Let be a function defined by . If is the number of points of local maxima of and is the number of points of local minima of , then is
- A
- B
- C
- D
Let be a function defined by . If is the number of points of local maxima of and is the number of points of local minima of , then is
Correct answer:B
Standard Method
Given:
Find: the total number of points of local maxima and local minima, that is .
Break the function at the points where the inner absolute value expressions change sign, namely at and .
For ,
For ,
For ,
Now simplify each part further:
From these linear pieces, the graph changes direction at three points:
At , the slope is negative on both sides, so there is no local extremum there.
Hence, number of local maxima is and number of local minima is .
Therefore,
The correct option is B.
Graph-Based Interpretation
Given:
Find: the number of local extrema points.
The critical points mentioned in the extracted solution are and the graph also shows the corner at where the outer absolute value changes branch.

Reading the graph:
Therefore, and the correct option is B.
Treating the interval as a single case is incorrect because changes sign again at . Split at both and before simplifying.
Missing the point is a common error. After obtaining on , set to locate the turning point.
Counting as an extremum is wrong. The function is decreasing on both sides of , so the direction does not reverse there.
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