Solving Cone Volume Change with Chain Rule

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the rate of change of a cone's volume using the chain rule in calculus. Given a cone with a height of 1 meter and a radius of 30 cm, where the height increases at 1 cm/s and the radius decreases at 1 cm/s, the volume is expressed as V = (1/3)πr²h. The derivative of the volume with respect to time, dv/dt, is calculated using both the chain rule and the product rule, resulting in dv/dt = (π/3)(r² - (2/3)rh) cm³/s. The importance of including units in calculations is emphasized for clarity.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of calculus, specifically the chain rule and product rule
  • Familiarity with the formula for the volume of a cone: V = (1/3)πr²h
  • Basic knowledge of rates of change in relation to geometric shapes
  • Ability to manipulate algebraic expressions and derivatives
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the application of the chain rule in multivariable calculus
  • Explore the concept of related rates in calculus problems
  • Learn how to derive and apply the volume formulas for different geometric shapes
  • Practice solving real-world problems involving rates of change and geometry
USEFUL FOR

Students studying calculus, mathematics educators, and anyone interested in applying calculus to solve geometric problems involving rates of change.

Monsu
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Does anyone know how to do this with chain rule?

If a cone has height 1 m and radius 30 cm, and the height is increasing at a rate of 1 cm/s, whereas the radius is decreasing at a rate of 1 cm/s, what is the rate of change of the cones volume? Solve the problem using the chain rule.


Thanks!
 
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dr/dt = .1 r = .1t + .3
dh/dt = .1 h= .1t + 1

v = 1/3 pi r^2 h
v = 1/3 pi (.1t+.3)^2 (.1t +1)
dv/dt = 1/3 pi 2(.1t+3) (.1) (.1)
notice chain rule used

dv/dt = 2pi/3 (.001t + .003)
 
Or: Since [itex]V= \frac{\pi}{3}r^h[/itex], [itex]\frac{dV}{dt}= \frac{2\pi}{3}rh\frac{dr}{dt}+ \frac{\pi}{3}r^2[/itex]
(both product rule and chain rule used!)
We are told that [itex]\frac{dr}{dt}= -1 cm/sec[/itex] and [itex]\frac{dh}{dt}= 1 cm/sec[/itex]
(Phymath: you missed the fact that r is decreasing! Also you do not state the units, which is crucial.)
so [itex]\frac{dV}{dt}=\frac{\pi}{3}r^2- \frac{2\pi}{3}rh cm^3/sec[/itex]
 
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