Calculus Problem: Find m(t) Given dm/dt=120(t-3)^2

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In summary, the conversation discusses finding m(t) given dm/dt=120(t-3)^2 through two different methods of integration. Both methods result in a solution of 120(t^3/3 - 3t^2 + 9t)+k, with the only difference being a constant term. It is confirmed that both solutions are correct, and the first solution can also be considered as the answer to the differential equation.
  • #1
chwala
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Homework Statement

given## dm/dt=120(t-3)^2## find m(t)[/B]

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


now i have a problem here the first attempt ## ∫120(t-3)^2dt ##
= ##120∫(t^2-6t+9)dt##
=## 120(t^3/3-3t^2+9t)+k ##
but if you use chain rule you have
## ∫120(t-3)^2dt ## let ## u = t-3 ##then it follows that ##du=dt## thus we have
##∫120u^2du## =##(120u^3)/3 + k ##=##(120(t-3)^3)/3 ## this second solution clearly is the correct answer having four terms + a constant, why is the first solution wrong ? its having three terms + a constant?[/B]
 
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  • #2
chwala said:

Homework Statement

given## dm/dt=120(t-3)^2## find m(t)[/B]

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


now i have a problem here the first attempt ## ∫120(t-3)^2dt ##
= ##120∫(t^2-6t+9)dt##
=## 120(t^3/3-3t^2+9t)+k ##
but if you use chain rule you have
## ∫120(t-3)^2dt ## let ## u = t-3 ##then it follows that ##du=dt## thus we have
##∫120u^2du## =##(120u^3)/3 + k ##=##(120(t-3)^3)/3 ## this second solution clearly is the correct answer having four terms + a constant, why is the first solution wrong ? its having three terms + a constant?[/B]
Both seem correct to me. The fourth term in your second solution is just a number, so you can absorb it in the integration constant.
 
  • #3
The solution are the same if in the second method you call ##-9\cdot 120 + k = c## a constant, both solution are of the same form ##120(t^3/3-3t^{2}+9t) +k## and both differ only by a constant term...
 
  • #4
can one take the first solution as the answer to the differential equation?
 
  • #5
chwala said:
can one take the first solution as the answer to the differential equation?
Yes
 
  • #6
Thanks Sam and snow. regards
 
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Likes Samy_A and Ssnow

1. What is the given equation and what does it represent?

The given equation is dm/dt = 120(t-3)^2. This is a calculus problem that involves finding the function m(t) given the derivative of m with respect to t. The equation represents the rate of change of a quantity m with respect to time t, where the rate of change is given by the derivative dm/dt.

2. How do I solve for m(t) given the derivative dm/dt?

To solve for m(t), you need to integrate the given derivative dm/dt. This involves undoing the derivative operation by using the fundamental theorem of calculus. You can solve this integral by using the power rule, substitution, or other integration techniques.

3. What is the significance of the constant 120 in the equation?

The constant 120 in the equation represents the rate of change of the quantity m with respect to time. This means that for every unit increase in time, the quantity m increases by a factor of 120. It is important to consider the constant when solving the integral and finding the function m(t).

4. Can this equation be applied to real-life situations?

Yes, this equation can be applied to real-life situations where a quantity is changing over time. For example, if m represents the amount of bacteria in a culture and t represents time, this equation can be used to model the growth of the bacteria population over time.

5. Are there any limitations to using this equation?

Like any mathematical model, there are limitations to using this equation. It assumes that the rate of change of the quantity m is constant over time, which may not always be the case in real-life situations. It also assumes that the initial value of m is known, which may not always be the case. Additionally, this equation may not accurately model non-linear changes in a quantity over time.

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