



An introduction to optimisation i.e. finding a minimum or a maximum of a given function.
We shall consider a variety of problems of a practical nature which necessitate the finding of an extremum
(a minimum or a maximum).
We start by considering the problem of crossing a muddy field then move on to surface tension on a soap film
via the motorway problem.
• Linear programming?
• Goldilocks for sixth formers?
• Dido’s problem
PRIMARY: development of perspective, hands-on development of projections onto a cone and a cylinder.
SECONDARY: plus algebraic representation of transformations.
SIXTH FORM: plus conic sections, polar coordinates.

Copyright Maths Discovery 2015