At the top and bottom of a curve (Max and Min), the slope is zero. The second derivative shows whether the curve is bending down or up. Here is a real-world example of a minimum problem: What route from home to work takes the shortest time?
Highlights of Calculus is a series of short videos that introduces the basic ideas of calculus — how it works and why it is important. The intended audience is high school students, college students, or anyone who might need help understanding the subject.
Lecture summary with practice problems (pdf with audio) | Lecture summary with practice problems (mp3) | Practice problems (pdf)