Chapter 7 Optimization
In this section, we’ll apply the tool of differentiation to a broad sort of problem called optimization. The idea is, given a mathematical model, to come up with the largest, smallest, cheapest, most profitable, lowest-risk, fastest, safest, or whatever -est word applies to the situation.
Many of you have seen max-min problems before. If not, pay attention! Finding the maximum or minimum of a function is one of the crowning achievements of calculus, with applications in literally any field where mathematical modeling is done.
