MHB John's Question: Air Pollution Rate of Change w/Distance

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The air pollution equation given is y + 2xy + x^2y = 600, which can be rearranged to y = 600(x + 1)^{-2}. To find the rate of change of pollution 10 miles away, the derivative dy/dx is calculated as -1200(x + 1)^{-3}. Evaluating this derivative at x = 10 yields approximately -0.9016, indicating a decrease in pollution levels. Therefore, the correct answer is C.) -0.9016.
MarkFL
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Here is the question:

The air pollution y(in parts per million) x miles away is given by y+2xy+x^2y=600.?


The air pollution y(in parts per million) x miles away is given by y+2xy+x^2y=600. Find the rate of pollution 10 miles away.
A. 1.0020
B. -1.997
C. -0.9016
D. 3.0924
E. None of the above

I have no idea how to do this but it has something to do with derivative because that's what were doing

I have posted a link there to this thread so the OP may view my work.
 
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Hello John,

We are given:

$$y+2xy+x^2y=600$$

If we solve for $y$, we find:

$$y\left(x^2+2x+1 \right)=600$$

$$y(x+1)^2=600$$

$$y=600(x+1)^{-2}$$

Differentiating with respect to $x$, we obtain:

$$\frac{dy}{dx}=-1200(x+1)^{-3}$$

Hence:

$$\left.\frac{dy}{dx} \right|_{x=10}=-\frac{1200}{1331}\approx-0.9016$$

Thus, C.) is the correct answer.
 
Here is a little puzzle from the book 100 Geometric Games by Pierre Berloquin. The side of a small square is one meter long and the side of a larger square one and a half meters long. One vertex of the large square is at the center of the small square. The side of the large square cuts two sides of the small square into one- third parts and two-thirds parts. What is the area where the squares overlap?

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