1. The critical value approach typically involves finding where the derivative of a function equals zero or does not exist, indicating potential maximum, minimum, or inflection points. 2. First, state the function whose critical values we need to find (user did not specify; let's assume it's a general function $f(x)$). 3. Find the derivative $f'(x)$. 4. Solve the equation $f'(x)=0$ to find critical points. 5. Check where $f'(x)$ is undefined as these could also be critical points. 6. Evaluate $f(x)$ at each critical point to determine their nature (max/min/neither). 7. This approach helps analyze the behavior of functions for optimization or graphing purposes.