RELATED
RATES
Related rates problems are concerned with the
relationships between several variables and how
the rate of change of one affects the rate of
change of another. The predominant tool used in
the solution of related rates problems is the
chain rule.
Example 1
Compute the derivative of
with respect to t.
Example 1
Compute the derivative of with respect to t.
The derivative of with respect to x is . However, its derivative with
respect to t is somewhat different. To understand what it is, let .
Thus, the derivative of with respect to t, , is . Unless we know the
relationship between x and t we cannot simplify any further.
Example 2
Example 3
If and , compute when x=1.
Example 3
If and , compute when x=1.
Solution
Since
Even though is constant, changes as x changes. When x=1
Steps in Problem Solving
Step 1
Draw a diagram (if applicable). Label all variables with all appropriate symbol. Label
constant with their numerical values.
Step 2
Determine which rates are given and which rate you need to find. Write them down for
future reference.
Step 3
Find an equation (or several equations) relating the variables defined in step 1.
Step 4
Differentiate the equation(s) in step 3 with respect to time.
Step 5
Substitute all given information into the result of step 4 and solve for the unknown rate.
Insert appropriate units.
Example 4
A ladder 20 feet long is placed against a
wall. The foot of the ladder begins to slide
away from the wall at the rate of 1ft/sec.
How fast is the top of the ladder sliding
down the wall when the foot of the ladder
is 12 feet from the wall?
Step 1 Draw a diagram (if applicable). Label all variables with
all appropriate symbol. Label constant with their numerical values.
Step 2 Determine which rates are given and which rate you
need to find. Write them down for future reference.
Given
Since x is increasing, dx/dt is positive, even
though the foot of the ladder is moving to the
left.
Find: when x=12
Step 3 Find an equation (or several equations) relating the
variables defined in step 1.
Observing a right triangle, we use the
theorem of Pythagoras to obtain a
relationship between x and y.
Step 4 Differentiate the equation(s) in step 3 with respect to
time.
Differentiate with respect to t:
Step 5 Substitute all given information into the result of step 4
and solve for the unknown rate. Insert appropriate units.
We know from step 2 that dx/dt=1 and Substituting into the equation obtained in
we know that x=12 at the instant in step 4, we obtain
question. Before we can compute
dy/dt, however, we need to find y at
this instant. This is accomplished by
using the equation obtained in step 3.
The negative derivative means that y is
decreasing. The top of the ladder is
falling at the rate of ¾ ft/sec.
Example 5
At a certain instant, car A is 60 miles
north of car B. A is travelling south at
a rate of 20mi/h. How fast is the
distance between them changing 1
hour later?
Step 1 Draw a diagram (if applicable). Label all variables with
all appropriate symbol. Label constant with their numerical values.
Step 2 Determine which rates are given and which rate you
need to find. Write them down for future reference.
Given:
dy/dt is negative since y is shrinking. If we take dy/dt=20, we
will get an incorrect answer.
Find 1 hour later
Step 3 Find an equation (or several equations) relating the
variables defined in step 1.
Observing a right triangle, we use the
theorem of Pythagoras to obtain a
relationship between x and y.
Step 4 Differentiate the equation(s) in step 3 with respect to
time.
Step 5 Substitute all given information into the result of step 4
and solve for the unknown rate. Insert appropriate units.
From Step 4
After 1 hour, x=30 miles
and y=60-20=40 miles
The distance between the cars is
increasing at the rate of 2mi/h.
