Curated OER
Maximum/ Minimum Problems
In this optimization activity, students solve 20 short answer word problems. Students read, sketch, define variables, write equations, differentiate their equations, and find the maximum or minimum of each word problem.
Curated OER
Optimization
Learners identify the critical points to a function. In this calculus lesson, young scholars perform optimization of functions. They use the TI to create a visual of the graph.
Curated OER
Finding Extrema Graphically and Symbolically
In this extrema worksheet, students use graphing calculators and the optimization method to identify the maximum and minimums of a given function. They compute the first and second derivative, and graph the functions. This eight-page...
Curated OER
Basic Calculus: Extrema, and Optimization: Putting it all Together
For this extrema and optimization worksheet, students identify all points in the domain and determine the critical points. They compute the second derivative and find the global maxima and minima. This two-page worksheet contains two...
Curated OER
Application of Differentiation: Optimization
In this optimization worksheet, students complete a table identifying the characteristics of a function and it's derivative and provide an illustration of each type of function. Afterward, they use the first derivative test for finding...
Curated OER
Multivariable Calculus Quiz 7
In this math instructional activity, students practice using the concept of multivariable optimization. They find the maximum and minimum values of the surface z.
Curated OER
Math 212: Constrained Multivariable Optimization
In this optimization worksheet, students solve problems using the method of Lagrange. They identify the points and distance from the origin in an equation. This two-page worksheet contains three problems.
TeachEngineering
Teach Engineering: The Optimization of Slime
Using their knowledge of the phases of matter, the scientific method, and polymers, student teams work as if they are chemical engineers to optimize the formula for slime. Hired by the fictional company, Slime Productions, students are...
TeachEngineering
Teach Engineering: Reaction Exposed: The Big Chill!
Students investigate the endothermic reaction involving citric acid, sodium bicarbonate and water to produce carbon dioxide, water and sodium citrate. In the presence of water [H2O]; citric acid [C6H8O7] and sodium bicarbonate [NaHCO3]...
TeachEngineering
Teach Engineering: Rural Energy in China: How Can Engineers Make a Difference?
Learners learn about five types of renewable energy that are part of engineering solutions to help people in rural communities use less and cleaner energy for cooking and heating. Specifically, students learn about the pollution and...
University of California
University of California: Maximum/minimum Problems
The following problems are maximum/minimum optimization problems. They illustrate one of the most important applications of the first derivative.
TeachEngineering
Teach Engineering: Solving Everyday Problems Using the Engineering Design Cycle
Students are introduced to two real-life problems that can be solved by using the engineering design process. For the first one, they watch a slide presentation that shows how students use the engineering design process to build an...
Utah State University
Utah State University: Optimization, an Important Stage of Engineering Design
Teaching middle and high school students how to weigh constraints and criteria against various design solutions in order to select the best possible solution is an important skill necessary for engineering, as well as for life. The...
Oregon State University
Oregon State University: Smile Program: Optimization Methods
Students in this lesson plan explore the benefits of the network model to learn about optimization, while discovering cost reduction through efficiency. Download the ZIP file to access the resources. Includes a PowerPoint, a student...
Other
Synthesis Engineering Services: Optimizing the Design Process
This article discusses the design process from the concept phase to the production phase and what's involved in accomplishing this in the shortest possible time with the least cost.
Wolfram Research
Wolfram Math World: Applied Mathematics Topics
Over a dozen topics in the field of Applied Mathematics are explored here. Each link contained detailed explanations of the area in question, along with examples and sketches that both teachers and students will find helpful.
Texas Instruments
Texas Instruments: Application of the Derivative
In this activity, students learn and explore two common applications of the derivative: optimization and related rate.
Texas Instruments
Texas Instruments: Differential Calculus
In this activity, students learn to solve problems dealing with limits, derivatives, and optimization. They use various features of the TI-86 to study some important ideas covered in a differential calculus course.
Texas Instruments
Texas Instruments: Optimization
This activity shows the student how to determine the optimal solution for maximum volume based on the box-with-no-top problem.
Texas Instruments
Texas Instruments: Optimization
This activity illustrates how the derivative is used to find a solution to an optimization problem.
Stefan Warner and Steven R. Costenoble
Finite Mathematics & Applied Calculus: Applications of Maxima and Minima
Students learn how to apply maxima and minima in real world problems. Topics include optimization problems, objective functions, and constraints. The tutorial explores the calculus concepts through notes and examples. A chapter quiz,...
Paul Dawkins
Paul's Online Notes: Optimization
Optimizations problems with examples, solutions, and links to further explain methods to solve.
Purple Math
Purplemath: Linear Programming: Introduction
Linear programming is a part of a very important area of mathematics called "optimization techniques". This field of study (or at least the applied results of it) are used every day in the organization and allocation of resources. Linear...
Other
Avon Schools: Bin Packing Guided Practice
Bin packing guided problems with solutions worked out on the examples.