Using differentials to estimate the amount of tin

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around estimating the amount of tin in a closed tin can using differentials. The can has a diameter of 8 cm and a height of 12 cm, with a tin thickness of 0.04 cm.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the use of differentials to estimate the volume of tin by comparing the maximum volume of the can to the enclosed volume. There are questions regarding the correct application of differentials, particularly in determining the values of dr and dh.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided calculations and approximations using different values for dh, noting that their results vary. There is an acknowledgment of a discrepancy between their estimates and a reference answer, prompting further exploration of the differential approach.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the correct interpretation of the problem and the application of differentials, particularly regarding the thickness of the tin and its impact on volume calculations.

tnutty
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Homework Statement



Use differentials to estimate the amount of tin in a closed tin can with diameter 8cm, and height 12cm, if the tin is 0.04 cm thick.

The way I did this was to subtract the Max volume by the Enclosed volume.

Max Volume is pi(4)(12)
Enclosed Volume is pi ( 8 - 2(0.04) )/2 *12

I got about 12cm^3How do I do this with differentials ?V = pi*r^2*h

dv = 2pi*rh * dr + pi*r^2 dh

Then what?

I think dr = ( 8 - (8 - 2*0.4) ) / 2 = 0.4
Then what is dh ?

Do I have to compare it to the Total volume somehow?
 
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tnutty said:

Homework Statement



Use differentials to estimate the amount of tin in a closed tin can with diameter 8cm, and height 12cm, if the tin is 0.04 cm thick.

The way I did this was to subtract the Max volume by the Enclosed volume.

Max Volume is pi(4)(12)
Enclosed Volume is pi ( 8 - 2(0.04) )/2 *12

I got about 12cm^3


How do I do this with differentials ?


V = pi*r^2*h

dv = 2pi*r * dr + pi*r^2 dh

Then what?

I think dr = ( 8 - (8 - 2*0.4) ) / 2 = 0.4
Then what is dh ?
It seems to me that dh = 2* 0.4, since you have two lids (top and bottom) of thickness 0.4 cm each.
tnutty said:
Do I have to compare it to the Total volume somehow?
No, your expression for dV should do the trick.
 
No, the answer in the book says that its 16cm^3.

The first method I did, subtracting the max volume by the volume with radius 1/2( 8 - 2*0.04) was close because the radius will be 3.6, from the answer(16cm^3) the radius has to be close to 3.5.

I am not sure how to work with differentials with this problem though.
 
Using dh = .08, I get
dV \approx~4\pi(24(.04) + 4(.08))~\approx~16.08495 cm^3
If I use dh = .04, I get an answer that is about 14.07 cm^3

My answer using dh = .08 is a lot closer to your book's answer.
 
Mark44 said:
Using dh = .08, I get
dV \approx~4\pi(24(.04) + 4(.08))~\approx~16.08495 cm^3
If I use dh = .04, I get an answer that is about 14.07 cm^3

My answer using dh = .08 is a lot closer to your book's answer.


Sorry for my miscalculation, thanks a million, Mark.
 

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