Solving Linear Diet Model Problem: Step-by-Step Guide

[mlowery]

I am working on solving a linear diet problem. I am given a differential equation. The problem basically requires me to solve the D.E., then plug 'n chug. I have gone over the solution to the D.E. over and over again. A fellow calculus student has also looked over the math and cannot find the error. Quite possibly there is no error and I am misinterpretting something. I end up with a negative inside of a natural logarithm, but I cannot find a way to get it out. Additionally, I have tried simply using the absolute value of the log, but I don't think this is correct.

I have put the question along with my work into a PDF file located http://mlowery.t35.com/Special_Project_Weight_Loss.pdf"

If anyone could point out my error/misinterpretation, I would greatly appreciate it.

Thanks,
Mitchell

 

[Hurkyl]

Why did you call k the initial weight? The initial weight is w(0). (Assuming the initial time is t = 0)

 

[mlowery]

Well my new answer seems more logical :)
Thank you so much Hurkyl.

 

[HallsofIvy]

I presume you editted your answer based on what Hurkyl said. I solved the d.e. using a different method but got exactly the answer you did.
Good work!

 

[mlowery]

Yes, I did edit my answer based off of Hurkyl's advice. Thank you HallsofIvy for checking it as well.

Mitchell