The optimization process is all about finding a function’s least and greatest values. If we use a calculator to sketch the graph of a function, we can usually spot the least and greatest values. The first part of the optimization investigation is about solving for critical points and then classifying them as representing local or global maxima or minima.
Read MoreLearn how to sketch the graph of a piecewise function from a story problem that represents the function. To start, it’s helpful to know that, in word problems, a horizontal line represents something staying the same, a positive slope shows an increase in something, and a negative slope shows a decrease in something.
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