How to find the rate of decrease of water height in a tank

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To find the rate of decrease of water height in a tank, the equation relating height over time is given as 2(sqrt H) + 1/24t - 2(sqrt 20) = 0. The discussion reveals confusion about applying the chain rule and differentiating correctly, particularly in the context of the variables involved. The user attempts to derive dH/dt but struggles with the proper formulation of the derivatives. Clarification is sought on whether their approach is correct, indicating a need for guidance in solving the problem accurately. The main goal is to determine the water height's decrease when it reaches 9 ft, with an expected answer of 1 ft/sec.
psymple
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Homework Statement


Water flows from a tank of constant cross-sectional area 54 ft2 through an orifice of constant cross-sectional area 1.7 ft2 located at the bottom of the tank.
Initially the height of the water in the tank was 20 and its height t sec later is given by the following equation.

How fast was the height of the water decreasing when its height was 9 ft? (Round your answer to two decimal places.)____________1 ft/sec

Homework Equations



2(sqrt H) +1/24t-2(sqrt 20)=0 (0<=t<=50(sqrt 20))

The Attempt at a Solution


First let me say that this is my very first post-so forgive if i did not do everything up to par. TIA for all the help this site will bring.

Im almost clueless. I think I have to write it out;
dH/dt 2H^2 + (1/24t)^2 -2(20)^2=0
then we have to minus the dH/dt chain rule out;
2(1/24t)(1/24) -2(20)^2=(1) dH/dt (4H) = 1/288t=4H dH/dt
then divide out
dH/dt = (1/288)/4h

Am I even close??
thanks again and please advise if i am posting equations wrote!
 
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psymple said:
Im almost clueless. I think I have to write it out;
dH/dt 2H^2 + (1/24t)^2 -2(20)^2=0
then we have to minus the dH/dt chain rule out;
2(1/24t)(1/24) -2(20)^2=(1) dH/dt (4H) = 1/288t=4H dH/dt
then divide out
dH/dt = (1/288)/4h

Am I even close??
thanks again and please advise if i am posting equations wrote!

I'm not sure what you are doing here;

\frac{d}{dt}\left(2\sqrt{H(t)}+\frac{1}{24}t-2\sqrt{20}\right)=\frac{d}{dt}\left(2\sqrt{H(t)}\right)+\frac{d}{dt}\left(\frac{1}{24}t\right)-\frac{d}{dt}\left(2\sqrt{20}\right)\neq 2H^2\frac{dH}{dt}+\left(\frac{1}{24}t\right)^2-2(20)^2
 
Question: A clock's minute hand has length 4 and its hour hand has length 3. What is the distance between the tips at the moment when it is increasing most rapidly?(Putnam Exam Question) Answer: Making assumption that both the hands moves at constant angular velocities, the answer is ## \sqrt{7} .## But don't you think this assumption is somewhat doubtful and wrong?

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