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The Roller Coaster

Keywords: Multivariable Calculus, Optimization, Second-Derivative Test, Lagrange Multipliers, Surfaces

mvcoaster.jpg

Highlights of the activity

  1. This small group activity using surfaces is designed to provide a geometric representation of constrained optimization.
  2. Students work in small groups to analyze the properties of a roller coaster drawn on their contour map.
  3. The whole class wrap-up discussion emphasizes the geometric relationship between level curves and constraints.

Reasons to spend class time on the activity

Provides an opportunity to explore the geometry of constrained optimization.

Reflections

Instructor's Guide

Student Handouts

mvcoasterhand.pdf


Authors: (c) Aaron Wangberg and the "Raising Calculus to the Surface" team; used by permission.
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