Optimization
The optimization strategy
Key distinction
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Example 1: fencing a rectangular area
Example 2: minimizing material for a can
Example 3: closest point on a curve
Example 4: maximum area of inscribed rectangle
Common optimization setups
Verifying the answer is a max or min
Common mistakes
AP exam tips
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Vocabulary
Unit 5 topics
Unit 5 overview15.1 Using the Mean Value Theorem25.2 Extreme Value Theorem and Critical Points35.3 Determining Intervals of Increasing and Decreasing45.4 Using the First Derivative Test55.5 Using the Candidates Test for Absolute Extrema65.6 Determining Concavity and Points of Inflection75.7 Using the Second Derivative Test85.8 Sketching Curves of Functions and Their Derivatives95.9 Connecting f, f', and f''105.10 Solving Optimization Problems