

IB Math AI SL 5.6 – Local Maxima and Minima
Topic: Calculus
Level: IB Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation (SL)
File Type: Editable Slides / Lesson Presentation
Overview
This resource introduces the concept of local maxima and minima through the use of derivatives.
Students learn how to determine where a function reaches turning points by finding where the gradient is zero and applying derivative tests to classify these points as local maxima or minima.
The lesson emphasizes conceptual understanding by connecting the first derivative to the slope of a curve and illustrating how calculus reveals a function’s geometric behavior.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
- Find points where the gradient (first derivative) equals zero.
- Determine whether these points correspond to local maxima, minima, or points of inflection.
- Interpret the first derivative as the slope of a tangent line.
- Apply both the first derivative test and second derivative test to classify critical points.
- Connect the sign of the derivative to increasing and decreasing intervals of a function.
What’s Included
- Definition and explanation of local maxima and minima in the context of gradients.
- Step-by-step method for finding where ( f’(x) = 0 ) and analyzing the results.
- Worked example showing how to determine the x-value where the gradient is zero for a given function.* Guided procedure for classifying turning points using derivatives and graph interpretation.
- Practice problems with full worked solutions identifying maxima and minima.
- Visual explanations showing how the derivative changes sign around turning points.
Topics Covered
- Definition of critical points and stationary points.
- The first and second derivative tests.
- Relationship between gradient sign and function shape.
- Identifying local maxima, minima, and saddle points.
- Graphical interpretation of increasing and decreasing intervals.
Why You’ll Love It
- Builds an essential foundation for understanding optimization problems.
- Clearly links algebraic, graphical, and conceptual perspectives of differentiation.
- Includes step-by-step examples with intuitive geometric interpretations.
- Fully aligned with IB Math AI SL Topic 5: Calculus.
- Ready-to-teach, visually consistent, and classroom-friendly.
Tags: IB Math SL, Local Maxima, Local Minima, Turning Points, Derivatives, Gradient, Calculus, IB Curriculum, Lesson Slides
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