This book presents a short introduction to the main tools of optimization methodology including linear programming, steepest descent, conjugate gradients, and the Karush-Kuhn-Tucker-John conditions. Each topic is developed in terms of a specific physical model, so that the strategy behind every step is motivated by a logical, concrete, easily visualized objective. A quick perusal of the Fibonacci search algorithm provides a simple and tantalizing first encounter with optimization theory, and a review of the max-min exposition of one-dimensional calculus prepares readers for the more...