Increasing Function: Finding k When x=pi/4

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When x=pi/4, the rate of increase of sin(x^2) is k times the rate of increase of x, with k determined to be 1. The derivative of sin(x^2) at this point yields a slope of 1. The discussion clarifies that the rate of change of x (dx/dt) is not necessary for finding k. Instead, the relationship between the rates of change is defined by the derivative dy/dx, which is equal to the slope of sin(x^2). Thus, the value of k is confirmed as 1.
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Homework Statement


When x=pi/4, the rate at which sinx^2 is increasing is k times the rate at which x is increasing. What is the value of k?
(answer is 1)


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


I plugged in pi/4 into sinx^2 and i got .5.
i also took the derivative of sinx^2 and plugged in pi/4 to get the slope, which is 1.
So it seems to me that I found the rate at which sinx^2 is increasing (1), but i don't know how to find the rate at which x is increasing.
do i just take an average slope?
 
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Hint: (dy/dt) / (dx/dt) = dy/dx.
 
i think dy/dt would be 1.
how do i find dx/dt?
 
dx/dt is not given and is not needed. You only know that the ratio dy/dt and dx/dt is k. But the ratio of dy/dt and dx/dt is dy/dx, so what does that tell you?
 
that it is just simply the slope of sinx^2 when x=pi/4
which is 1
?
 
Yes, that's right. :smile:
 
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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