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5 5-Optimisation

The document provides a guide on optimization using differentiation, explaining how to model and solve optimization problems by finding minimum and maximum values of functions. It outlines the steps to solve these problems, including rewriting quantities in terms of a single variable, differentiating, and using the second derivative to determine stationary points. Additionally, it includes a worked example involving the design of a rectangular allotment bed with semicircles, demonstrating the application of the concepts discussed.

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8 views7 pages

5 5-Optimisation

The document provides a guide on optimization using differentiation, explaining how to model and solve optimization problems by finding minimum and maximum values of functions. It outlines the steps to solve these problems, including rewriting quantities in terms of a single variable, differentiating, and using the second derivative to determine stationary points. Additionally, it includes a worked example involving the design of a rectangular allotment bed with semicircles, demonstrating the application of the concepts discussed.

Uploaded by

hoangnguyenphucanh
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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DP IB Maths: AA HL Your notes

5.5 Optimisation
Contents
5.5.1 Modelling with Di erentiation

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5.5.1 Modelling with Di erentiation


Your notes
Modelling with Di erentiation
What can be modelled with di erentiation?
Recall that di erentiation is about the rate of change of a function and provides a way of nding
minimum and maximum values of a function
Anything that involves maximising or minimising a quantity can be modelled using di erentiation; for
example
minimising the cost of raw materials in manufacturing a product
the maximum height a football could reach when kicked
These are called optimisation problems
What modelling assumptions are used in optimisation problems?
The quantity being optimised needs to be dependent on a single variable
If other variables are initially involved, constraints or assumptions about them will need to be
made; for example
minimising the cost of the main raw material – timber in manufacturing furniture say
the cost of screws, glue, varnish, etc can be xed or considered negligible
Other modelling assumptions may have to be made too; for example
ignoring air resistance and wind when modelling the path of a kicked football
How do I solve optimisation problems?
In optimisation problems, letters other than x, y and f are often used including capital letters
V is often used for volume, S for surface area
r for radius if a circle, cylinder or sphere is involved
Derivatives can still be found but be clear about which letter is representing the independent (x)
variable and which letter is representing the dependent (y) variable
A GDC may always use x and y but ensure you use the correct letters throughout your working and
nal answer
Problems often start by linking two connected quantities together – for example volume and surface
area
Where more than one variable is involved, constraints will be given such that the quantity of
interest can be rewritten in terms of one variable
Once the quantity of interest is written as a function of a single variable, di erentiation can be used to
maximise or minimise the quantity as required
STEP 1
Rewrite the quantity to be optimised in terms of a single variable, using any constraints given in the
question

STEP 2

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Di erentiate and solve the derivative equal to zero to nd the “x"-coordinate(s) of any stationary
points
Your notes
STEP 3
If there is more than one stationary point, or the requirement to justify the nature of the stationary
point, di erentiate again

STEP 4
Use the second derivative to determine the nature of each stationary point and select the maximum
or minimum point as necessary

STEP 5
Interpret the answer in the context of the question

Examiner Tip
The rst part of rewriting a quantity as a single variable is often a “show that” question – this means
you may still be able to access later parts of the question even if you can’t do this bit
Even when an algebraic solution is required you can still use your GDC to check answers and help
you get an idea of what you are aiming for

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Worked example
Your notes
A large allotment bed is being designed as a rectangle with a semicircle on each end, as shown in the
diagram below.

The total area of the bed is to be 100π m2 .


a) Show that the perimeter of the bed is given by the formula
⎛ 100 ⎞⎟
P = π ⎜⎜ r +
r ⎠
⎟
⎝

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Your notes

dP
b) Find .
dr

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Your notes

c) Find the value of r that minimises the perimeter.

d) Hence nd the minimum perimeter.

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Your notes

e) Justify that this is the minimum perimeter.

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