Can Logarithms Solve a Rocket Science Problem?

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The discussion revolves around calculating the speed of a rocket as its mass decreases due to fuel consumption. Participants explore the relationship between force, mass, and acceleration using the equation F=ma and its implications for varying mass. There is a request for a semi-realistic problem that can be solved using logarithms, despite the participant's limited calculus knowledge. The conversation also touches on the need to consider momentum changes, suggesting that the derivative of momentum should include the term v(dm/dt). Overall, the thread highlights the complexity of applying logarithmic solutions to rocket science problems.
TheShapeOfTime
[SOLVED] Rocket Science

"Calculate the speed acquired by a rocket whose mass varies as it burns up fuel."

Is there any way I could make up a semi-realistic problem relating to the above quote and solve it with logarithms?
 
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F=ma
F=m\frac {dv}{dt}
\frac {F}{m} = \frac {dv}{dt}
\int \frac {F}{m}dt = \int \frac {dv}{dt}
v=\int \frac {F(t)}{m(t)}dt
Not sure if that answers your question
 
I'm only in grade 11 and haven't done any calculus. Is there any way to make any sort of problem for this that only includes Logarithms?
 
mathlete said:
F=ma
F=m\frac {dv}{dt}
\frac {F}{m} = \frac {dv}{dt}
\int \frac {F}{m}dt = \int \frac {dv}{dt}
v=\int \frac {F(t)}{m(t)}dt
Not sure if that answers your question
Isn't force the derivative of momentum such that you would have to include the v\frac{dm}{dt} term as well?
 
Here is a little puzzle from the book 100 Geometric Games by Pierre Berloquin. The side of a small square is one meter long and the side of a larger square one and a half meters long. One vertex of the large square is at the center of the small square. The side of the large square cuts two sides of the small square into one- third parts and two-thirds parts. What is the area where the squares overlap?

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