Maximum and Minimum

Abstract

The object of this note was to point out that in using the method of limits to find a geometrical maximum or minimum it is not correct to conduct all the reasoning at the final stage when the limit has been reached, and to call attention to the form of statement which lays stress on the fact that the reasoning should be based on the consideration of the quantities involved while they are yet finite. Examples were given from one or two well-known books for students where the fallacious method of proof is adopted.