Solving Cone Volume Change with Chain Rule

In summary, the problem involves a cone with a height of 1 m and a radius of 30 cm, where the height is increasing at a rate of 1 cm/s and the radius is decreasing at a rate of 1 cm/s. To find the rate of change of the cone's volume, the chain rule is used to solve for the derivative of the volume function, taking into account both the product rule and chain rule. The final result is that the rate of change of the volume is given by the formula, dv/dt = (pi/3)(r^2 - 2rh) cm^3/sec.
  • #1
Monsu
38
1
Does anyone know how to do this with chain rule?

If a cone has height 1 m and radius 30 cm, and the height is increasing at a rate of 1 cm/s, whereas the radius is decreasing at a rate of 1 cm/s, what is the rate of change of the cones volume? Solve the problem using the chain rule.


Thanks!
 
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  • #2
dr/dt = .1 r = .1t + .3
dh/dt = .1 h= .1t + 1

v = 1/3 pi r^2 h
v = 1/3 pi (.1t+.3)^2 (.1t +1)
dv/dt = 1/3 pi 2(.1t+3) (.1) (.1)
notice chain rule used

dv/dt = 2pi/3 (.001t + .003)
 
  • #3
Or: Since [itex] V= \frac{\pi}{3}r^h[/itex], [itex]\frac{dV}{dt}= \frac{2\pi}{3}rh\frac{dr}{dt}+ \frac{\pi}{3}r^2[/itex]
(both product rule and chain rule used!)
We are told that [itex]\frac{dr}{dt}= -1 cm/sec [/itex] and [itex]\frac{dh}{dt}= 1 cm/sec[/itex]
(Phymath: you missed the fact that r is decreasing! Also you do not state the units, which is crucial.)
so [itex]\frac{dV}{dt}=\frac{\pi}{3}r^2- \frac{2\pi}{3}rh cm^3/sec[/itex]
 
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1. How is the chain rule used to solve for cone volume change?

The chain rule is used to find the rate of change of a function that is composed of multiple functions. In the case of cone volume change, the volume is a function of both the radius and height of the cone. By using the chain rule, we can find the rate of change of volume with respect to both the radius and height.

2. What is the formula for finding the volume of a cone?

The formula for finding the volume of a cone is V = 1/3πr²h, where V is the volume, r is the radius, and h is the height. This formula can be used to find the volume of any cone, regardless of its dimensions.

3. How do you find the derivative of a function using the chain rule?

To find the derivative of a function using the chain rule, you must first identify the outer function and the inner function. Then, you can use the formula (outer function)'(inner function)(derivative of inner function) to find the derivative. In the case of cone volume change, the outer function would be the volume function and the inner functions would be the radius and height.

4. Can the chain rule be applied to other shapes besides cones?

Yes, the chain rule can be applied to any function that is composed of multiple functions. This includes other shapes such as cylinders, spheres, and prisms. The key is to identify the outer and inner functions and apply the chain rule accordingly.

5. Why is the chain rule important in solving for cone volume change?

The chain rule is important in solving for cone volume change because it allows us to find the rate of change of the volume with respect to both the radius and height. This is crucial in many real-world applications, such as engineering and physics, where understanding the relationship between variables is essential. By using the chain rule, we can accurately calculate and predict changes in cone volume.

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