1. Determine what is to be maximized or minimized.
2. Write an algebraic relationship defining the
quantity being maximized or minimized.
3. Write any other appropriate algebraic
relationships.
4. Express the quantity to be maximized or
minimized as an equation in one variable
5. Sketch a graph of the above relationship with
particular emphasis on the domain of the
function.
6. Determine critical values in the domain to
determine likely places for maxima and
minima.
7. Determine the maximum or minimum value
of the function over the appropriate domain.
Be sure to check for absolute maxima and
minima, not just relative maxima and minima.