NBA Salary Growth: Solving for Average Salary and Future Projections

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around modeling the growth of NBA player salaries using the differential equation dS/dt = 1137.7/√t + 521.3, with the initial condition that the average salary in 1985 (t=5) was $325,000. Participants suggest solving the equation to find the salary function S(t) and then determining when the salary will reach $4,000,000. There is debate over the terminology, with some arguing whether the equation constitutes a differential equation or simply a first derivative. Ultimately, the focus remains on integrating the equation and applying the initial condition to find the salary function. The conversation emphasizes the importance of clarity in mathematical definitions while addressing a straightforward problem.
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If the average salary S of an NBA player is increasing and can be modeled by: \frac{dS}{dt} = \frac{1137.7}{\sqrt{t}} + 521.3 and t = 5 is 1985.

a. Find the salary function in terms of the year if the average salary in 1985 was $325,000.
b. If the average salary continues to increase at this rate, in which year will the salary be $4,000,000?

Would I use the Mean Value Thoerem?

Any help is appreciated

Thanks :smile:
 
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Have you done any work on this problem yet? Do you know what the answer is supposed to be for part b?
 
Why would you use the Mean Value Theorem? You have an easily separable DEQ with the initial condition S(5) = 325000. Just solve it for S(t), and then find S-1(4000000).

--J
 
Justin Lazear said:
Why would you use the Mean Value Theorem? You have an easily separable DEQ with the initial condition S(5) = 325000. Just solve it for S(t), and then find S-1(4000000).

--J
Correct me if I'm missing something here, but the equation has dS/dt and t in it, making it simply a first derivative. All that's needed is integrating the expression, and then setting the expression equal to S(5) and finding the constant of integration.

I'm not seeing where you're getting a Diff Eq from, when the equation doesn't contain a variable and it's derivative.
 
scholzie said:
Correct me if I'm missing something here, but the equation has dS/dt and t in it, making it simply a first derivative. All that's needed is integrating the expression, and then setting the expression equal to S(5) and finding the constant of integration.

I'm not seeing where you're getting a Diff Eq from, when the equation doesn't contain a variable and it's derivative.

S'pose you're right. Either way, it doesn't really matter what you call it. The problem's trivial, whether or not you decide to bring the dt to the other side before you integrate.

--J
 
Justin Lazear said:
S'pose you're right. Either way, it doesn't really matter what you call it. The problem's trivial, whether or not you decide to bring the dt to the other side before you integrate.

--J
It's no big deal... different strokes for different fo'ks. I was just scared I was missing something, but we're on the same page :smile:
 
I really don't understand why we wouldn't call it a differential equation! It's got the derivative, which is enough for me! But the definition is what the definition is, so. ;)

--J
 
He may very well integrate with corresponding limits.
\int_{325000}^{S}dS=\int_{5}^{t} dt \ f(t)

It's the most direct way.

Daniel.
 
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