Rate/Relations Calc I Area of Rectangle

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    Area Rectangle
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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the rate of change of the area of a rectangle given the rates of change of its length and width. The context is within a calculus framework, specifically related to related rates.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the setup of the problem using the area formula A = LW and consider implicit differentiation. There is uncertainty about the correct application of the rates of change in the context of the area calculation.

Discussion Status

Some participants express agreement with the initial approach, while others attempt to clarify the calculations involved. There is a mix of interpretations regarding the final expression for the rate of change of the area.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working within the constraints of a homework assignment, which may limit the depth of exploration and the sharing of complete solutions.

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Homework Statement


Stewart Calculus 6E, 3.8 #4
4.) The length of a rectangle is increasing at a rate of 8cm/s and its width is increasing at a rate of 3cm/s. When the length is 20cm and the width is 10cm, how fast is the area of the rectangle increasing?

Homework Equations


A = LW

The Attempt at a Solution


I am not entirely sure how to set this problem up. I think I would start with A=LW, and then implicitly differentiate to:

[tex]A' = L'W + W'L[/tex]

Then perhaps, plug in my values for the change in length and width as so:
[tex]A' = 8W + 3L[/tex]

But that doesn't seem right?
 
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I think that is correct.
 
So, in that equation the W and L non prime can be put, so that:
[tex]A' = 8(10)+3(20)[/tex]

So the rate of the area when the sides are width:10 length 20 is 140cm^2/s ??
 
That should be correct or how I would do the question.
 

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