IGCSE Maths / Calculus

Optimisation problems revision notes

Edexcel International GCSE Maths (4MA1), chapter 28: Calculus, specification point 3.4e. Part of the full course.

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Optimisation uses differentiation to find the largest or smallest value of a quantity. Write the quantity as a formula in one variable, find where its graph is flat, then check that the result is physically possible and answer the question asked.

More lessons in Calculus

• Variable rate of change
• Gradient of a curve by drawing a tangent
• Differentiating powers of x
• Gradient at a point by differentiation
• Differentiating after expanding
• Finding stationary points
• Maxima and minima
• Kinematics: displacement, velocity and acceleration