Let \( f(x) = x^3 - \frac{9}{2}x^2 + 6x - 2 \) be a function defined on the closed interval [0, 3]. Then, the global maximum value of \( f(x) \) is _______
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For finding global maxima or minima, evaluate the function at the critical points and endpoints of the interval, and compare the results.
To find the global maximum value of the function on the closed interval [0, 3], we first compute the derivative of \( f(x) \):
\[
f'(x) = 3x^2 - 9x + 6
\]
We then solve for critical points by setting \( f'(x) = 0 \) and solving for \( x \):
\[
3x^2 - 9x + 6 = 0
\]
Solving the quadratic equation, we get the critical points.
Next, we evaluate \( f(x) \) at the critical points and at the endpoints of the interval \( x = 0 \) and \( x = 3 \).
After evaluating, we find that the maximum value of \( f(x) \) is \( 2.5 \). Hence, the correct answer is \( 2.5 \).