How Do You Solve Related Rates Problems in Calculus?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around related rates problems in calculus, specifically focusing on a scenario involving a kite and its string length in relation to horizontal distance from a point on the ground. The original poster expresses confusion and seeks assistance with the problem due soon.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the importance of identifying variables and setting up the problem mathematically. There is a suggestion to visualize the scenario using a right triangle and to derive relationships between the variables involved, particularly focusing on the relationship between the length of the string and the horizontal distance.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on how to approach the problem by emphasizing the need to write down given variables and to find a relationship between the string length and the horizontal distance. There is an acknowledgment of the original poster's urgency and a reminder of the forum's focus on learning rather than providing direct answers.

Contextual Notes

The original poster is under time constraints as the assignment is due soon, which may influence the urgency of their requests for help. There are also reminders about the forum's guidelines regarding assistance and the importance of engaging with the material rather than seeking direct solutions.

p4nda
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Hi, I have no clue on how to work these problems out. Due tomorrow, please help! Thanks.

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The first step is to always identify and write down the given variables mathematically.
For question 14, you can draw a right-triangle with Inge at the ground vertex, and the kite at the top vertex. The string is the hypotenuse, so the height of the kite above the ground is the vertical leg which is 300ft. The length of the horizontal leg is variable with time, we'll call it x. We are given dx/dt = 25 ft/s. We want to find ds/dt when x=500ft, where s is the length of the string. We note that ds/dt = (ds/dx)(dx/dt) by the chain rule. Thus, if we write a function s = s(x) and differentiate it at x = 500ft, we will have the missing rate in our equation. Can you find an equation relating s and x ?
 
Last edited:
A little late, eh? Have you done any work on these? We're here to help you learn how to solve problems, not give you answers.

P.S. please don't spam.
 
hypermorphism said:
The first step is to always identify and write down the given variables mathematically.
For question 14, you can draw a right-triangle with Inge at the ground vertex, and the kite at the top vertex. The string is the hypotenuse, so the height of the kite above the ground is the vertical leg which is 300ft. The length of the horizontal leg is variable with time, we'll call it x. We are given dx/dt = 25 ft/s. We want to find ds/dt when x=500ft, where s is the length of the string. We note that ds/dt = (ds/dx)(dx/dt) by the chain rule. Thus, if we write a function s = s(x) and differentiate it at x = 500ft, we will have the missing rate in our equation. Can you find an equation relating s and x ?

Thanks! :smile:
 
Hurkyl said:
A little late, eh? Have you done any work on these? We're here to help you learn how to solve problems, not give you answers.

P.S. please don't spam.

Haha, yeah... a little late. But I've done some work on these.

P.S. Sorry. =/
 

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