Related Rates Homework Problem

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a related rates problem involving a semicircle, where point C moves along the semicircle from point A to point B. The radius is given as 10 cm, and the time taken for point C to move from A to C is 30 seconds. The angles and lengths involved are defined in terms of variables x, y, and z, with specific questions regarding rates of change and relationships between these variables.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the relationships between the angles and lengths using the Law of Cosines, questioning the definitions and relationships of the variables involved. There are attempts to clarify the rates of change of x and y, with some participants expressing confusion about the units and the setup of the problem.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing guidance on how to approach the problem without giving direct answers. There is a mix of attempts to clarify the original poster's confusion and to correct misunderstandings regarding the variables and their relationships.

Contextual Notes

There are indications of confusion regarding the definitions of the variables, particularly between x and y, and the units of measurement for the rates of change. Some participants question the clarity of the problem statement and the implications of the time taken for point C's movement.

muna580
I am trying to do the problem below but I don't understand how to do it. Can you please show me how to do it? DON'T give me the answer, explain to me how to get the answer.

http://img134.imageshack.us/img134/9168/untitled1au7.jpg

Point C moves at a constant rate along semicircle centered at ) from A to B. The radius of the semicircle is 10 cm, and it takes 30 sec for C to move from A to C. Angle COB has measure y radians, angle OCA has measure z radians, and AC = x cm as indicated in the figure.

a) What is the rate of change, in radians per sec, of x with respect to time?

b) What is the rate of change, in radians per sec, of y with respect to time?

c) x and y are related by the Law of Cosines; that is, y^2 = 10^2 + 10^2 - 2(10)(10)cos y. What is the rate of change of x with respect to time when y = π/2 radians?

d) Let D be the area of ΔOAC. Show that D is largest when x = π/2 radians.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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The first thing you should do is go back and take the time to copy the problem correctly! You have consistently confused x and y!

muna580 said:
I am trying to do the problem below but I don't understand how to do it. Can you please show me how to do it? DON'T give me the answer, explain to me how to get the answer.

http://img134.imageshack.us/img134/9168/untitled1au7.jpg

Point C moves at a constant rate along semicircle centered at ) from A to B. The radius of the semicircle is 10 cm, and it takes 30 sec for C to move from A to C. Angle COB has measure y radians, angle OCA has measure z radians, and AC = x cm as indicated in the figure.

a) What is the rate of change, in radians per sec, of x with respect to time?
You just told us that x is measured in cm, not radians! Do you mean "in cm per sec" or do you mean rate of change of y?

What is the rate of change, in radians per sec, of y with respect to time?

c) x and y are related by the Law of Cosines; that is, y^2 = 10^2 + 10^2 - 2(10)(10)cos y. What is the rate of change of x with respect to time when y = π/2 radians?
Well, they've pretty much given you the answer right there! Except that, of course you mean x^2= 10^2+ 10^2- 2(10)(10)cos y. Differentiate both sides of that with respect to t. You were also told that "it takes 30 sec for C to move from A to C" which doesn't really make sense. I think you meant that it take 30 sec for the moving point to move from A to C. Unless you are given some information about exactly where C is, I don't see how that helps you! Since they specify y= [itex]\pi[/itex]/2 radians, do they mean it take 30 seconds to go from A to [itex]\pi[/itex]/2 radians?

d) Let D be the area of ΔOAC. Show that D is largest when x = π/2 radians.
The altitude of that triangle is 10 sin(y). (And again, x cannot be "[itex]\pi/2[/itex] radians", it is a length. Presumably, you meant y.)
 
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Can you help me with the problem below except:

angle AOC = x
angle ACO = y
and AC = s
Thanks!
 
alyssajune said:
Can you help me with the problem below except:

angle AOC = x
angle ACO = y
and AC = s
Thanks!

Aside from the fact that you're hijacking a four-year-old thread, you need to show some work before we help you with a problem. It's forum policy.
 

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