Section 4.6: Optimization

Strategy for Solving Optimization Problems

1. Introduce variables, look for relationships among the variables, and construct a mathematical model of the form:

   Maximize (or minimize) f(x) on the interval I.

2. Find the critical numbers of f(x).
3. Use the procedures developed in Section 4.5 to find the absolute maximum (or minimum) of f(x) on the interval I and the numbers x where this occurs.
4. Use the solution to the mathematical model to answer all the questions asked in the problem.