Elementary Calculus Problem involving Derivatives

In summary, the conversation involved preparing for a calculus final by solving practice problems, and calculating the volume of a circular koi pond for a new Japanese restaurant. The owner is concerned about the amount of water needed and the suggested reduction of the pond's radius is explained using the power rule and linear approximation. The owner's estimate for the change in volume is shown to be significantly lower than the actual change.
  • #1
kierlain
1
0
I am currently working on old tests to prepare for my final in Elementary Calculus. I came across this problem and have no idea what to do. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

A new Japanese restaurant is pricing a koi pond. A 4 foot deep, 8 foot radius circular pond looks nice, but requires over 6000 gallons of water. The owner only wants a 5000 gallon pond, but assumes that will be too small. You suggest reducing the radius by half a foot, but the owner scoffs that 5999.5 gallons is no better. You explain there are nearly 7.5 gallons in each cubic foot, but the owner still thinks you are only saving 3.75 gallons.

Since the volume of the pond is given by 4πr2, use the power rule to explain why you are saving about 200 times as much as the owner's last estimate.
 
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  • #2
Since we are instructed to use differentiation, we could use a linear approximation.

\(\displaystyle \frac{\Delta V}{\Delta r}\approx \d{V}{r}=8\pi r\)

\(\displaystyle \Delta V\approx8\pi r\Delta r\)

Now, with $r=8,\,\Delta r=\dfrac{1}{2}$, we find the approximation for the change in volume is given by:

\(\displaystyle \Delta V\approx8\pi(8)\left(\frac{1}{2}\right)\)

Since the owner believes the change in volume is only 0.5 cubic feet, we can then show that the actual change is more by a factor $f$, given by:

\(\displaystyle f=\frac{8\pi(8)\left(\dfrac{1}{2}\right)}{\dfrac{1}{2}}=64\pi\approx201.061929829747\)
 
  • #3
MarkFL said:
Since we are instructed to use differentiation, we could use a linear approximation.

\(\displaystyle \frac{\Delta V}{\Delta r}\approx \d{V}{r}=8\pi r\)

\(\displaystyle \Delta V\approx8\pi r\Delta r\)

Now, with $r=8,\,\Delta r=\dfrac{1}{2}$, we find the approximation for the change in volume is given by:

\(\displaystyle \Delta V\approx8\pi(8)\left(\frac{1}{2}\right)\)

Since the owner believes the change in volume is only 0.5 cubic feet, we can then show that the actual change is more by a factor $f$, given by:

\(\displaystyle f=\frac{8\pi(8)\left(\dfrac{1}{2}\right)}{\dfrac{1}{2}}=64\pi\approx201.061929829747\)

Actually since the radius is being reduced, $\displaystyle \begin{align*} \Delta r = -\frac{1}{2} \end{align*}$. It doesn"t make much difference to the actual calculation though...
 

FAQ: Elementary Calculus Problem involving Derivatives

1. What is a derivative in elementary calculus?

A derivative in elementary calculus is a way to measure the rate of change of a function with respect to its independent variable. It represents the slope of a tangent line to the graph of the function at a specific point.

2. How do you find the derivative of a function?

To find the derivative of a function in elementary calculus, you can use the power rule, product rule, quotient rule, or chain rule. These rules involve taking the limit as the change in the independent variable approaches zero.

3. What is the difference between the derivative and the antiderivative?

The derivative of a function measures the rate of change of the function, while the antiderivative is the reverse process of finding the original function from its derivative. The antiderivative is also known as the indefinite integral.

4. What are some real-world applications of derivatives in elementary calculus?

Derivatives are used in many fields, such as physics, engineering, economics, and biology. They can be used to find maximum and minimum values, optimize functions, and calculate rates of change in real-world situations.

5. What are some common mistakes made when working with derivatives in elementary calculus?

Some common mistakes made when working with derivatives include forgetting to apply the chain rule, not simplifying expressions before taking the derivative, and mixing up the power rule with the chain rule. It is important to carefully follow the rules and steps when finding derivatives to avoid these errors.

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