1. Identify the objective (e.g., profit maximization or cost minimization).
2. Determine the profit function: \text{Profit} = \text{Revenue} - \text{Cost}
3. Use mathematical models and optimization techniques to maximize or minimize the function.
4. Analyze results and adjust business strategies accordingly.
Answer: Profit maximization and cost minimization involve optimizing the function \text{Profit} = \text{Revenue} - \text{Cost} by increasing revenue or decreasing cost through mathematical modeling.