Related Rates Practice Problems

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on solving related rates problems, specifically addressing questions involving linear approximation and calculus concepts. The first problem involves a ladder slipping down a building, where the rate of Fabio's fall is calculated using the Pythagorean theorem and differentiation. The second problem examines the volume change of a decaying nerf ball, while subsequent questions explore the increment and differential of a quadratic function, the area increase of a circular wave, and the resistance change of espresso with temperature. All calculations and methodologies presented are confirmed as correct.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of calculus concepts, specifically related rates
  • Familiarity with differentiation techniques
  • Knowledge of the Pythagorean theorem
  • Basic understanding of volume and area formulas for geometric shapes
NEXT STEPS
  • Study advanced related rates problems in calculus textbooks
  • Practice differentiation techniques with real-world applications
  • Explore the implications of linear approximation in various scenarios
  • Learn about the relationship between geometry and calculus in problem-solving
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Students preparing for calculus exams, educators teaching related rates, and anyone looking to strengthen their problem-solving skills in mathematics.

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this assignment is on related rates. I believe questions 3/4 are on linear approximation and relate back to the last unit.

My problem is that I am entirely unconfident on this work, and am going to be taking a test on the material soon. If someone could check my work, I'd be delighted.

Homework Assignment
1. Fabio stands atop his 16 foot ladder when he realizes that the ladder
is slipping down the side of the building. He decides that the base of
the ladder is moving away from the bottom of the building at a rate
of 2 feet per second when it is 3 feet from the bottom of the building.
How fast is Fabio falling at that instant?

To do this problem I construct a triangle. Height is H Base is L and the distance between the two is 16.
H^2 + L^2 = 256. Therefore (dh/dt)2h +(dl/dt)2l=0 At this instant, h=3, which means l = sqrt(256-9) = sqrt(247). I am going to divide both sides of my equation by 2 to obtain (dh/dt)h +(dl/dt)l = 0. plugging in gives (x)(3) +(-2)(sqrt(247))=0; x = -2/3 sqrt (247)

2. A decaying nerf ball shrinks in such a way that its radius decreases
by 1/6th inch per month. How fast is the volume changing when the
radius is one quarter of an inch?

V=(pi)(4/3)(r^3)
dv/dt = (4)(pi)(r^2)(dr/dt)=4(pi)((1/4)^2)(-1/6)

For the following two questions, suppose that y = 2x^2 − 3x + 1.
3. Find and simplify a formula for the y increment, ∆y.

∆y = f(x+ ∆x) - f(x) = 2x^2 +4x(∆x)+2(∆x)^2-3x-3(∆x)+1-2x^2+3x-1= 4x(∆x)+2(∆x)^2 -3(∆x)

4. Find a formula for the y differential dy.
dy=f'(x)dx= (4x-3)dx

5. When a stone is dropped in a pool, a circular wave moves out from
the point of impact at a rate of six inches per second. How fast is the
area enclosed by the wave increasing when the wave is two inches in
radius?

A=(pi)(r^2)
dA/dt = dr/dt (2r)(pi) = (6)(2)(2)(pi) =24(pi) in^2/sec

6. The electric resistance of espresso as a function of its temperature is
given by
R = 6.000 + 0.002T 2
where R is measured in Ohms and T in degrees Celsius. If the tem-
perature is decreasing at the rate of 0.2 degrees per second, find the
rate of change of the resistance when T = 38 ◦ C.

dR/dt = 0.004 T (dT/dt)= 0.004 x 38 x -0.2 = -.0304
 
Last edited:
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Assuming that, for the last one, you meant R= 6+ 0.002T^2, they are all correct.
 

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