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6.7 Applications of Differential Calculus: Optimisation Problems
6.7 Applications of Differential Calculus: Optimisation Problems
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1. 28Y9 2. 28YB 3. 28YC 4. 28YD 5a. 28YF 5b. 28YG
6. 28YH 7. 28YJ
8. 28YK
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Optimisation problems
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We have seen that differential calculus can be used to determine the stationary points
of functions, in order to sketch their graphs. Calculating stationary points also lends
itself to the solving of problems that require some variable to be maximised or minimised. These are referred to as optimisation problems.
The fuel used by a car is defined by f (v) =
speed in km/h.
3 2
80 v
What is the most economical speed of the car? In other words, determine the speed of
the car which uses the least amount of fuel.
If we draw the graph of this function we find that the graph has a minimum. The speed
at the minimum would then give the most economical speed.
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