Related rates of change are killing me

In summary, the conversation discusses a related rates problem involving an expanding sphere. The volume is increasing at a rate of 12 cubed cm per second and the question is how fast the surface area is increasing when the volume is 36π. The formulas for volume and surface area are provided and the conversation includes a question about using pi in Latex. The conversation then prompts the use of the chain rule to find the rates in terms of r and dr/dt, with the given information that r=3 when volume is 36π.
  • #1
KingNothing
882
4
Hi. I am getting absolutely embarassed by these related rates problems. Here is one that I simply keep getting wrong:

The volume of an expanding sphere is increasing at a rate of 12 cubed cm per second. When the volume is [tex]36\pi[/tex], how fast is the surface area increasing?

[tex]V=\frac {4*pi*r^3}{3}[/tex][tex]S=4*pi*r^2[/tex]
(how the heck do you use pi in latex? I know it's \pi, but that doesn't work right when Iput it in!)

[tex]\frac {dV}{dt}=4 \cdot \pi \cdot r^2 \cdot \frac {dr}{dt}[/tex]
Since volume is [tex]36 \cdot \pi[/tex], [tex]r=3[/tex]. Correct?
 
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  • #2
Start by finding [itex]dV/dt[/itex] and [itex]dS/dt[/itex] in terms of r and [itex]dr/dt[/itex]. (Hint: Chain rule)
 

1. What are related rates of change?

Related rates of change refer to the relationship between two or more changing quantities. It is used to analyze how the rate of change of one quantity affects the rate of change of another quantity.

2. Why are related rates of change important in science?

Related rates of change are important in science because they allow us to understand the interconnectedness of different variables in a system. This can help us make predictions and solve problems in various fields, such as physics, engineering, and biology.

3. What are some examples of related rates of change?

Some examples of related rates of change include the rate of change of the volume of a balloon as it is being inflated, the rate of change of the temperature of a cup of coffee as it cools down, and the rate of change of the population of a city over time.

4. How do you solve problems involving related rates of change?

To solve problems involving related rates of change, you first need to identify all the changing quantities and their relationships. Then, you can use calculus techniques, such as implicit differentiation and the chain rule, to find the rates of change of the different quantities. Finally, you can use this information to solve the problem and answer the question.

5. What are some common mistakes when solving related rates of change problems?

One common mistake when solving related rates of change problems is not properly identifying all the changing quantities and their relationships. Another mistake is not using the correct calculus techniques or making errors during the calculations. It is important to carefully read the problem and double-check the solution to avoid these mistakes.

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