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Optimization Handout

Optimization involves finding the maximum or minimum value of a function given certain constraints on the variables. There are several key steps to solving optimization problems: (1) defining the constraint or resource available, (2) identifying the function to optimize, (3) obtaining an equation relating the variables using the constraint, (4) rewriting the function with a single variable, (5) determining the domain or possible variable values, and (6) using a calculator to find the optimal value within the domain. An example finds the maximum product of two nonnegative numbers whose sum is 110.

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9 views2 pages

Optimization Handout

Optimization involves finding the maximum or minimum value of a function given certain constraints on the variables. There are several key steps to solving optimization problems: (1) defining the constraint or resource available, (2) identifying the function to optimize, (3) obtaining an equation relating the variables using the constraint, (4) rewriting the function with a single variable, (5) determining the domain or possible variable values, and (6) using a calculator to find the optimal value within the domain. An example finds the maximum product of two nonnegative numbers whose sum is 110.

Uploaded by

John Doe
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Optimization

Optimization (according to a Google definition) is the action of making the best or most effective use of
a situation or resource.

For mathematics, this generally involves finding the maximum or minimum value of a function and the
input(s) at which they occur.

Our resource may be material that we are using to build a structure, a product that we are selling in an
attempt to make a profit, money that we are investing to earn a return, etc.

These same types of problems will also be covered in Calculus I, however you will solve those by using
derivatives. In precalculus, we solve them graphically.

The basic setup for an optimization problem:

Given (constraint): this is essentially the resource that is available at your disposal. It could be two
numbers, a specific amount of material, a specific area or volume that must be created, an ordered pair
and an equation, etc.

Find: this is the function that is to be optimized. It often involves two or more input variables. It may be
an area formula, a volume formula, a distance formula, etc.

Equation obtained from the given: this is probably the most important step. This involves taking the
given and solving for one variable in terms of the other(s). This will allow us to rewrite the function to be
optimized with a single input variable.

Equation to be optimized: this is where we take the “find” and replace the additional variable(s) with
the expression(s) we got in the last step. This then allows us to enter the function into a calculator.

Domain: This is self-explanatory. It is the possible values of the input based on the given. For example, if
we are dealing with material, the input must be greater than 0.

Optimize: This is where we enter the function into the calculator and find the max or min value that
occurs within the domain. We need to use the CALC/MAX or CALC/MIN commands on the calculator. In
Desmos this is easier since we can just click on the maximum or minimum point.

Example:

Find two nonnegative numbers whose sum is 110 and whose product is a maximum.

Given (constraint): Two nonnegative numbers: x , y ≥ 0. Whose sum is 110: x + y=110

Find: Whose product is a maximum: P=xy

Equation obtained from the given: Take x + y=110 and solve for either x or y. So y=110−x

Equation to be optimized: P=x (110−x)


Domain: Since x and y must be greater than or equal to 0 and their sum must be 110, x must be
between 0 and 110, inclusive.

Optimize: Enter y=x ( 110−x ) into the calculator, and set the window so that x ranges from 0 to 110.
Find the maximum point on the graph.

−b
Alternatively, since this function is quadratic, we could use the formula x= to find where the max
2a
value occurs. This occurs at x = 55, and y = 3025.

So, the two numbers are x = 55 and y = 110 – x = 55, and the maximum product is 3025.

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