2. What is Optimization?
A process used to find the
“best” way to do something.
For quadratic functions, this will
occur at the maximum or
minimum value of the function.
The max/min occurs at the
vertex.
3. Finding Max/Mins
We will use graphing calculators!
1. Graph the function.
2. Fix window.
3. Find vertex.
4. Example:
A kernel of popcorn contains water that
expands when the kernel is heated,
causing it to pop. The equation below
gives the “popping volume” y (in cubic
centimeters per gram) of popcorn with
moisture content x (as a percent of the
popcorn’s weight).
What moisture content maximizes
popping volume?
What is the maximum volume?
