MHB Derivative word problem - have I got the wrong solution?

Click For Summary
The user presents a problem involving the temperature of a steak in an oven, using the equation T(x) = 175 - 153e^(-kx). They calculate the rate of temperature change after 30 minutes, arriving at an answer of 0.54 degrees Celsius per minute. However, they are informed that they mistakenly used 50 minutes instead of 30 minutes to compute the constant k. This error leads to an incorrect solution, highlighting the importance of correctly applying the time variable in derivative problems. The discussion emphasizes the need for careful attention to detail in mathematical computations.
linapril
Messages
22
Reaction score
0
My answer is wrong according to the book, but I don't see where my mistake was made..

The question:
The temperature of a steak that's being put into the oven can be describe with
T(x) = 175-153e-kx
where T(x) is the temperature in degrees Celsius t minutes after the steak has been put into the oven. After 30 minutes the steak's temperature is 50 degrees Celsius. At which rate is the temperature changing then?

This is my solution:
T(30)=50
50=175-153e-50k
-125=-153e-50k
125/153 = e-50k
ln (125/153) = -50k
k = ln(125/153)/-50, approximately 0.004

T(x)=175-153e-0.004x
T'(x)=0.612e-0.004x
T'(30)=0.612e-0.004(30), approximately 0.54

Answer: the steak's temperature is changing by 0.54 degrees Celsius/min, after 30 minutes

Would really appreciate feedback on this!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
You have let the time be 50, rather than 30 minutes in your computation of $k$.
 
Thank you, MarkFL!
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
11K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
5K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
12K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K