Solving Related Rate Problem: Find f(x,y) Change at T=3

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In summary: The problem statement doesn't give you that information.In summary, the conversation discusses finding the rate of change of a function at a specific time given two rates and a function that depends on both variables. The chain rule is used to find the derivative and more information is needed to evaluate the partial derivatives at the given time. The specific problem mentioned involves finding the rate of change of a cone's volume as it grows in height and radius at a given time.
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Eats Dirt
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Homework Statement


For a related rate problem I am only given the two rates say dx/dt=1 and dy/dt=2 and a the function which depends on both x and y say f(x,y)=4xy^2 find how it is changing at T=3


Homework Equations


Chain rule


The Attempt at a Solution



So I can take both partial derivatives with respect to the chain rule and sub in 1 and 2 for the dx/dt and dy/dt respectively I just have no idea how T comes into play and what to sub in for x and y. My thoughts are that possibly since dx/dt=1 and dy/dt=2 then y=2x and I can isolate for the one variable but then I still don't know what to do form there.
 
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  • #2
Eats Dirt said:
since dx/dt=1 and dy/dt=2

Those two tell you quite a bit about x and y as functions of time :)
 
  • #3
aralbrec said:
Those two tell you quite a bit about x and y as functions of time :)

A bit more of a pointer would be much appreciated.
 
  • #4
The chain rule says that
[tex]\frac{df}{dt}= \frac{\partial f}{\partial x}\frac{dx}{dt}+ \frac{\partial f}{\partial y}\frac{dy}{dt}[/tex]

If [itex]f(x,y)= 4xy^2[/tex], what are [itex]\partial f/\partial x[/itex] and [itex]\partial f/\partial y[/tex]?

Now, if you are only told dx/dt= 1 and dy/dt= 2, then you do NOT have enough information to determine what x and y are at t= 3 and so could NOT evaluate the partial derivatives at t= 3.

If you have a particular problem in mind then please tell us the exact statement of the problem.
 
  • #5
HallsofIvy said:
The chain rule says that
[tex]\frac{df}{dt}= \frac{\partial f}{\partial x}\frac{dx}{dt}+ \frac{\partial f}{\partial y}\frac{dy}{dt}[/tex]

If [itex]f(x,y)= 4xy^2[/tex], what are [itex]\partial f/\partial x[/itex] and [itex]\partial f/\partial y[/tex]?

Now, if you are only told dx/dt= 1 and dy/dt= 2, then you do NOT have enough information to determine what x and y are at t= 3 and so could NOT evaluate the partial derivatives at t= 3.

If you have a particular problem in mind then please tell us the exact statement of the problem.


It states a cone grows in height starting from zero height dy/dt = 1 radius dx/dt = 2 how fast is the volume growing at t=3
 
  • #6
Eats Dirt said:
It states a cone grows in height starting from zero height dy/dt = 1 radius dx/dt = 2 how fast is the volume growing at t=3

You need to find df/dt at t=3, so the first step is to perform the differentiation, as stated above. You'll find the result has x and y in it and to find a value for df/dt at a specific time, you will need to know x and y as functions of time.
 

1. What is a related rate problem?

A related rate problem is a type of mathematical problem that involves finding the rate of change of one variable with respect to another variable. It typically involves multiple variables that are related by an equation, and the goal is to find how one variable changes as the other variable changes.

2. How do I solve a related rate problem?

The first step in solving a related rate problem is to identify all of the variables involved and determine how they are related. Then, you can use the given information and the related rate equation to create an equation that relates the rates of change of the variables. From there, you can use calculus techniques such as implicit differentiation and the chain rule to solve for the desired rate of change.

3. What is the significance of T=3 in this problem?

In this problem, T=3 represents a specific point in time at which we want to find the rate of change of the function f(x,y). It could be any point in time, but T=3 is used to give a specific context for the problem and make it more tangible.

4. What is f(x,y) in this problem?

f(x,y) represents a function that relates the two variables, x and y, in the problem. It could be any function, but in this case, it is the function that we are trying to find the rate of change of at T=3.

5. Can you provide an example of a related rate problem?

Sure! Here's an example: A ladder is leaning against a wall. If the bottom of the ladder is sliding away from the wall at a rate of 2 feet per second, and the bottom of the ladder is initially 5 feet away from the wall, how fast is the top of the ladder sliding down the wall when the bottom of the ladder is 12 feet away from the wall? In this problem, the variables are the distance from the wall (x) and the height of the ladder (y), and we can use the Pythagorean theorem (x^2 + y^2 = 25) to relate them. The goal is to find dy/dt when x = 12 and dx/dt = 2.

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