How to Solve Related Rates Problems Involving Water Leaks and Pumping Rates?

In summary, the question involves a leaking inverted conical tank with a height of 6m and a diameter of 4m. The water level is rising at a rate of 20cm/min when the height of water is 2m. To find the rate at which water is being pumped into the tank, we use the formula for the volume of a cone and differentiate it with respect to time. The resulting equation is used to solve for the rate, which is found to be 400010 cubic cm./min.
  • #1
catch.yossarian
19
0
Hi guys, I'm completely stuck here when doing related rates questions. Here is the question, and following the setup I have so far.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Water is leaking out of an inverted conical tank
at a rate of 10,00cm^3/min at the same time that water is
being pumped into the tank at a constant rate. The tank has
height 6m and diameter at top is 4m. IF the water level is
rising at a rate of 20cm/min when the height of water is
2m, find teh rate at which water is being pumped into the
tank.



------------------

d = 4m
h = 6m
2m = 20cm/min.
v = (1/3) (pi) r^2 h
dl/dt = 10,000cm^3/min (rate at which water leaves cone)
dp/dt = ? (rate at which water is being pumped into cone)

thats really all I have. I don't know where to go after that. Any help is appreciated.
 
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  • #2
this belongs under "Calculus" not "Differential Equations".k

The volume of a cone of radius r and height h is (1/3)πr2h. In this case entire tank has r= 3 and h= 4. Whatever the level of the water, the ratio of height to radius must be the same: r= (3/4)h so the volume is given by
V= (1/3)π(9/16)h3= (3/16)πh3 (I've written r in terms of h because we are given the rate of change of the height, h).
Now differentiate with respect to t: dV/dt= (9/16)πh2 (dh/dt).

You are told that h= 2 and dh/dt= 20 cm/min= .2 m/min so dV/dt= (9/16)π(.04)(20)= 0.4 &pi cubic m /min= 400000 cubic cm/min. Since we are also told that "Water is leaking out of an inverted conical tank at a rate of 10,00cm^3/min", in order to account for the water leaking out AND the increase in volume, the water must be coming in at 400010 cubic cm./min.
 
  • #3


Hi there, it looks like you have set up the problem correctly so far. To find the rate at which water is being pumped into the tank (dp/dt), we can use the related rates formula:

dp/dt = dl/dt - dh/dt

Where dl/dt is the rate at which water is leaving the cone (which is given as 10,000cm^3/min) and dh/dt is the rate at which the height of water is changing (which is given as 20cm/min).

Now, to find the value of dh/dt, we can use the formula for the volume of a cone (V = (1/3)πr^2h) and differentiate it with respect to time:

dV/dt = (1/3)πr^2dh/dt

Since we know the volume (V) and the radius (r), we can solve for dh/dt:

dh/dt = (3dV/dt)/(πr^2)

Plugging in the values, we get:

dh/dt = (3(10,000cm^3/min))/(π(2m)^2) = 477.46 cm/min

Now, we can plug this value back into the related rates formula to find dp/dt:

dp/dt = 10,000cm^3/min - 477.46cm/min = 9522.54 cm/min

Therefore, the rate at which water is being pumped into the tank is approximately 9522.54 cm/min. I hope this helps! Remember, when solving related rates problems, it's important to carefully consider all the given information and use the appropriate formulas to find the unknown rate. Keep practicing and you'll get the hang of it!
 

1. What is a related rate in terms of a water leak?

A related rate in the context of a water leak refers to the change in the volume or rate of flow of water as a result of a change in the dimensions or shape of the leak.

2. How is the rate of a water leak calculated?

The rate of a water leak can be calculated by using the formula Q = A * v, where Q is the volume of water leaking per unit time, A is the area of the leak, and v is the velocity of the water through the leak.

3. What factors can affect the rate of a water leak?

The rate of a water leak can be affected by various factors such as the size and shape of the leak, the pressure of the water, the type of material the leak is in, and the temperature of the water.

4. How do you use related rates to determine the location of a water leak?

To determine the location of a water leak using related rates, you would need to use multiple equations and variables to calculate the position of the leak. This involves using geometric principles and the known rate of flow of water at different points along the leak.

5. Can related rates be used to predict the future behavior of a water leak?

Yes, related rates can be used to predict the future behavior of a water leak. By analyzing the current rate of the leak and considering external factors that may affect it, scientists can make predictions about how the leak may change in the future.

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