Related Rate Problem involving Theta

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving a related rates problem involving a balloon rising at 8 ft/s from a point 60 feet away from an observer. The correct approach involves differentiating the equation \(\tan\theta = \frac{y}{x}\) with respect to time, where \(y\) is the height of the balloon and \(x\) is a constant distance. The solution reveals that substituting numerical values should occur after differentiation, leading to the correct rate of change of the angle of elevation, which is approximately 0.114 radians/second.

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Homework Statement



A balloon rises at the rate of 8 ft/s from a point on the ground 60 feet from an observer. Find the rate of change of the angle of elevation when the balloon is 25 feet above the ground.

Homework Equations



n/a

The Attempt at a Solution



i tried several times and erased...
but...
I tried d/dt 'ing tanX = h/60 and solving for dx/dt but that gave me a number way off from the answer.
I get (secX)^2 * dx/dt = 8/60 (because dh/dt = 8)

The answer is supposed to be about .114 radians/second.

EDIT: I solved it myself, finally...
 
Last edited:
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I got it myself. Finally...
 
For these related rate questions you shouldn't sub in the numbers given to you until after you differentiate

suppose the distance between observer and the point on the ground is x and the height of hte balloon and is y, then

[tex]\tan\theta=\frac{y}{x}[/tex]

now differentiate with respect to time
[tex]\frac{d}{dt}(\tan\theta)=\frac{d}{dt}\left(\frac{y}{x}\right)[/tex]

when you differentiate theta and y keep in mind that you have differentiate implicitly, so you will end up with terms like dy/dt or [itex]d\theta/dt[/itex]
also x is a constant so you need not both about differentiating x with respect to t.

Hope this helps
 

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