This site provides a tool for users to help them find Maxima and Minima via derivatives.
Type of Material:
Assignment
Recommended Uses:
This site is suitable for use in Calculus I classrooms, for homework assignments, individual learning, or group exploration in mathematics-related courses.
Technical Requirements:
Any browser
Identify Major Learning Goals:
The major learning goals to help students understand how calculus is used to find maximum and minimum values of functions.
Target Student Population:
Calculus I students
High School, College General Ed, College Lower Division
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:
Students should have: Understanding of basic functions, graphs, and slopes. Knowledge of how to take first and second derivatives. Finally, Basic algebra and geometry helpful for interpreting graphs.
Content Quality
Rating:
Strengths:
The Concepts are explained in simple, student-friendly language without unnecessary jargon. Excellent use of step-by-step examples that walk through derivative applications clearly. Diagrams and graphs are included to help visualize key ideas such as critical points.
Concerns:
The site is static—there are no interactive quizzes, drag-and-drop features, or practice problems with feedback. More hands-on or self-check elements would enhance student engagement and retention.
Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool
Rating:
Strengths:
The site builds on key calculus concepts and uses visuals and examples to progressively reinforce ideas, and the students can gain a solid understanding of the topic in a relatively short time due to the direct, no-fluff format.
Concerns:
The site focuses on isolated derivative applications without showing how maxima/minima connect to larger themes like optimization or modeling.
Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty
Rating:
Strengths:
The page is simple, clean, and easy to navigate. In addition, all content is laid out on one scrollable page, which is helpful for continuous reading.
Concerns:
It would be great if interactive examples, hover explanations, or embedded videos can be provided, which would enhance usability for different learning preferences.
Creative Commons:
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