Average rate of change of a sphere

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the average rate of change of the volume of a sphere as the radius changes from 10 cm to 15 cm, using the volume formula V(r) = (4/3)π(r)^3. Participants are exploring the mathematical reasoning behind the calculations involved in this problem.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the calculation of the average rate of change, with some attempting to apply limits while others suggest a straightforward subtraction and division approach. There are questions about the correct placement of variables and the interpretation of the problem's requirements.

Discussion Status

There is an ongoing exploration of different methods to calculate the average rate of change, with some participants providing guidance on simpler approaches. The conversation also shifts towards finding the instantaneous rate of change at a different radius, indicating a branching of the discussion into related concepts.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about the formulas and their formatting within the forum, indicating potential challenges in communicating mathematical expressions. There is also mention of differing educational backgrounds, which may influence the level of understanding and terminology used in the discussion.

thomasrules
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the Volume of a sphere is given by [tex]V(r) = \frac{4}{3}\pi(r)^3[/tex]

Find the average rate of change of volume with respect to radius as the radius changes from 10 cm to 15 cm.

Ok what I tried is: [tex]\lim_{r\rightarrow 15} \frac{V(r)-V(a)}{r-a}[/tex]

[tex]P(a,V(a))=(15,14 137)\\ Let\ r=10 \lim_{r\rightarrow 15} \frac{\frac{4}{3}\pi(10)^3-14,137}{10-15} = 1989[/tex]

and I would do that for 10 to 15 and get the average rate but somethign is wrong here...
 
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if r goes to 15 wouldn't it be wherever there is an r a 15 would go... I think you did it backwards... it looks as if you put "a" where "r" was supposed to go and "r" where "a" is supposed to go.

P(a,V(a))=(15,14 137)\\ Let\ r=10 \lim_{r\rightarrow 15} \frac{\frac{4}{3}\pi(15)^3-frac{4}{3}\pi(10)^3}{15-10} = 1989.675

I am not sure exactly about this... although I do remember doing something similar to this last semester. Is this the whole problem? Because if it wants the rate it would usually be for ex. the sphere is increasing by 1989 cm^3 per min.I don't know if the formula will show up because it is in code right now and I am not 100% sure how this forum works with formulas. Hope this helped some. If it still seems to be wrong send me a message and I'll look at it again.
 
well I guess the formula didn't work lol... how did you get yours up there?
 
The average rate of change as the radius changes from 10 cm to 15 cm is simply

[tex]\frac{V(15)-V(10)}{15-10}[/tex]

No limit, no hocus pocus involved, just plain soustraction and division of numbers.
 
answer says [tex]\frac{1900}{3}\pi[/tex]
 
that is the same as 1989.675, if you want to get an answer like that just keep pie separate.
 
second part is: Find the rate of change of volume when the radius is 8cm...

So that means the instantaneous rgight?
 
hmm... do you have the answer for this one as well? and do you know how to do derivatives? This dose look like it means instantaneous.
 
i got it its [tex]256\pi[/tex]

Used the instantaneous formula thing, i.e. the long way of derivative
 
  • #10
yeah you will learn how to get it easier just by deriving the equation later. Is this a college course or high school? Just wondering because the part you posted in was precalculus. If you get to where you need help again, I wouldn't mind helping. I need a refresher now and then to make sure I don't forget things.
 

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