What is the rate of change for this function?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the calculation of the rate of change for a given function S(T) and its relationship to another function N(T). Participants explore the derivatives of these functions and the application of the chain rule in finding the derivative of S with respect to N.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents the function S(T) and its derivative S'(T), attempting to find when the derivative equals zero, leading to T = 26.67.
  • Another participant confirms the calculation of T = 80/3 as a point where the derivative is zero, but does not resolve the discrepancy with T = 26.67.
  • A participant asks how to find the derivative of S with respect to N, suggesting the use of the chain rule.
  • Another participant agrees and provides the formula for the chain rule, indicating the relationship between the derivatives of S and N.
  • There is a discussion about whether multiplying the derivative of S by zero leads to zero again, with participants clarifying the derivatives involved.
  • One participant computes the derivative of N with respect to T and incorporates it into the expression for dS/dN, but does not reach a consensus on the implications of this calculation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the correct values for T where the derivative is zero, and there is no consensus on the implications of the calculations regarding dS/dN.

Contextual Notes

Participants do not fully resolve the relationship between the derivatives or the implications of their calculations, leaving some assumptions and steps unresolved.

MWR
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Hi,

I am working on a rate of change problem and appear stumped with my calculations.

S(T) = (-0.03T^2 + 1.6T - 13.65)^-1

S'(T) = (-1)((-0.03T^2 + 1.6T - 13.65)^-2 (-0.03 (2T) + 1.6))

S'(T) = - (-0.06T + 1.6) / (-0.03T^2 + 1.6T - 13.65)^2

S'(T) = (0.06T-1.6) / (-0.03T^2+1.6T-13.65)^2 = 0

Therefore, 0.06T – 1.6 = 0. From this, we add 1.6 to the right and then divide by 0.06T to get T= 26.67.

When does this rate = 0?
 
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The derivative is zero when $T=\dfrac{80}{3}$ as you found. :D
 
MarkFL said:
The derivative is zero when $T=\dfrac{80}{3}$ as you found. :D

Thanks, Mark.

Could you help me finish out my problem? I'm not exactly sure how.

S(T) = (-0.03T^2+1.6T-13.65)^-1

N(T) = -0.85T^2 +45.4T - 547

So the derivative is zero for S(T) when T = 26.67.

How do you then find DS/DN, S(T) with respect to N(T)?

Do we use the chain rule? Exactly how should I go about solving DS/DN?

Thanks again.
 
Yes, you are right, you could use the chain rule as follows:

$$\frac{dS}{dN}=\frac{dS}{dT}\cdot\frac{dT}{dN}= \frac{\dfrac{dS}{dT}}{\dfrac{dN}{dT}}$$
 
MarkFL said:
Yes, you are right, you could use the chain rule as follows:

$$\frac{dS}{dN}=\frac{dS}{dT}\cdot\frac{dT}{dN}= \frac{\dfrac{dS}{dT}}{\dfrac{dN}{dT}}$$

For DT/DN, I get -1.7t + 45.4.

So, does this mean I multiply that by zero, since that's the derivative of S(T)? Wouldn't I get zero again?
 
MWR said:
For DT/DN, I get -1.7t + 45.4.

So, does this mean I multiply that by zero, since that's the derivative of S(T)? Wouldn't I get zero again?

You have actually computed $$\frac{dN}{dT}$$, so you now know:

$$\frac{dS}{dN}=\frac{\dfrac{0.06T-1.6}{\left(-0.03T^2+1.6T-13.65 \right)^2}}{-1.7t+45.4}=\frac{0.06T-1.6}{(45.4-1.7T)\left(-0.03T^2+1.6T-13.65 \right)^2}$$
 
MarkFL said:
You have actually computed $$\frac{dN}{dT}$$, so you now know:

$$\frac{dS}{dN}=\frac{\dfrac{0.06T-1.6}{\left(-0.03T^2+1.6T-13.65 \right)^2}}{-1.7t+45.4}=\frac{0.06T-1.6}{(45.4-1.7T)\left(-0.03T^2+1.6T-13.65 \right)^2}$$

This makes perfect sense. Thanks so much for the clarification. :-)
 

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