Modelling with Differentiation

Recall that differentiation is about the rate of change of a function and provides a way of finding minimum and maximum values of a function
Anything that involves maximising or minimising a quantity can be modelled using differentiation; 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

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 fixed 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

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 final 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, differentiation 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

Differentiate and solve the derivative equal to zero to find the “x"-coordinate(s) of any stationary points

STEP 3

If there is more than one stationary point, or the requirement to justify the nature of the stationary point, differentiate 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

The first 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