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

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around finding the limit of the function u(t) = (u_0 - T)e^(kt) + T as t approaches positive infinity, specifically in the context of Newton's Law of Cooling. Participants seek clarification on the conditions under which the limit equals T and explore the implications of the parameter k.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that the limit of u(t) as t approaches positive infinity is T, while others challenge this claim based on the behavior of the exponential term e^(kt).
  • One participant points out that if k is positive, e^(kt) approaches positive infinity, leading to u(t) tending towards negative infinity, contradicting the claim that the limit is T.
  • Another participant clarifies that the limit is indeed T when k is specified to be less than 0, as e^(kt) approaches 0 in that case.
  • There is a request for further details regarding the problem, including a suggestion to provide the complete problem statement for better context.
  • Some participants express confusion about why e^(kt) approaches 0 as t goes to positive infinity when k is negative.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus; there are competing views regarding the limit of u(t) based on the value of k, and the discussion remains unresolved on some aspects.

Contextual Notes

There are missing assumptions regarding the value of k, which significantly affects the limit of u(t). The discussion also highlights the dependence on the definitions and conditions provided in the problem statement.

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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