Understanding the DuBois Formula: Solving for Height in Relation to Surface Area

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the DuBois formula, which relates surface area (S) to height (H) for individuals of a fixed weight (W). Participants are attempting to solve for height as a function of surface area, specifically focusing on the manipulation of the formula and the steps involved in isolating H.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are examining the algebraic steps taken to isolate H from the DuBois formula. Questions arise regarding specific transformations, such as the introduction of the number 100 and the handling of constants like 0.01. There is also discussion about the notation used in the equations.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided clarifications on the algebraic manipulations, while others express confusion about specific steps. There is an ongoing exploration of the reasoning behind the transformations, with no clear consensus yet on the understanding of all steps involved.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working within the constraints of a homework assignment, which may limit the information available for discussion. There are indications of varying levels of understanding among participants, leading to different interpretations of the problem setup.

swears
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Ok, my teacher did this problem today, but there is 1 step I don't understand. If someone could explain to me how it's done, that'd be great.

Here's the problem:

Using the DuBois formula: S = 0.01W^(0.25) H^(.75)

Solve for H(Height) as a function of S (Surface Area) for people of fixed weight(W) 70

Answer:

S = 0.01(70)^(.25) H^(.75)

S = 100/70^(.25) = H^(.75)
//This is the step I don't understand. Where does the 100 come from and what happened to 0.01? Am I an idiot?

34.57 S = H^(.75)

34.57^(4/3) S^(4/3) = H

H = 112.6 S^(4/3)
 
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Evidently, you don't understand it, since you are too sloppy about how you write stuff.
 
S = 100/70^(.25) = H^(.75)
//This is the step I don't understand. Where does the 100 come from and what happened to 0.01? Am I an idiot?
It should not be "S =" at the beginning, it should be "S x", i.e. "S times". The whole thing should be:

S = 0.01(70)^(.25) H^(.75)

S x 100/70^(.25) = H^(.75)

34.57 S = H^(.75)

34.57^(4/3) S^(4/3) = H

H = 112.6 S^(4/3)
 
arildno said:
Evidently, you don't understand it, since you are too sloppy about how you write stuff.

Thanks for the support
 
AGK, how did you swap S and H^(.75)
 
[tex]S = 0.01(70^{0.25}) \cdot H^{0.75}[/tex]

[tex]S = \frac{70^{0.25}}{100}\cdot H^{0.75}[/tex]

[tex]\frac{S}{H^{0.75}} = \frac{70^{0.25}}{100}[/tex]

[tex]\frac{1}{H^{0.75}} = \frac{70^{0.25}}{100S}[/tex]

[tex]H^{0.75} = \frac{100S}{70^{0.25}}[/tex]

[tex]H^{0.75} = S \times \frac{100}{70^{0.25}}[/tex]

Does that make more sense now?

~H
 
Yes, that makes more sense, thanks.

I'm not sure how you got the 1 in step 4 though.
 
swears said:
Yes, that makes more sense, thanks.

I'm not sure how you got the 1 in step 4 though.

From here;

[tex]\frac{{\color{red}S}}{H^{0.75}} = \frac{70^{0.25}}{100}[/tex]

Just divide both sides 'S'

[tex]\frac{1}{H^{0.75}} = \frac{70^{0.25}}{100{\color{red}S}}[/tex]

Do you see?

~H
 
Yes, Thanks.
 

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