Related Rates height of rising water

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a rectangular swimming pool being filled with water at a specified rate, and participants are tasked with determining how fast the height of the water is rising. The subject area pertains to related rates in calculus.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relationship between volume and height, with attempts to differentiate the volume formula. There are questions about the application of the quotient rule and the correct placement of terms in the derivative.

Discussion Status

Several participants have offered insights into the differentiation process and the application of the quotient rule. There is an ongoing exploration of the implications of constants in the differentiation, and some participants express confusion about their previous calculations.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the constants involved in the problem, specifically the dimensions of the pool, and how these affect the differentiation process. There is also mention of the importance of unit consistency in verifying the correctness of the approach.

uradnky
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Homework Statement


A rectangular swimming pool 16m x 10m is being filled at a rate of .8m^3/min. How fast is height of the water rising?



Homework Equations


V = LWH


The Attempt at a Solution



H = V/LW
(dh/dt) = LW(dv/dt)
(dh/dt) = (10)(16)(.8)


This question looks so easy and I realize I am probablly making a stupid mistake somewhere, could someone point it out for me please?
 
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V=abh----(*), where a=16, b=10, h is the height and it is changing so we don't know it.

we need to know

\frac{dh}{dt}=?? we also know that

\frac{dV}{dt}=.8\frac{m^{3}}{min}

Now differentiate implicitly (*) and plug in the information you were provided. Does this help?
 
Ok, where u went wrong is that LW should be on denominator, and not on the numerator.

(dh/dt) = (dv/dt)/(LW)
 
Thanks for the help. One thing I don't understand though..
I rearrange V = LWH to solve for H.
That gives me H = V/LW.
Now when I take the derivate implicitly, wouldn't I need to use the quotient rule to get the derivative of V/LW? That is how I got LW(dv/dt) and not the correct answer of (dv/dt)/(LW)
 
uradnky said:
Thanks for the help. One thing I don't understand though..
I rearrange V = LWH to solve for H.
That gives me H = V/LW.
Now when I take the derivate implicitly, wouldn't I need to use the quotient rule to get the derivative of V/LW? That is how I got LW(dv/dt) and not the correct answer of (dv/dt)/(LW)

BUt notice that Length (L) and Width(W) are constants. In general:

\frac{d(Cf(x))}{dx}=C\frac{d(f(x))}{dx} C is a constant
 
So since the denominator is a constant it isn't necessary to use the quotient rule?
 
uradnky said:
So since the denominator is a constant it isn't necessary to use the quotient rule?

Well, even if you used the quotient rule, you will get the exact same answer, if you do the calculations right at first place.
 
See what happenes if you really want to apply the quotient rule

(\frac{V}{LW})'=\frac{V'LW-(LW)'V}{(LW)^{2}}=\frac{V'LW}{(LW)^{2}}=\frac{V'}{LW}

SO, the answer is the same, that's why i love math, because it is all consistent, no matter which way u decide to pursue.
 
If I tried this using the quotient rule, would this be the correct way to go about it? (I know it isnt..)
(dh/dt) = (160)(dv/dt)-(v)(0)
 
Last edited:
  • #10
uradnky said:
(I know it isnt..)
(dh/dt) = (160)(dv/dt)-(v)(0)

Well, i think you answered it yourself.

Do you know the quotient rule?
 
  • #11
(dh/dt) = (160)(.8)

= 128 ...this isn't the correct answer?
 
  • #12
uradnky said:
(dh/dt) = (160)(.8)

= 128 ...this isn't the correct answer?
No.

it should read sth like

.8/160= whatever

You need to review the quotient rule!
 
  • #13
V= L*w*h
dh/dt=?
Derivative of V = K h

dv/dt =K dh/dt
.8m^3/min = 160 dh/dt
(.8m^3/min)/160m^2 = dh/dt
Notice we know it is the correct answer because the Units cancel out this is very interesting fact that even if you don't really know what your doing as long as the unit makes sense then your good remeber this for your next test lol!


( the length is not changin the width is not changing only the height is changin as you fill the pool)
 
  • #14
kjlhdfkljdshfkljnvckjnd pretty ugly mistake. I guess I haven't done quotient rule in awhile hah. I didn't pay any attention when you showed me how to do it with the quotient rule. Sorry for wasting your time bro, but thanks for all the help.
 

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