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Global optimum
In mathematics, a global optimum is a selection from a given domain which yields the highest value, when a specific function is applied. For example, for the function
- f(x) = −x2 + 2,
defined on the real numbers, the global optimum occurs at x = 0, when f(x) = 2. For all other values of x, f(x) is smaller.
For purposes of optimization, a function must be defined over the whole domain, and must have a range which is a totally ordered set, in order that the evaluations of distinct domain elements are comparable.
By contrast, a local optimum is a selection for which neighboring selections yield values that are not greater. The concept of a local optimum implies that the domain is a metric space or topological space, in order that the notion of "neighborhood" should be meaningful.
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