Mixing Problem (variable volume)

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a tank with a variable volume of water and salt concentration, where brine is entering and exiting the tank at different rates. The goal is to determine the amount of salt in the tank at any time t, considering the changing volume of the brine.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to apply a first-order linear ordinary differential equation (ODE) to model the situation. They express uncertainty about integrating a specific term and seek guidance on how to proceed with the integral.

Discussion Status

Some participants are engaging with the original poster's attempts, with one participant referencing a similar problem. The original poster expresses frustration but also indicates a breakthrough in understanding, suggesting that the discussion has been somewhat productive.

Contextual Notes

The original poster notes difficulty with the integral involved in their solution attempt and questions the feasibility of certain steps in their reasoning. There is an acknowledgment of potential fatigue affecting their problem-solving process.

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Homework Statement


A tank contains 150L of water in which initially 30g or salt is dissolved. Brine runs in at a rate of 4 L/m and each litre contains 1.5g of dissolved salt. The mix in the tank is kept uniform. Brine runs out at 3L/m. What is that amount of salt in the tank at any time t?
Note that the volume of brime in the tank is not constant in time


Homework Equations



[tex]y' +p(x)y = r(x)[/tex]

General solution to first order, linear ODE

[tex]y(t) = exp(-\intp(p(t)) dt) [\int r(t)\exp(\intp(p(t))dt) dt +C][/tex]



The Attempt at a Solution



Input/Output Gives

[tex]y(t)=(6-3y)/(150+t) [/tex]
-
[tex]y'+3y = 6/(150+t)[/tex]

Substituting these values into the general equation gives me

y(t) = e^(-3t)[\nt(6/(150+t)*e^(3t) dt) + C]


And from here ... well... some sort of a clue as to where to go next would be very nice.
Basically i am having trouble with that integral, is it possible to take [tex]\int(ln((6/(150+t)*\exp^(3t) dt)[/tex] somehow? I'm not sure if/how to make this step.
I can take the log of the other parts of the equation...

ln(y(t)) = ln(exp^3t)+ [this is the bit I'm not sure of] + ln(C)
 
Last edited:
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Yes, thanks for showing me that - perhaps it's just the tiredness setting in, or perhaps I'm just completely dense! But i am still not able to work this out.
 
Well, I'm an idiot :P solved it now! Thanks!
 

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