Optimization

One of the most common applications of calculus involves the determination of minimum and maximum values. Consider how frequently you hear or read terms such as greatest profit, least cost, least time, greatest voltage, optimum size, least size, greatest strength, and greatest distance. Before outlining a general problem-solving strategy for such problems, it is important to understand the main purpose of optimization: to find the best possible scenario.

Essential Questions

How are optimization problems solved using differentiation?