When you
are thinking about a mathematical object and the properties that it has, often questions come to mind that have to do with maximality and minimality.
Some examples of questions that look for or think about maximums are:
What is the largest graph you can draw to meet the criteria of the Three for the Money problem?
What is the largest number of links you can make from a braid that has four strands?
Some examples of questions that look for or think about minimums are:
What are the fewest number of Ice Cream Stands that the Icebergs can build to meet the needs of their town?
