Approximation of Volume using Differential

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on using differentials to estimate the volume of tin in a cylindrical can with a radius of 4 cm, height of 12 cm, and thickness of 0.04 cm. The correct approach involves calculating the volume differential using the formula dV = (∂V/∂r)dr + (∂V/∂h)dh, where the derivatives are evaluated at the given dimensions. Participants clarify that while one suggested setting the change in height (dh) to zero, another argued for using the thickness as the change in height, leading to the expected volume of approximately 14 cm³. The calculations confirm that using the thickness for dh yields the correct result, while setting it to zero does not. The thread emphasizes the importance of correctly interpreting the variables in the differential formula to achieve accurate results.
Frank69
Messages
8
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



Use the differential to estimate the volume of tin a can of radius 4 cm., height 12 cm.
and thickness 0.04 cm is made of.

Homework Equations



(differential)

df = f'(x,y)dx + f'(x,y)dy

The approximated volume should be 14cm^3. However, I need the procedure to get to the result (since it was given).

The Attempt at a Solution



I know how to compute the differential. In order to do so I need the two derivatives in x and y. then the formula is straight forward: df = f'(x,y)dx + f'(x,y)dy
Unfortunately I have no clue how to apply this concept to solve the problem.
Any help would be appreciated.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
For a cylinder the volume is V=πr2h.

So in your formula it would be

dV= (∂V/∂r)dr + (∂V/∂h)dh

So when you put in ∂V/∂r and ∂V/∂h into the formula, 'dr' is the change in radius (your thickness) and 'dh' is your change in height (which is zero).
 
Frank69 said:

Homework Statement



Use the differential to estimate the volume of tin a can of radius 4 cm., height 12 cm.
and thickness 0.04 cm is made of.


Homework Equations



(differential)

df = f'(x,y)dx + f'(x,y)dy

The approximated volume should be 14cm^3. However, I need the procedure to get to the result (since it was given).

The Attempt at a Solution



I know how to compute the differential. In order to do so I need the two derivatives in x and y. then the formula is straight forward: df = f'(x,y)dx + f'(x,y)dy
Unfortunately I have no clue how to apply this concept to solve the problem.
Any help would be appreciated.

You're given height (h), radius (r), and thickness (dr). You have all the info you need. Make the necessary substitutions and you'll have it.

If you get stuck, post what you have and we can provide further hints (if we've determined you're actually putting some effort into understanding the solution).
 
Thanks to everyone. Geezer, you say that dh is zero. I instead set it to 0.04 (I considered also the bases).
And apparently I got the right result. My calculation was this:

V(r,h) = πr2h.

(∂V/∂r) = 2πrh

(∂V/∂h) = πr²

Then I plugged r = 4 and h = 12 in dV

dV = (∂V/∂r)(4,12)dr + (∂V/∂h)(4,12)dh

And I got: dV = 301.44*0.04 + 50.24 *0.04 = 12.0576 + 2.0096 = 14.0672

14 cm^3 was the result expected.

If instead I used dh = 0 as you suggest I would get:

dV = 301.44*0.04 + 50.24 *0 = 12.0576 + 0 = 12.0576

which is not the right answer.

Where's the catch?
 
Frank69 said:
Thanks to everyone. Geezer, you say that dh is zero. I instead set it to 0.04 (I considered also the bases).

I didn't say dh=0. In fact, I never commented on dh (dh=dr since the thickness of the can is uniform).
 
rock.freak667 said:
'dh' is your change in height (which is zero)

Sorry Gezeer, I meant what was written by rock.freak667 in the previous post.

Thanks to all of you anyway :)
 
I don't think your answer should be 14 cm3 since if you calculate

dV as dV = πh(r22-r12) where r2=4.04, r1= 4 and h =12, you would get around 12.1 or so.
 
Frank69 said:
Sorry Gezeer, I meant what was written by rock.freak667 in the previous post.

Thanks to all of you anyway :)

No biggie.
 

Similar threads

Replies
2
Views
721
Replies
9
Views
865
Replies
5
Views
4K
Replies
1
Views
3K
Replies
8
Views
3K
Back
Top