1: Find the derivative of the function.
\[
f(x) = x^3 - 3x + 2
\]
\[
f'(x) = 3x^2 - 3 = 3(x^2 - 1) = 3(x-1)(x+1)
\]
Step 2: Find critical points in the interval $[0,2]$.
\[
f'(x) = 0 \Rightarrow x = \pm 1
\]
Only $x = 1$ lies in $[0,2]$.
Step 3: Evaluate the function at endpoints and critical point.
\[
f(0) = 2
\]
\[
f(1) = 1 - 3 + 2 = 0
\]
\[
f(2) = 8 - 6 + 2 = 4
\]
Step 4: Determine the maximum value.
\[
\max\{2, 0, 4\} = 4
\]