Session 29: Optimization Problems

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Overview

Often, our goal in solving a problem is to find extreme values. We might want to launch a probe as high as possible or to minimize the fuel consumption of a jet plane. Sometimes we'll find our answer on the boundaries of our range of options -- we launch the probe straight up. Sometimes we'll find the best answer by using a derivative to determine when the graph of a function "levels out" at the top of a peak or bottom of a dip.

Lecture Video and Notes

Video Excerpts

» Clip 1: Maxima and Minima Using Graphs (00:07:00)

» Accompanying Notes (PDF)

From Lecture 11 of 18.01 Single Variable Calculus, Fall 2006

» Clip 2: Maximum Area of Two Squares (00:19:00)

» Accompanying Notes (PDF)

From Lecture 12 of 18.01 Single Variable Calculus, Fall 2006

Recitation Video

 

Closest Point to the Origin

Minimum Triangle Area

 

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