IB Maths AA SL 5.8: Local Maxima and Minima

Teach local maxima and minima with this IB Maths AA SL 5.8 lesson, covering stationary points, concavity, inflexion and optimisation.

This 32-slide PowerPoint presentation supports Topic 5: Calculus, with explanations, practice questions, solution slides and an exam checklist.

Topics covered

• Finding stationary points by solving f′(x) = 0.
• Classifying local maxima and minima using first-derivative sign changes.
• Applying the second derivative test, including when it is inconclusive.
• Understanding concavity and checking for points of inflexion.
• Interpreting the graph of a derivative.
• Setting up optimisation problems involving volume, profit and fencing costs.

Suitable for ages 16–18, especially IB Diploma Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches SL. Use for classroom teaching, guided practice or revision.

Includes the complete PowerPoint lesson. The preview images show slides 4, 5, 6 and 14; slide 1 is used as the cover.