Help with a volume question calculus style

In summary, the problem involves a dam that opens to let water out at a rate modeled by the equation R = cos 0.001t. The gates automatically close after a volume of 300 megalitres has passed through. Using the equation, the time at which the gates will close can be calculated to be around 9:13 PM.
  • #1
maccaman
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Help with a volume question...calculus style

This is a problem solving question, so it is worded. I have cut off the first part which just explains the situation

We have a dam that opens to let water out to flood the plains. When a volume of 300 megalitres has passed through the gates, they automatically close. Within this volume limit, the rate of flow of water (R)
(in megalitres/minute) can be modeled by the following equation:

R = cos 0.001t, where t is the time in minutes.

If the gates open at midnight, at what time (to the nearest minute) will they automatically close?

This is causing me some considerable trouble, as i am only in grade 12. Any help with this would be greatly appreciated, thankyou
 
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  • #2
Seeing as how you're in grade 12, this should be a cinch ;). It's a pretty simple problem, so I think most hints would give it away, but here it goes (let t=0 at midnight):

[tex]R = \cos (0.001t)[/tex]

[tex]\frac{dV}{dt} = \cos (0.001t) [/tex]

[tex]dV = \cos(0.001t) dt[/tex]

[tex]\int_{V_0} ^{V_{f}} dV = \int_{0} ^{t_{f}} \cos(0.001t) dt[/tex]

[tex]300 = 1000\sin (0.001t) |_{0} ^{t_{f}} [/tex]

[tex]0.3 = \sin (0.001t_{f})[/tex]

[tex]t_f = 1000 \arcsin (0.3)[/tex]

Based on this you can figure out when it closes.
 
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  • #3


To solve this problem, we first need to understand that the volume of water that passes through the gates is equal to the area under the curve of the flow rate function. In other words, we need to find the time interval where the total area under the curve is equal to 300 megalitres.

To do this, we can use the fundamental theorem of calculus which states that the integral of a function over a certain interval is equal to the difference between the function evaluated at the upper and lower limits of the interval. In this case, we need to find the time interval where the integral of the flow rate function is equal to 300 megalitres.

So, let's set up our integral:

∫cos 0.001t dt = 300

To solve this, we can use a calculator or a computer to evaluate the integral. This gives us:

(1000/0.001)sin 0.001t = 300

sin 0.001t = 0.3

Now, we need to find the time (t) when the sine function equals 0.3. We can use a calculator to find the inverse sine of 0.3, which is approximately 17.46 degrees. To convert this to minutes, we need to multiply it by 60 since the time is measured in minutes, not degrees. So, the time interval where the gates will automatically close is approximately 17.46 * 60 = 1047.6 minutes.

Therefore, the gates will automatically close at around 1047.6 minutes after midnight, which is approximately 5:48 AM. Keep in mind that this is an approximation and may not be the exact time, but it should be very close.

I hope this helps you understand how to solve this problem using calculus. If you have any further questions, feel free to ask. Good luck!
 

FAQ: Help with a volume question calculus style

How do I calculate the volume of a solid using calculus?

The volume of a solid can be calculated using the integral calculus formula: V = ∫ab A(x)dx, where a and b are the limits of integration and A(x) is the cross-sectional area of the solid at a given point x.

What is the difference between finding volume using calculus and using the traditional formula?

Using calculus allows for more complex and irregularly shaped solids to be calculated, while the traditional formula is limited to simpler shapes like cubes, cylinders, and spheres.

Can calculus be used to find the volume of a solid with a varying cross-sectional area?

Yes, calculus can be used to find the volume of any solid, regardless of the shape of its cross-section. This is because the integral calculus formula takes into account the changing cross-sectional area at each point.

What are the units for volume when using calculus?

The units for volume when using calculus will depend on the units used for the limits of integration and the cross-sectional area. Make sure to check the units of the given problem to ensure your answer has the correct units.

Is calculus the only way to find the volume of a solid?

No, there are other methods of calculating volume such as using basic geometry formulas or using physical measurements. However, calculus is often used when dealing with more complex shapes and is a powerful tool for finding volumes of irregularly shaped solids.

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