The document discusses how to solve maximization and minimization word problems. It provides an example of maximizing the total area formed by cutting a rope into two pieces to form a square and rectangle. The steps are given as: (1) write the problem as two equations, (2) make one variable the subject of one equation, (3) substitute and take the derivative, (4) set the derivative equal to 0 to find the maximum/minimum. The maximum total area occurs when the side of the square is 1/2 the length of the rope. A second example finds the radius, height, and maximum volume of a cylindrical bucket given its total surface area.