Ch 43: Praxis Mathematics: Optimization and Differentiation
About This Chapter
Praxis Mathematics: Optimization and Differentiation - Chapter Summary
This chapter's lessons will prepare you for Praxis Mathematics exam questions that cover optimizing simple and complex systems. You will learn to solve applied minima-maxima problems and use relative maxima and minima to analyze the behavior of a function. Another lesson will lead you through an examination of optimization and differentiation. Topics covered in this chapter include:
- Optimizing complex systems
- Optimizing simple systems
- Optimization and differentiation
Expert instructors guide you through these videos, and they know how to make the lessons both informative and entertaining. You will enjoy yourself as you gain knowledge and prepare for the test. Before moving on to the next lesson, be sure to take the self-assessment quiz that follows each lesson.
Objectives of the Praxis Mathematics Course
Many states require the Praxis Mathematics test for individuals who want to teach math at the secondary school level. There are 50 multiple-choice questions on the Praxis Mathematics test, and you will be allotted two hours to complete it. The topics covered in this optimization and differentiation chapter are included in the test's calculus section. This section has six questions, which constitutes about 12% of the test as a whole.
On the Praxis, you'll be presented with a problem and four choices of answers from which to choose. You can check your knowledge and get accustomed to the test's format by taking the self-assessment quizzes that accompany each video lesson.

1. Optimizing Complex Systems
In this lesson, you'll learn how to follow a five-step process to solve complex optimization problems by visualizing, defining, writing an equation, finding the minimum or maximum, and answering the question.

2. Optimizing Simple Systems
Optimization problems may seem overwhelming, but they can actually be quite simple. In this lesson, learn how to use a handy five-step formula to tackle these daunting problems.

3. Optimization and Differentiation
In this lesson, you can learn what optimization means from a mathematical standpoint. Using the techniques taught in this lesson, you can use the five steps to optimization to figure out practical things, like how much sleep you need to get before an exam.
Earning College Credit
Did you know… We have over 200 college courses that prepare you to earn credit by exam that is accepted by over 1,500 colleges and universities. You can test out of the first two years of college and save thousands off your degree. Anyone can earn credit-by-exam regardless of age or education level.
To learn more, visit our Earning Credit Page
Transferring credit to the school of your choice
Not sure what college you want to attend yet? Study.com has thousands of articles about every imaginable degree, area of study and career path that can help you find the school that's right for you.
Other Chapters
Other chapters within the Praxis Mathematics - Content Knowledge (5161): Practice & Study Guide course
- Praxis Mathematics: Counting Numbers Properties
- Praxis Mathematics: Rational and Irrational Numbers
- Praxis Mathematics: Solving Problems with Reasoning
- Praxis Mathematics: Percents
- Praxis Mathematics: Ratios and Proportions
- Praxis Mathematics: Scientific Notation & Order of Magnitude
- Praxis Mathematics: Algebraic Expressions
- Praxis Mathematics: Algebraic Equations
- Praxis Mathematics: Algebraic Fractions
- Praxis Mathematics: Linear Equations
- Praxis Mathematics: Systems of Equations
- Praxis Mathematics: Radicals Operations
- Praxis Mathematics: Exponents
- Praxis Mathematics: Distance
- Praxis Mathematics: Functions
- Praxis Mathematics: Inverse Functions
- Praxis Mathematics: Logarithmic Functions
- Praxis Mathematics: Rational Functions
- Praxis Mathematics: Complex Numbers Operations
- Praxis Mathematics: Sequences, Series & Probability
- Praxis Mathematics: Combinations & Permutations
- Praxis Mathematics: Quadratic Equations
- Praxis Mathematics: Polynomials
- Praxis Mathematics: Matrix Algebra
- Praxis Mathematics: Algebraic Formulas
- Praxis Mathematics: Measurement
- Praxis Mathematics: Area
- Praxis Mathematics: Polygons
- Praxis Mathematics: Quadrilaterals
- Praxis Mathematics: Circles
- Praxis Mathematics: Triangles
- Praxis Mathematics: Congruence, Similarity and Transformations
- Praxis Mathematics: Three-Dimensional Space and Volume
- Praxis Mathematics: Data
- Praxis Mathematics: Distributions
- Praxis Mathematics: Graphing
- Praxis Mathematics: Trigonometry
- Praxis Mathematics: Continuity
- Praxis Mathematics: Asymptotes
- Praxis Mathematics: Limits
- Praxis Mathematics: Derivatives
- Praxis Mathematics: Integrals
- Praxis Mathematics: Theorems
- Praxis Mathematics: Statistics
- Praxis Mathematics: Interpreting Statistics
- Praxis Mathematics: Understanding Logic
- Praxis Mathematics: Content Knowledge Flashcards