Distinguishing related rates and optimization

One of the main things students struggle with on exams is identifying the method to use on each problem. When they are learned in class, they are segregated by type, and their distinguishing features are not always highlighted. Here’s a brief cheat sheet on related rates and optimization. optimization related rates sample keywords maximize, minimize, […]

Related Rates

These are perhaps the epitome of the dreaded “word problem.” Fortunately there is a step by step method for solving them. A. Assign variables to your quantities and find relationship equations for them. B. If relevant, simplify the equations to remove extraneous variables. C. Express given and asked-for rates of change in terms of d/dt. […]