Education Technology

Minimizing Surface Area of a Cylinder

Author
Subject Area
Math: Calculus: Applications of the Derivative
Math: Calculus: Derivatives
Math: AP Calculus: AP Calculus
Level
9-12
College
Activity Time
75 Minutes
TI Calculator
TI-Nspire™ CX CAS/CX II CAS
TI-Nspire™ CX series
Resource Types
Lessons
Format
CAS Required
TNS

Minimizing Surface Area of a Cylinder

Activity Overview

Students will minimize the surface area of a cylinder by collecting data from a geometric construction, estimate the minimum radius from a scatter plot, and calculate the actual radius using calculus and the CAS features of Nspire.

Before the Activity

Teachers should review the activity in the file Cylinder Area-Teacher.tns prior to assigning it so they can offer assistance.

Students need prior knowledge on how to solve an equation in terms of a variable and how to calculate derivatives.

During the Activity

Students work in pairs on the activity.

After the Activity

Teachers should lead a discussion to allow students to consolidate their understanding.

Author
Subject Area
Math: Calculus: Applications of the Derivative
Math: Calculus: Derivatives
Math: AP Calculus: AP Calculus
Level
9-12
College
Activity Time
75 Minutes
TI Calculator
TI-Nspire™ CX CAS/CX II CAS
TI-Nspire™ CX series
Resource Types
Lessons
Format
CAS Required
TNS
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