205.23 related rates sphere volume

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the rates of change of the volume of a spherical balloon with respect to its radius, as described by the formula \( V = \frac{4}{3}\pi r^3 \). Participants explore the implications of this relationship, including calculations for specific radius values and the interpretation of units involved in the problem.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant calculates the rate of change of volume with respect to radius at \( r = 2 \, \text{ft} \) as \( \frac{dV}{dr} = 16\pi \, \frac{ft^3}{ft} \).
  • Another participant points out that the units for the rate of change should include a time component, suggesting \( \frac{dV}{dt} = 16\pi \, \frac{ft^3}{s} \) at \( r = 2 \, \text{ft} \).
  • A different participant interprets the problem as asking for a change in volume due to a change in radius, without involving time, leading to confusion about the units used.
  • One participant acknowledges the potential for misunderstanding regarding the problem's phrasing and clarifies that the focus is solely on the change in radius.
  • Another participant provides a calculation for the volume increase when the radius changes from \( 2 \, \text{ft} \) to \( 2.3 \, \text{ft} \), arriving at an approximate increase of \( 25.82 \, \text{ft}^3 \).

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the interpretation of the units in the problem, with some insisting on the necessity of a time component while others argue that the problem does not specify time. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the correct interpretation of the units and the implications for the calculations.

Contextual Notes

There is ambiguity in the problem statement regarding the inclusion of time in the units for the rate of change, leading to varying interpretations among participants. Additionally, the calculations for volume changes depend on the assumptions made about the nature of the changes being considered.

karush
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$\tiny {205.23} $
$\text{ The volume }\displaystyle V=\frac{4}{3}\pi{r}^{3}
\text{ of a spherical balloon changes with the radius.} $
$\text{a) at what rate } \displaystyle \frac{ft^3}{ft} \\$
$\text{does the volume change with respect to the radius when $r=2 ft.$} $

$$\d{V}{f}=4\pi{r}^{2}\d{r}{f}\implies\d{V}{r}=4\pi{r}^{2} $$
$\text{at $r=2ft $ then} $
$$\d{V}{r}=4\pi{2}^{2} =16\pi \frac{ft^3}{ft} $$

$\text{b)how much does the volume increase when the}$
$\text{radius increases from $2$ to $2.3 ft$}$

$\displaystyle 4\pi(2.3^2)-16\pi\approx16.21 \frac{ft^3}{ft} $
$\text{so far ??}$
 
Last edited:
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The units you are using for the rate of change of the volume should be the cube of a linear measure divided by a time measure, such as ft³ / s. If we choose to use seconds as the time measure, then:

$$\d{V}{t}=4\pi r^2\,\frac{\text{ft}^3}{\text{s}}$$

Hence:

$$\left.\d{V}{t}\right|_{r=2}=4\pi (2)^2\,\frac{\text{ft}^3}{\text{s}}=16\pi\,\frac{\text{ft}^3}{\text{s}}$$

To find the exact change in volume when the radius increases from $r=2$ to $r=2.3$, we could simply write:

$$\Delta V=V(2.3)-V(2)=\frac{4}{3}\pi(2.3^3-2^3)\text{ ft}^3=\frac{4}{3}\pi\cdot\frac{4167}{1000}\text{ ft}^3=\frac{1389}{250}\pi\text{ ft}^3$$

If we wish to use a linear approximation, we could write:

$$\d{V}{r}=4\pi r^2$$

$$\Delta V\approx\d{V}{r}\Delta r=4\pi r^2\Delta r$$

With $r=2$ and $\Delta r=\frac{3}{10}$, we obtain:

$$\Delta V\approx\frac{24}{5}\pi\text{ ft}^3$$
 
View attachment 6071

I thought so too but the problem actually says
$$\frac{ft^3}{ft}$$ don't see any time unit given
 
Last edited:
$\tiny {205.23} $
$\text{ The volume }\displaystyle V=\frac{4}{3}\pi{r}^{3}
\text{ of a spherical balloon changes with the radius.} $
$\text{a) at what rate } \displaystyle \frac{ft^3}{ft} \\$
$\text{does the volume change with respect to the radius when $r=2 ft.$} $
$\d{V}{f}=4\pi{r}^{2}\d{r}{f}\implies\d{V}{r}=4\pi{r}^{2} $
$\text{at $r=2ft $ then} $
$$\d{V}{r}=4\pi{(2)}^{2} =16\pi \frac{ft^3}{ft} $$
$\text{b)how much does the volume increase when the}$
$\text{radius increases from $2$ to $2.3 ft$}$
$\displaystyle V(2.3)-V(2) \approx 17.46 {ft}^{3} $
 
At first I thought the problem as given had a typo, but now I believe I understand what is intended. We are just to consider a change in the radius, not a change in the radius with respect to time. I apologize for the confusion. :o
 
quite understandable, normally I'm sure its related to time

but your post still was very helpful, as always giving clearer insight to what seems so daunting at times. which is missing to often in the class room.,😎
 
karush said:
$\tiny {205.23} $
$\text{ The volume }\displaystyle V=\frac{4}{3}\pi{r}^{3}
\text{ of a spherical balloon changes with the radius.} $
$\text{a) at what rate } \displaystyle \frac{ft^3}{ft} \\$
$\text{does the volume change with respect to the radius when $r=2 ft.$} $

$$\d{V}{f}=4\pi{r}^{2}\d{r}{f}\implies\d{V}{r}=4\pi{r}^{2} $$
$\text{at $r=2ft $ then} $
$$\d{V}{r}=4\pi{2}^{2} =16\pi \frac{ft^3}{ft} $$
Yes, that is the correct rate of change of volume with respect to the radius.

$\text{b)how much does the volume increase when the}$
$\text{radius increases from $2$ to $2.3 ft$}$

$\displaystyle 4\pi(2.3^2)-16\pi\approx16.21 \frac{ft^3}{ft} $
$\text{so far ??}$
No, that is how much the rate of volume increase increases!

When r= 2, the volume is (4/3)\pi r^3= (4/3)\pi (2^3)= (4/3)\pi (8)= (32/3)\pi \approx 25.13 cubic feet. When r= 2.3 the volume is (4/3)\pi r^3= (4/3)\pi (2.3^3)= (4/3)\pi (12.162)\approx 50.96 cubic feet. The volume increases by approximately 50.96- 25.13= 25.82 cubic feet.
 

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