Mastering the Tricky Equation: How to Solve for T Without a Calculator

[tedwillis]

Hi,

I need to solve this equation that stems from a differential equation, though that isn't really important. Here's the equation that needs to be solved for t:

3t+100=4((9t^3+900t^2+30000t)/(3t+100)…

I've tried myself and always seem to hit a dead end. Using a calculator, I know the answer is 100/3(2^2/3-1) or ~19.58, but can't find a way to get to this answer.

I should mention, I would like this in a fully worked solution if possible. The subject does not allow calculators.

 

[Simon Bridge]

3t+100=4((9t^3+900t^2+30000t)/(3t+100)…

The three dots at the end of an equation usually means "and so on" - meaning to continue some sort of pattern. Is that what you meant here?
(there's also an extra bracket in there.)

Guessing "no" ... rewriting - you need t to satisfy the relation: $$(3t+100)^2 = 4(9t^3+900t^2+30000t)$$your first task (brute force) is to put the equation into standard form.

From the look of it, it is a cubic, so as many as three values of t may make this equation true. You should already know how to solve for the roots of a cubic.

 

[tedwillis]

Sorry, wrote the question wrong:
3t+100=4((9t^3+900t^2+30000t)/(3t+100)^2)

 

[tedwillis]

Here's some more info on the problem that may help:

x(t) is the amount of an element in a container

The original d.e:
$$dx/dt+6x/(100+3t)=3$$

100+3t=v, the total volume of liquid in a container over time. The max of this is 300.

Solving the d.e gives:
$$x(t)=(9t^3+900t^2+30000t)/(3t+100)^2)$$

Now, and this is where I am stuck, I have to find when the percentage of the element within the total liquid is ≥ 25%. This occurs when $$x/v=1/4$$, so $$3t+100=4x$$, hence:
$$3t+100=4((9t^3+900t^2+30000t)/(3t+100)^2)$$

 

[Simon Bridge]

Hmmm I get $x(t)= c(3t-100)^2-3t+100$ where c is the constant of integration.

But if you are still happy with yours - you still have a cubic.
Put it in standard form.

 

[tedwillis]

Hmmm I get $x(t)= c(3t-100)^2-3t+100$ where c is the constant of integration.

But if you are still happy with yours - you still have a cubic.
Put it in standard form.

Oh sorry, I forgot to mention the intial vlaue is x(0)=0

 

[tedwillis]

So I guess this is what you mean by standard form:

$$9t^3+900t^2+30000t-1000000=0$$

 

[Ray Vickson]

Sorry, wrote the question wrong:
3t+100=4((9t^3+900t^2+30000t)/(3t+100)^2)

It is easier (and more insightful) to re-scale this: set t = 100s in the equation, to get
(3s+1)^3 = 12(3s^3 + 3s^2 + s). It is easier to get high accuracy on a calculator when you do this, plus it is easier to manipulate, etc.

RGV

 

[SammyS]

It is easier (and more insightful) to re-scale this: set t = 100s in the equation, to get
(3s+1)^3 = 12(3s^3 + 3s^2 + s). It is easier to get high accuracy on a calculator when you do this, plus it is easier to manipulate, etc.

RGV

Following Ray's suggestion, let u = 3s+1. so that \displaystyle s=\frac{u-1}{3}\ .

That should make the algebra even cleaner.

 

[Simon Bridge]

Oh sorry, I forgot to mention the intial vlaue is x(0)=0

In which case, c=-1/100 ... have you checked your DE solution?

Sammy and Ray have good suggestions for making things clearer.
You can look up how to solve a cubic equation... and that was "standard form" yes.