Simple differentiatian of tan question

  • Thread starter Thread starter Dumbledore
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Tan
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the time rate of change of height using the equation h = 1000 tan(3t/(2t+10)). The derivative dh/dt is derived using the chain rule, resulting in dh/dt = 1000 * (sec(3t/(2t+10)))^2 * [(2t+10)*3 - 3t(2)/(2t + 10)^2]. After substituting t = 5, the correct rate of change is determined to be approximately 75.01 m/s, contingent upon ensuring the calculator is set to radians.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of calculus, specifically differentiation
  • Familiarity with trigonometric functions and their derivatives
  • Knowledge of the chain rule in calculus
  • Ability to convert between degrees and radians in trigonometric calculations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the application of the chain rule in more complex functions
  • Learn about the properties and applications of secant and tangent functions
  • Explore real-world applications of rates of change in physics
  • Practice converting between degrees and radians in various trigonometric contexts
USEFUL FOR

Students studying calculus, particularly those focusing on derivatives and rates of change, as well as educators looking for examples of trigonometric differentiation in real-world applications.

Dumbledore
Messages
33
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


What is the time rate of change of height after 5.0s?

Homework Equations



theta = 3t/(2t + 10)
adjacent length = 1000

Therefore: opposite length (height) h = 1000 tan (3t/(2t+10))

The Attempt at a Solution



I thought it would be simply finding the derivative of the second equation (dh/dt) and plugging in 5 for t.

dh/dt = 1000 * ( sec(3t/(2t+10)) )^2 * [ (2t+10)*3 - 3t(2)/ (2t + 10)^2 ]
dh/dt |t=5 = 1000/(cos.75)^2 * 3/40
= 75.01...

75 m/s

Is this not correct?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Change your calculator from degrees to radians. Otherwise, it looks great.
 
Thank you. :smile:
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
Replies
8
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
Replies
13
Views
2K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K