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Grade 12 Calculus: Optimization Guide

The document is a study guide on optimisation in calculus for Grade 12 students, explaining how to find maximum or minimum values of a quantity using derivatives. It outlines the steps to solve optimisation problems, including defining variables, writing equations, and testing for maxima or minima. An example involving a farmer maximizing the area of a rectangle with a fixed perimeter is provided, along with additional practice questions.

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Minenhle Mthalane
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177 views3 pages

Grade 12 Calculus: Optimization Guide

The document is a study guide on optimisation in calculus for Grade 12 students, explaining how to find maximum or minimum values of a quantity using derivatives. It outlines the steps to solve optimisation problems, including defining variables, writing equations, and testing for maxima or minima. An example involving a farmer maximizing the area of a rectangle with a fixed perimeter is provided, along with additional practice questions.

Uploaded by

Minenhle Mthalane
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Calculus: Optimisation (Grade 12)

Optimisation in Calculus
A Colourful Study Guide for Grade 12 Mathematics
Date: June 22, 2025
Calculus: Optimisation (Grade 12)

What is Optimisation?

Optimisation is a method used in Calculus to find the maximum or minimum value of a quantity. This

usually involves writing a function that models the situation, finding its derivative, and solving for the

values that make the derivative zero. Then, we use tests to determine whether it's a maximum or

minimum.

Steps to Solve Optimisation Problems

1. Define the variables clearly.

2. Write an equation for the quantity to be optimised.

3. Use a constraint equation to eliminate other variables.

4. Find the first derivative (dy/dx).

5. Solve dy/dx = 0 to find stationary points.

6. Use the second derivative or sign change to test for a max or min.

Example: Maximise Area of a Rectangle

Question:

A farmer has 100 m of fencing and wants to enclose a rectangular area.

Let the length be x and width be y.

Perimeter: 2x + 2y = 100 -> x + y = 50 -> y = 50 - x

Area A = x * y = x(50 - x) = 50x - x^2

Differentiate: A'(x) = 50 - 2x

Set A'(x) = 0 -> x = 25 -> y = 25


Calculus: Optimisation (Grade 12)

Max area occurs at 25 m by 25 m -> Area = 625 m²

More Practice Questions (With Answers)

1. A company wants to design a can with a fixed volume and minimal surface area. Find the

dimensions that minimise surface area.

2. Find the dimensions of a rectangle with a perimeter of 60 m and the maximum area.

3. A window is shaped as a rectangle topped by a semicircle. Find the dimensions that maximise the

amount of light admitted for a given perimeter.

Detailed solutions are recommended using: Mind the Gap Maths, Siyavula and DBE past papers.

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