Finding the Rate of Change of Water in a Trough

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a trough filled with water, where the volume of water is expressed as a function of a variable x, specifically V = 12x^2. The scenario includes water flowing into the trough at a constant rate, and the objective is to determine how fast the variable x is increasing at a specific point.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relationship between the volume of water and the variable x, questioning the definitions and roles of the variables involved. There are attempts to apply the chain rule and clarify the equations related to rates of change.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants seeking clarification on the equations and the meaning of the variables. Some guidance has been provided regarding the application of the chain rule, and there is an ongoing exploration of how to relate the rates of change correctly.

Contextual Notes

Participants express confusion regarding the correct variables and their relationships, particularly distinguishing between dx/dt and dV/dt. There is also a mention of a specific value for x that needs to be considered in the calculations.

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Imagine a trough filled with water (I can't put up a picture).
The water in the tank at time t seconds is given by [tex]V = 12x^2[/tex]. Given that water is flowing into the trough at the rate of [tex]60 cm^3/s[/tex], find the rate at which x is increasing when x = 10.

[tex]\frac{dV}{dx} = 24x[/tex]
[tex]\frac{d?}{ds} = 60 cm^3/s[/tex]
Then what do I do?
 
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Who's "x" and what does your second equation stand for...?

Daniel.
 
If it shouldn't be x, can you tell me what it should be? I don't know what to do for the second equation. I just know its [tex]\frac{d\text{ something}}{dx} = 60 cm^3/s[/tex]. Again, if I'm wrong please tell me what it should be.
 
I don't know about "x",what is its point...But:
[tex]\frac{dV}{dt}=24x \frac{dx}{dt}[/tex]

,uding the chain rule...Now plug in the values and solve for the rate of "x"...

Daniel.
 
Oh now I know why you asked me about the second equation. I always get mixed up and put ds instead of dt .
So I got 1440x. I know that's not the final answer because there's still the x = 10 part. And I'm confused on that part.
 
Well,[itex]\frac{dV}{dt}=60cm^{3}s^{-1}[/itex]...x=10,you must find [itex]\frac{dx}{dt}[/itex]...

Daniel.
 
I thought [tex]\frac{dx}{dt} = 60 cm^3/s[/tex] and I've to find [tex]\frac{dV}{dt}[/tex] which is 1440x?
 
Nope,it's the other way aroung,the volume is increasing at the rate given in the problem...:wink:

Daniel.
 
The point is that
[tex]\frac{dV}{dt}= \frac{dV}{dx}\frac{dx}{dt}[/tex]
(the chain rule).

You are given [itex]\frac{dV}{dt}[/itex] and you can (and did) calculate [itex]\frac{dV}{dx}[/itex]. Put them into that equation and solve for [itex]\frac{dx}{dt}[/itex].
 
  • #10
Oh... Got it! Thank you!
 

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