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

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the function m(t) given the differential equation dm/dt = 120(t-3)^2. Participants are exploring the integration of the equation to derive m(t) and are comparing different approaches to the integration process.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are examining two different methods of integrating the expression 120(t-3)^2. One method expands the expression before integrating, while the other uses a substitution approach. There is a question about the correctness of the two methods and the resulting forms of the solutions.

Discussion Status

Some participants suggest that both integration methods yield equivalent results, differing only by a constant term. There is an ongoing exploration of whether one of the solutions can be considered the definitive answer to the differential equation.

Contextual Notes

Participants are discussing the implications of constants in integration and how they affect the final form of the solution. There is a focus on understanding the nature of the solutions rather than reaching a conclusive answer.

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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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.
 
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...
 
can one take the first solution as the answer to the differential equation?
 
chwala said:
can one take the first solution as the answer to the differential equation?
Yes
 
Thanks Sam and snow. regards
 
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