Limit of Newton's Law of Cooling....1

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SUMMARY

The limit of the function u(t) = (u_0 - T)e^(kt) + T as t approaches positive infinity is T, provided that the constant k is less than 0. This conclusion is derived from the behavior of the exponential function e^(kt) as t increases, which approaches 0 when k is negative. The discussion highlights a common misunderstanding regarding the limit, emphasizing the importance of the sign of k in determining the behavior of u(t).

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of exponential functions, specifically e^(kt)
  • Knowledge of limits in calculus
  • Familiarity with the concept of constants in mathematical equations
  • Basic understanding of Newton's Law of Cooling
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the behavior of exponential decay functions, particularly e^(kt) for k < 0
  • Review calculus concepts related to limits and continuity
  • Explore Newton's Law of Cooling and its mathematical implications
  • Practice solving similar limit problems involving exponential functions
USEFUL FOR

Students studying calculus, educators teaching mathematical concepts, and anyone interested in understanding the implications of Newton's Law of Cooling in mathematical terms.

nycmathdad
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Given u(t) = (u_0 - T)e^(kt) + T, find the limit of u(t) as t tends to positive infinity.

The answer is T. How is the answer found? Seeking a hint or two.
 
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Beer soaked ramblings follow.
nycmathdad said:
Given u(t) = (u_0 - T)e^(kt) + T, find the limit of u(t) as t tends to positive infinity.

The answer is T. How is the answer found? Seeking a hint or two.
Problem 1.5.75.a.
Some details left out.
Suggest you post a screenshot of the entire problem instead of making helpers guess the condition for k.
 
nycmathdad said:
Given u(t) = (u_0 - T)e^(kt) + T, find the limit of u(t) as t tends to positive infinity.

The answer is T. How is the answer found? Seeking a hint or two.
That is simply NOT true! as t goes to positive infinity, e^{kt} goes positive infinity. u(t) would go to negative infinity, not T. It is true if t tended to negative infinity or if the exponential were e^(kt).
 
Country Boy said:
That is simply NOT true! as t goes to positive infinity, e^{kt} goes positive infinity. u(t) would go to negative infinity, not T. It is true if t tended to negative infinity or if the exponential were e^(kt).

I posted the answer given in the textbook. Let me look screen shot the question.

Look at 75 parts (a) and (b).

Screenshot_20210402-184607_Drive.jpg
 
Beer soaked ramblings follow.
Country Boy said:
That is simply NOT true! as t goes to positive infinity, e^{kt} goes positive infinity. u(t) would go to negative infinity, not T. It is true if t tended to negative infinity or if the exponential were e^(kt).
As I intimated, nycmathdad omitted the detail that k<0.
 
Now that we know my error (or should I call it sin), how is 75 done?
 
Beer soaked ramblings follow.
nycmathdad said:
Now that we know my error (or should I call it sin), how is 75 done?
If you have done your reading, it should be clear to you what $\lim_{t \to \infty} e^{kt}$ if k<0.
If not, I suggest you whip out your calculator and try out values for increasing values of t for a specific constant value of k<0 like -1/2.
 
In 75, you are given that [math]u(t)= (u_0- T)e^{kt}+ T[/math] AND it is specified that k< 0. As t goes to infinity [math]e^{kt}[/math] goes to 0 so u(t) goes to [math](u_0- T)(0)+ T= T[/math]
 
Country Boy said:
In 75, you are given that [math]u(t)= (u_0- T)e^{kt}+ T[/math] AND it is specified that k< 0. As t goes to infinity [math]e^{kt}[/math] goes to 0 so u(t) goes to [math](u_0- T)(0)+ T= T[/math]

I don't understand why e^(kt) goes to 0 as t goes to positive infinity. In other words, why does e^(kt) become zero?
 
  • #10
Beer soaked ramblings follow.
nycmathdad said:
I don't understand why e^(kt) goes to 0 as t goes to positive infinity. In other words, why does e^(kt) become zero?
For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.
If you didn't read your book, then you you won't understand why.
 
  • #11
Thank you everyone. I will look further into this chapter.
 

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