- #1
Homework Statement
The radius of a circle increases from 3 to 3.01 cm. Find the approximate change in its perimeter.
Here's a link to the actual question, in case you need the answer for 6(a) to solve 6(b)
http://imgur.com/a/nQt6M
Homework Equations
Perimeter of circle = 2πr
Area of circle = πr^2
dy/dx ≈ the limit of δy/δx as δx approaches 0
The Attempt at a Solution
Well I only have a problem in solving 6(b).
We know that δr = 3.01-3 = 0.01cm, and so that means δr is already approaching to 0
From this we can say that dp/dr ≈ δp/δr
So to find the change in the perimeter, (dp/dr)(δr) = δp
My only problem here is to find dp/dr
We know the perimeter of circle is 2πr, so by differentiating this we get dp/dr = 2π. But I don't understand, because now I can't input the value r =3cm into dp/dr since the r isn't there anymore after the equation is differentiated. I feel like the equation would only make sense if the the value dp/dr is equated with the value r=3cm so we know the change of the perimeter at THAT exact point. Since δr= 3.01-3, the diffrence in value is so small that it is ≈ dp/dr when r=3.
My final answer would look like δp= 2π(0.01)
= π/50
It's like it makes sense but at the same time it also doesn't make sense and I feel frustrated by it. Thanks for reading!