Solving Related Rate Problem: Find f(x,y) Change at T=3

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a related rates problem involving a function f(x,y) = 4xy², where the rates of change dx/dt = 1 and dy/dt = 2 are provided. Participants are tasked with determining how f changes at T=3, but they express uncertainty about the values of x and y at that specific time.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of the chain rule and the need for partial derivatives. There is confusion regarding how to incorporate time T and the values of x and y at T=3. Some suggest that the rates of change provide insights into x and y as functions of time, while others seek clarification on how to proceed without specific values for x and y.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with participants exploring the implications of the given rates and the necessity of knowing x and y at T=3 to evaluate the partial derivatives. Some guidance has been offered regarding the differentiation process, but a consensus on how to proceed remains unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the problem involves a cone growing in height and radius, which adds complexity to determining the volume's rate of change at T=3. There is an acknowledgment that the information provided may not be sufficient to fully resolve the problem.

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Homework Statement


For a related rate problem I am only given the two rates say dx/dt=1 and dy/dt=2 and a the function which depends on both x and y say f(x,y)=4xy^2 find how it is changing at T=3


Homework Equations


Chain rule


The Attempt at a Solution



So I can take both partial derivatives with respect to the chain rule and sub in 1 and 2 for the dx/dt and dy/dt respectively I just have no idea how T comes into play and what to sub in for x and y. My thoughts are that possibly since dx/dt=1 and dy/dt=2 then y=2x and I can isolate for the one variable but then I still don't know what to do form there.
 
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Eats Dirt said:
since dx/dt=1 and dy/dt=2

Those two tell you quite a bit about x and y as functions of time :)
 
aralbrec said:
Those two tell you quite a bit about x and y as functions of time :)

A bit more of a pointer would be much appreciated.
 
The chain rule says that
\frac{df}{dt}= \frac{\partial f}{\partial x}\frac{dx}{dt}+ \frac{\partial f}{\partial y}\frac{dy}{dt}

If f(x,y)= 4xy^2[/tex], what are \partial f/\partial x and \partial f/\partial y[/tex]?<br /> <br /> Now, if you are <b>only</b> told dx/dt= 1 and dy/dt= 2, then you do NOT have enough information to determine what x and y are at t= 3 and so could NOT evaluate the partial derivatives at t= 3.<br /> <br /> If you have a particular problem in mind then please tell us the exact statement of the problem.
 
HallsofIvy said:
The chain rule says that
\frac{df}{dt}= \frac{\partial f}{\partial x}\frac{dx}{dt}+ \frac{\partial f}{\partial y}\frac{dy}{dt}

If f(x,y)= 4xy^2[/tex], what are \partial f/\partial x and \partial f/\partial y[/tex]?<br /> <br /> Now, if you are <b>only</b> told dx/dt= 1 and dy/dt= 2, then you do NOT have enough information to determine what x and y are at t= 3 and so could NOT evaluate the partial derivatives at t= 3.<br /> <br /> If you have a particular problem in mind then please tell us the exact statement of the problem.
<br /> <br /> <br /> It states a cone grows in height starting from zero height dy/dt = 1 radius dx/dt = 2 how fast is the volume growing at t=3
 
Eats Dirt said:
It states a cone grows in height starting from zero height dy/dt = 1 radius dx/dt = 2 how fast is the volume growing at t=3

You need to find df/dt at t=3, so the first step is to perform the differentiation, as stated above. You'll find the result has x and y in it and to find a value for df/dt at a specific time, you will need to know x and y as functions of time.
 

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