Calculus practice

Optimization worksheets

Maximize area or volume under geometric constraints with a complete feasible-domain argument.

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State the constraint and feasible domain, differentiate the objective, and justify the global maximum.

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Reason from a model

Each worked key keeps the defining constraint, derivative reasoning, exact result, and contextual units together.

Learning objective

What this activity builds

Build a one-variable objective, locate feasible critical points, and prove the global optimum.

Worked example

Why check endpoints?

A critical point alone does not prove a global optimum.

Compare every feasible critical point and endpoint, or use concavity together with endpoint behavior.

Teaching notes

Make the practice count

  • Sketch and label the varying dimensions.
  • Eliminate one variable before differentiating.
  • Report dimensions as well as the objective value.

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Math SheetNameScoreTeacherDateOptimizationDefine the feasible domain, maximize the objective, and report dimensions with units.1. rectangleA rectangle has perimeter 32 ft. Find the dimensions that maximize its area.x16 - xSet-up and work:2. rectangleA rectangle has perimeter 24 cm. Find the dimensions that maximize its area.x12 - xSet-up and work:math-sheet.comPage 1 of 2
Math SheetNameScoreTeacherDateOptimizationDefine the feasible domain, maximize the objective, and report dimensions with units.3. three side fenceA rectangular enclosure borders a river, so only three sides need 40 ft of fencing. Find the dimensions that maximize area.40 - 2xxriver: no fenceSet-up and work:4. open top boxSquares of side x are cut from each corner of a 24 cm square sheet and the sides are folded up. Find the cut that maximizesbox volume.x24 - 2xSet-up and work:math-sheet.comPage 2 of 2

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