Calculus: Rates of Change of Cone: height and radius

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on calculating the rate of change of the radius (dr/dt) of an inverted cone-shaped water tank as water is pumped in at a rate of 2m³/min, with the water level at 3m. The volume formula V = (π/3)(r²)h is differentiated to relate the rates of change. The user correctly derives the equation for dV/dt but mistakenly uses the wrong radius value in their calculations. The correct radius at a height of 3m is 1.5m, not 2m. This adjustment is crucial for accurately determining dr/dt.
ilovemynny
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Homework Statement



A water tank the shape of an inverted circular cone with a base radius of 2m and height of 4m. if water is being pumped into the tank at a rate of 2m^3/min, find the rate at which the water level is rising when the water is 3m deep.

dv/dt = 2m^3/min
h = 3m
r = h/2

I know how to find dh/dt and the answer is dh/dt = 8/9pi m/min

but the next part asks for the rate of change of the radius (dr/dt) at that moment (when h = 3m) and i don't know how to get get this


Homework Equations



V = (pi/3)(r^2)h

The Attempt at a Solution



i was thinking that i would find the derivative of the volume formula so:
V = (pi/3) * r^2 * h

dV/dt = (pi/3) * [r^2 * (dh/dt) + 2rh * (dr/dt)]

and plug in the values:
2m^3/min = (pi/3) * [2^2 * (8/9pi m/min) + 2(2)(3) * (dr/dt)]
and find dr/dt from there
is this right or am i completely wrong?
if i am wrong can someone please help me? I don't know if I'm even using the right variables.
 
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you should write volume in terms of "r"
V=1/3{(pi)r^2}*rcot(theta)
where
cot(theta)=4/2.
find dV/dt @ r=h/2.
About your answer, The expression you derived is absolutely correct but the value of "r" you put in your final answer is wrong.You should put r=3/2 instead of 2.
 
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