What Point Should a Sailor Aim for to Minimize Travel Time Along a Coastline?

In summary, the sailor is trying to reach a point 20 km along the coast in the shortest possible time. He can row at 4 km/h and run at 12 km/h. To optimize his time, he needs to find the point on the shore, X, where the total time T(X) is minimized. This involves using optimization and related rates to get the equation for T(X) and finding its minimum value.
  • #1
trey
2
0
A sailor in a boat 10 km off a straight coastline wants to reach a point 20km along the coast in the shortest possible time. Toward what point on the shore should he head if he can row at 4 km/h and run at 12 km/h?

i believe this involves optomizeation as well ralated rates but i am unsure as to how to get the equation to maximize.

x=10km
sailor ---------- | (straight coast)
dx/dt=4 km/h |
| y= 20 km dy/dt= 12 km/h
|
|
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
srry guys, i tried to make a picture at the bottom. I didnt know it wouldn't permit the spaces i input.
 
  • #3
Let x=0 be the point on the coast directly fronting the boat.

Call the unknown point at the coas for X.

Then, the time it takes for him to reach X by the boat is [itex]\frac{\sqrt{10^{2}+X^{2}}}{4}[/itex]
and the time for him to reach his destination after that [itex]\frac{20-X} {12}[/itex]
Thus, his total time T(X) is given by:
[tex]T(X) =\frac{\sqrt{10^{2}+X^{2}}}{4}+\frac{20-X} {12}[/tex]
Do you agree with this?
 

1. What are related rates?

Related rates are a type of mathematical problem in which the rate of change of one variable is related to the rate of change of another variable. They often involve finding the rate of change of an object or system at a specific point in time.

2. How do I approach a related rates problem?

The key to solving related rates problems is to identify the variables involved and determine how they are related. This often requires drawing a diagram and using the given information to set up an equation. Then, differentiation is used to find the rates of change of the variables.

3. What are some common examples of related rates problems?

Some common examples of related rates problems include finding the rate at which the height of a hot air balloon is changing, or the rate at which the area of a circle is changing as its radius changes. Other examples include rates of change in geometry, physics, and economics.

4. What are some tips for solving related rates problems?

One tip for solving related rates problems is to clearly label the given information and the variables involved. It is also important to carefully consider the units of measurement and make sure they are consistent throughout the problem. Additionally, it may be helpful to break the problem down into smaller parts and solve them individually before putting everything together.

5. What are some common mistakes to avoid when solving related rates problems?

One common mistake to avoid is using the wrong units of measurement or not converting units correctly. It is also important to pay attention to the signs of rates of change, as they can affect the final answer. Additionally, it is important to clearly label the variables and make sure they are consistent throughout the problem.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
1K
Replies
4
Views
5K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
4K
  • Calculus
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
2K
Back
Top