Related rates of a ladder sliding

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a 5 m ladder sliding down a wall, with variables representing the height of the ladder's top (h) and the distance from the wall to the ladder's bottom (x) at a given time. The initial conditions include h(0) = 4 m and a rate of change of height dh/dt = 1.2 m/s. Participants are tasked with finding x(2) and dx/dt at t = 2 seconds.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Some participants attempt to apply related rates by using the equation x^2 + h^2 = 5^2 and differentiate it to find relationships between dx/dt and dh/dt.
  • Questions arise regarding the interpretation of dh/dt, with some participants suggesting it should be negative due to the height decreasing.
  • There is discussion about calculating h(2) based on the initial height and the rate of change, leading to further inquiries about how to find x(2) from that value.
  • One participant expresses confusion about the values obtained for h(2) and x(2) and seeks clarification on their calculations.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different interpretations of the problem and attempting to clarify their calculations. Some have provided calculations for h(2) and x(2), while others question the accuracy of these values and the reasoning behind them. There is no explicit consensus yet on the correct approach or final values.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the problem involves assumptions about the rates of change and the relationship between the variables, which may not be fully resolved. There is also a recognition of potential mistakes in earlier calculations that have led to confusion.

Arnoldjavs3
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Homework Statement


A 5 m ladder is sliding down the wall, and h is the height of the ladder's top at time t, and x is the distance from the wall to the ladder's bottom at time t.
Given that h(0) = 4 at t = 0 seconds and dh/dt = 1.2m/s, and the ladder is 5m long find x(2) and dx/dt at t=2 seconds

Homework Equations


x^2 + h^2 = 5^2
25 - 16 = x^2
x = 3

The Attempt at a Solution


$$2x*\frac{dx}{dt} + 2h*\frac{dh}{dt} = 0$$
since we know that dh/dt = 1.2 and x = 3:
$$2(3)*\frac{dx}{dt} + 2(4)*(1.2)= 0$$
$$\frac{-9.6}{6} = \frac{dx}{dt}$$
$$\frac{dx}{dt} = -1.6$$

I believe dx/dt is -1.6 at t = 0 seconds, but how do I use this information to find x(2) and dx/dt at 2 seconds? Am I wrong in approaching this problem?
 
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Arnoldjavs3 said:

Homework Statement


A 5 m ladder is sliding down the wall, and h is the height of the ladder's top at time t, and x is the distance from the wall to the ladder's bottom at time t.
Given that h(0) = 4 at t = 0 seconds and dh/dt = 1.2m/s, and the ladder is 5m long find x(2) and dx/dt at t=2 seconds

Homework Equations


x^2 + h^2 = 5^2
25 - 16 = x^2
x = 3

The Attempt at a Solution


$$2x*\frac{dx}{dt} + 2h*\frac{dh}{dt} = 0$$
since we know that dh/dt = 1.2 and x = 3:
$$2(3)*\frac{dx}{dt} + 2(4)*(1.2)= 0$$
$$\frac{-9.6}{6} = \frac{dx}{dt}$$
$$\frac{dx}{dt} = -1.6$$

I believe dx/dt is -1.6 at t = 0 seconds, but how do I use this information to find x(2) and dx/dt at 2 seconds? Am I wrong in approaching this problem?
In your problem statement, dh/dt appears to be constant at 1.2 m/s (really, this is -1.2 m/s). You're given that h(0) = 4, so what will h be at t = 2 sec.? From that you can find x(2).
 
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Mark44 said:
In your problem statement, dh/dt appears to be constant at 1.2 m/s (really, this is -1.2 m/s). You're given that h(0) = 4, so what will h be at t = 2 sec.? From that you can find x(2).

h(2) = 1.6m and x(2) = 4.73?

Is my initial approach wrong though? And why is it that I got $$\frac{dx}{dt} = -1.6$$ which is the same coefficient of h(2)? I get that from a logical perspective this problem is very easy but I still want to do the math behind it.
 
Arnoldjavs3 said:
h(2) = 1.6m and x(2) = 4.73?
I don't get these values. dh/dt = -1.2 m/sec, and h(0) = 4. How did you get h(2) = 1.6 m?
Arnoldjavs3 said:
Is my initial approach wrong though? And why is it that I got $$\frac{dx}{dt} = -1.6$$ which is the same coefficient of h(2)? I get that from a logical perspective this problem is very easy but I still want to do the math behind it.
 
Last edited:
Realized my mistakes were because I wasnt' careful enough
Okay so h(2) = 1.6m as 4-2(1.2) = 1.6
then we can use that to find x(2):
√(25-1.6^2) = 4.7377

And then i input these values in to:

$$2(4.73)*\frac{dx}{dt}=2(1.6)(1.2)$$
$$\frac{dx}{dt} = \frac{3.84}{2(4.737)}$$

and i get 0.405 for dx/dt.

Edit: changed this post as the previous was wrong
 
Last edited:

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