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Calculus math worksheets

Build your own math worksheets from 35,000+ problems for grades 3 to 12, from fractions to AP Calculus. Every problem comes with step-by-step solutions.

Model with differential equations

Learning goals

  • Defines variables and writes a differential equation from a rate relationship.
  • Connects signs and magnitudes of derivatives to how the modeled quantity changes.
  • Uses initial conditions when they are part of the model.
  • Interprets parameters and solution behavior in context.
  • Checks whether the differential equation is consistent with the stated situation.

Click problems to add them to your worksheet.

Model with differential equations 1
A small drone descends vertically. Its velocity \(v(t)\), in feet per second, changes at a rate equal to \(9\) minus \(0.4v(t)\). Write the differential equation represented by the statement. Do not solve it.

Hints

- Treat the stated rate of change of velocity as \(v'(t)\). - Keep the constant contribution \(9\) separate from the velocity-dependent term \(-0.4v(t)\). - The task asks only for the model, so no initial condition or solution is needed.

Solution

1. Translate each named rate into the corresponding derivative. 2. Preserve the stated signs and proportional relationships to obtain \(v'(t)=9-0.4v(t)\).

Answer

\(v'(t)=9-0.4v(t)\)
Model with differential equations 2
A cart attached to a spring moves along a track. Its acceleration is the negative of \(5\) times its displacement \(x(t)\) from equilibrium. Write the differential equation represented by the statement. Do not solve it.

Hints

- Acceleration is the second derivative \(x''(t)\). - Translate “the negative of \(5\) times displacement” with the coefficient and sign unchanged. - Check that the equation relates acceleration directly to displacement.

Solution

1. Translate each named rate into the corresponding derivative. 2. Preserve the stated signs and proportional relationships to obtain \(x''(t)=-5x(t)\).

Answer

\(x''(t)=-5x(t)\)
Model with differential equations 3
A ball moves along a line with position \(s(t)\). Its acceleration equals \(3\) times its velocity minus \(2\) times its position. Write the differential equation represented by the statement. Do not solve it.

Hints

- Write acceleration, velocity, and position as \(s''(t)\), \(s'(t)\), and \(s(t)\). - Translate “\(3\) times velocity minus \(2\) times position” term by term. - Keep the product coefficients attached to the corresponding derivatives.

Solution

1. Translate each named rate into the corresponding derivative. 2. Preserve the stated signs and proportional relationships to obtain \(s''(t)=3s'(t)-2s(t)\).

Answer

\(s''(t)=3s'(t)-2s(t)\)
Model with differential equations 4
The angular displacement \(\theta(t)\) of a classroom pendulum model has acceleration equal to the negative of \(4\sin(\theta(t))\). Write the differential equation represented by the statement. Do not solve it.

Hints

- Angular acceleration is \(\theta''(t)\). - Keep \(\sin(\theta(t))\) as a function of the angular displacement, not of time alone. - The word “negative” determines the sign of the restoring term.

Solution

1. Translate each named rate into the corresponding derivative. 2. Preserve the stated signs and proportional relationships to obtain \(\theta''(t)=-4\sin(\theta(t))\).

Answer

\(\theta''(t)=-4\sin(\theta(t))\)
Model with differential equations 5
A test vehicle's velocity \(v(t)\) increases because of a constant acceleration of \(12\,\frac{\text{ft}}{\text{s}^2}\) and decreases because of drag proportional to \(v(t)\), with proportionality constant \(k>0\). Write the differential equation represented by the statement. Do not solve it.

Hints

- Use \(v'(t)\) for acceleration. - The constant acceleration contributes a positive term, while drag contributes a term proportional to \(v(t)\). - Since drag opposes the increase, write its contribution with a negative sign and \(k>0\).

Solution

1. Translate each named rate into the corresponding derivative. 2. Preserve the stated signs and proportional relationships to obtain \(v'(t)=12-kv(t)\).

Answer

\(v'(t)=12-kv(t)\)
Model with differential equations 6
A runner's speed \(v(t)\) decreases at a rate proportional to \(v(t)^2\), with proportionality constant \(k>0\). Which differential equation best models the statement? A. \(v'=-kv^2\) B. \(v'=-k\sqrt v\) C. \(v'=k-v^2\) D. \(v'=kv^2\)

Hints

- Determine the sign from the direction of change. - Preserve the stated power of the speed. - Choose the equation containing both features.

Solution

1. “Decreases” requires a negative rate. 2. “Proportional to the square” requires the factor \(kv^2\). 3. Therefore, choice A is \(v'=-kv^2\).

Answer

A. \(v'=-kv^2\)
Model with differential equations 7
A moving object's position is \(s(t)\). Its acceleration equals the product of time and velocity. Write the differential equation represented by the statement. Do not solve it.

Hints

- Match acceleration and velocity to the correct derivatives. - Distinguish a product from a sum. - Check the derivative order on both quantities.

Solution

1. Acceleration is \(s''(t)\), and velocity is \(s'(t)\). 2. “Product” indicates multiplication by time \(t\). 3. Therefore, \(s''(t)=t s'(t)\).

Answer

\(s''(t)=t s'(t)\)
Model with differential equations 8
The positive strength \(S(x)\) of a signal decreases as it travels forward a distance \(x\ge0\). Its rate of change is proportional to \(xS(x)\), with constant \(k>0\). Which differential equation best models this decrease? A. \(S'=-k(x+S)\) B. \(S'=-kS/x\) C. \(S'=kxS\) D. \(S'=-kxS\)

Hints

- Does the signal become stronger or weaker over nonnegative distance? - Which option uses the product of both quantities named in the rate relationship?

Solution

1. The signal strength decreases, so its derivative is nonpositive for \(x\ge0\). 2. The proportional factors are distance \(x\) and current strength \(S(x)\), multiplied together. 3. Therefore, choice D is \(S'=-kxS\).

Answer

D. \(S'=-kxS\)
Model with differential equations 9
Let \(r(t)\) be the radius of a disk, in centimeters, at time \(t\) minutes. The model is \(r'(t)=-\frac{2}{1+t}\). State a concise verbal description of the rate.

Hints

- Read the derivative as a rate. - Use the sign to determine the direction of change. - Include the time-dependent magnitude in the description.

Solution

1. Read \(r'(t)\) as the rate of change of the radius. 2. The negative sign indicates a decrease. 3. The radius decreases at a rate of \(\frac{2}{1+t}\) centimeters per minute.

Answer

The radius decreases at a rate of \(\frac{2}{1+t}\) centimeters per minute.
Model with differential equations 10
Let \(F(x)\) be signal intensity after traveling \(x\) miles. The model is \(F'(x)=-0.03xF(x)\). State a concise verbal description of the rate.

Hints

- Read the derivative as a rate with respect to distance. - Use the sign to determine the direction of change. - Describe every factor in the product.

Solution

1. Read \(F'(x)\) as the rate of change of signal intensity with distance. 2. The negative sign indicates a decrease. 3. The magnitude is \(0.03\) times the distance traveled and the current intensity.

Answer

Signal intensity decreases at a rate equal to \(0.03\) times the distance traveled and the current intensity.
Model with differential equations 11
A solar-powered phone has battery charge \(B(t)\), measured as a percentage after \(t\) hours. Solar input adds charge at \(4+2\sin(\pi t/6)\) percentage points per hour, while phone use drains charge at \(0.15B(t)\) percentage points per hour. Initially, \(B(0)=60\). Which initial-value problem models the charge? Explain your choice. A. \(B'=4+2\sin(\pi t/6)+0.15B\), \(B(0)=60\) B. \(B'=4+2\sin(\pi t/6)-0.15B\), \(B(0)=60\) C. \(B'=0.15B-4-2\sin(\pi t/6)\), \(B(0)=0\) D. \(B'=4-2\sin(\pi t/6)-0.15B\), \(B(0)=60\)

Hints

- Label each rate as an input or an output. - Inputs contribute positively and outputs negatively to the net rate. - Match the initial condition to the stated starting charge.

Solution

1. Solar input adds charge, so \(4+2\sin(\pi t/6)\) enters with a positive sign. 2. Phone use removes charge, so \(0.15B\) enters with a negative sign. 3. The starting charge is \(B(0)=60\). Therefore, choice B is correct.

Answer

B. \(B'=4+2\sin(\pi t/6)-0.15B\), \(B(0)=60\). Solar input raises the charge, while phone use lowers it.
Model with differential equations 12
A pool has \(120\) gallons of water at noon and \(135\) gallons one hour later. Over this hour, was the *average* rate of change positive or negative? Find it in gallons per hour. Does that tell you the exact rate at noon?

Hints

- Compare the amount at the start and end of the hour. - Divide the change in amount by the elapsed time. - An interval average and a rate at a single moment are different quantities.

Solution

1. The average rate is \(\frac{135-120}{1}=15\) gallons per hour, so it is positive. 2. An average rate over an interval does not determine the instantaneous rate at its start.

Answer

Positive, \(15\,\text{gal/h}\). No; the instantaneous rate at noon is not determined.
Model with differential equations 13
A heater warms a room according to \(T'(t)=6-0.3(T(t)-70)\), with \(T\) in degrees Fahrenheit and \(t\) in hours. Is the room warming or cooling when \(T=80\)? Explain using the sign of \(T'\).

Hints

- Substitute the given temperature into the rate expression. - A positive temperature derivative means the temperature rises.

Solution

1. At \(T=80\), the rate is \(6-0.3(80-70)=3\) degrees Fahrenheit per hour. 2. Since the derivative is positive, the temperature is increasing.

Answer

Warming, because \(T'=3\,\text{°F/h}>0\).
Model with differential equations 14
A platform has vertical displacement \(x(t)\), in feet. Its acceleration equals a restoring contribution of \(-6x(t)\), a damping contribution of \(-1.5x'(t)\), and an external contribution of \(4\cos(2t)\). At \(t=0\), the platform is \(2\,\text{ft}\) above equilibrium and momentarily at rest. Write the initial-value problem. Do not solve it.

Hints

- Use \(x''(t)\), \(x'(t)\), and \(x(t)\) for acceleration, velocity, and displacement. - Combine the restoring, damping, and forcing contributions with their stated signs. - Translate “\(2\,\text{ft}\) above equilibrium and momentarily at rest” into the two initial conditions required for a second-order equation.

Solution

1. Translate acceleration as \(x''(t)\), velocity as \(x'(t)\), and displacement as \(x(t)\). 2. Combine the three stated acceleration contributions: \(x''(t)=-6x(t)-1.5x'(t)+4\cos(2t)\). 3. Translate the starting data as \(x(0)=2\) and \(x'(0)=0\).

Answer

\(x''(t)=-6x(t)-1.5x'(t)+4\cos(2t),\quad x(0)=2,\quad x'(0)=0\)
Model with differential equations 15
A greenhouse controller adjusts the humidity index \(H(t)\) toward the time-varying target \(60+5\sin t\). The rate of adjustment is \(0.3\) times the target minus the current humidity index. Write the differential equation. Then determine the sign of \(H'(0)\) when \(H(0)=55\). Do not solve the equation.

Hints

- Write the adjustment rate as \(0.3\) times the target-minus-current gap. - At \(t=0\), evaluate the target using \(\sin0\) before substituting \(H(0)=55\). - Use only the sign of the resulting derivative to decide whether humidity is initially rising or falling.

Solution

1. The target-minus-current gap is \(60+5\sin t-H(t)\). 2. The model is \(H'(t)=0.3\bigl(60+5\sin t-H(t)\bigr)\). 3. At \(t=0\) and \(H=55\), \(H'(0)=0.3\cdot(60-55)=1.5>0\).

Answer

\(H'(t)=0.3\bigl(60+5\sin t-H(t)\bigr)\), and \(H'(0)=1.5>0\)
Model with differential equations 16
Take downward as the positive direction for a falling test capsule. Its velocity \(v(t)\), in feet per second, has acceleration equal to \(32\) minus a drag term proportional to \(v(t)^2\). Use \(k>0\) for the proportionality constant. If the capsule is released from rest, write the initial-value problem. Do not solve it.

Hints

- With downward positive, gravity contributes a positive constant to \(v'(t)\). - Quadratic drag opposes the downward velocity, so its contribution has the form \(-kv(t)^2\) with \(k>0\). - Translate “released from rest” as the initial condition on velocity.

Solution

1. With downward positive, gravity contributes \(+32\) to acceleration. 2. Quadratic drag opposes the downward velocity, so it contributes \(-kv(t)^2\). 3. The initial-value problem is \(v'(t)=32-kv(t)^2,\quad v(0)=0\).

Answer

\(v'(t)=32-kv(t)^2,\quad v(0)=0,\quad k>0\)
Model with differential equations 17
Nia models a count \(N(t)\), measured in users, by \(N'(t)=kN(t)^2\), where \(t\) is measured in days. Nia says \(k\) has units of users per day. Determine the correct units of \(k\) and explain why.

Hints

- The derivative \(N'(t)\) has units of users per day. - Divide those units by the units of \(N(t)^2\) to obtain the units of \(k\). - Multiply the proposed units of \(k\) by users squared to verify dimensional consistency.

Solution

1. The left side \(N'(t)\) has units of users per day. 2. The factor \(N(t)^2\) has units of users squared. 3. Therefore, \(k\) must have units \((\text{user}\cdot\text{day})^{-1}\) so that \(kN^2\) has units of users per day.

Answer

\(k\) has units \((\text{user}\cdot\text{day})^{-1}\), not users per day.
Model with differential equations 18
A sled moves forward with speed \(v(t)\ge0\), where \(t\) is measured in seconds. Its speed decreases at a rate proportional to \((1+t)v(t)^2\). Use \(k>0\) for the proportionality constant. Write the differential equation. Do not solve it.

Hints

- What sign must the derivative of speed have while the sled slows? - Which quantities affect the rate of slowing down? - How does using \(k>0\) help keep the sign of the rate clear?

Solution

1. The speed decreases, so its derivative is negative while the sled moves. 2. Proportionality to the product of the time factor and squared speed gives \(v'(t)=-k(1+t)v(t)^2\).

Answer

\(v'(t)=-k(1+t)v(t)^2\), for \(v(t)\ge0\)
Model with differential equations 19
A platform's vertical displacement \(x(t)\) is modeled so that its acceleration equals \(3\cos t\) minus \(2\) times its velocity and \(5\) times its displacement. Write the differential equation represented by the statement. Do not solve it.

Hints

- Translate acceleration, velocity, and displacement as \(x''(t)\), \(x'(t)\), and \(x(t)\). - Keep the external forcing term \(3\cos t\) separate from damping and restoring terms. - Use the stated minus signs on both the velocity and displacement contributions.

Solution

1. Translate acceleration as \(x''(t)\), velocity as \(x'(t)\), and displacement as \(x(t)\). 2. Preserve the forcing, damping, and restoring signs to obtain \(x''(t)=3\cos t-2x'(t)-5x(t)\).

Answer

\(x''(t)=3\cos t-2x'(t)-5x(t)\)
Model with differential equations 20
The brightness \(B(x)\) of a beam traveling through fog decreases at a rate proportional to \(B(x)\) and to the fog-density function \(d(x)\). Use \(k>0\). Write a differential equation that models the situation. Do not solve it.

Hints

- Identify the quantity whose rate is described. - Include every factor named in the proportional relationship. - Check whether the rate should be positive or negative.

Solution

1. Represent the rate of change of brightness by \(B'(x)\). 2. Include both proportional factors and the negative sign for a decrease to obtain \(B'(x)=-kd(x)B(x)\).

Answer

\(B'(x)=-kd(x)B(x)\)
Model with differential equations 21
The radius \(r(t)\) of a wax disk decreases at a rate proportional to \(1+r(t)^2\). Use \(k>0\). Write a differential equation that models the situation. Do not solve it.

Hints

- Use \(r'(t)\) for the rate of change of the radius. - Keep the proportional factor exactly as \(1+r(t)^2\); it is a sum inside one factor. - Because the radius decreases and \(k>0\), the modeled rate must be negative.

Solution

1. Represent the rate of change of the radius by \(r'(t)\). 2. Use a negative sign for the decrease and the stated proportional factor to obtain \(r'(t)=-k\bigl(1+r(t)^2\bigr)\).

Answer

\(r'(t)=-k\bigl(1+r(t)^2\bigr)\)
Model with differential equations 22
A theater's cumulative ticket sales \(N(t)\) increase at a rate proportional to the number \(C-N(t)\) of tickets still available, where \(C\) is the fixed capacity. Use \(k>0\). Write a differential equation that models the situation. Do not solve it.

Hints

- Identify the quantity whose rate is described. - Express the number of tickets still available in terms of \(N(t)\). - Check whether the rate should be positive or negative.

Solution

1. Represent the rate of change of cumulative ticket sales by \(N'(t)\). 2. Since the sales increase in proportion to the remaining tickets, obtain \(N'(t)=k\bigl(C-N(t)\bigr)\).

Answer

\(N'(t)=k\bigl(C-N(t)\bigr)\)
Model with differential equations 23
The depth \(h(t)\) of water in a wide basin drops at a rate proportional to \(\sqrt{h(t)}\). Use \(k>0\). Write a differential equation that models the situation. Do not solve it.

Hints

- Use \(h'(t)\) for the rate of change of water depth. - The magnitude of the rate is proportional to \(\sqrt{h(t)}\), not to \(h(t)\) or \(h(t)^2\). - A dropping depth requires a negative sign when \(k>0\).

Solution

1. Represent the rate of change of the water depth by \(h'(t)\). 2. Use a negative sign for the drop and the stated proportional factor to obtain \(h'(t)=-k\sqrt{h(t)}\).

Answer

\(h'(t)=-k\sqrt{h(t)}\)
Model with differential equations 24
A recycling bin contains \(P(t)\) pounds of paper. Paper is added at \(8\,\frac{\text{lb}}{\text{day}}\). Each day, paper is removed at a continuous rate equal to \(15\%\) of the amount currently in the bin. Which differential equation best models the net rate of change? A. \(P'=8+0.15P\) B. \(P'=0.15P-8\) C. \(P'=8-0.15P\) D. \(P'=-8-0.15P\)

Hints

- Which process adds to the amount of paper, and which removes it? - Express a percentage of the current amount as a rate per day. - Combine the signed contributions for the net rate.

Solution

1. Paper enters at a rate of \(8\,\frac{\text{lb}}{\text{day}}\), increasing \(P\). 2. Removal accounts for \(0.15P\) pounds per day, decreasing \(P\). 3. The net rate is \(P'=8-0.15P\), which is choice C.

Answer

C. \(P'=8-0.15P\)
Model with differential equations 25
The number \(Q(t)\) of reserved seats grows at a rate proportional to the square root of the number of unreserved seats out of \(900\), with proportionality constant \(k>0\). Which differential equation best models the statement? A. \(Q'=k\sqrt Q\) B. \(Q'=k(900-Q)^2\) C. \(Q'=-k\sqrt{900-Q}\) D. \(Q'=k\sqrt{900-Q}\)

Hints

- Express the number of unreserved seats in terms of \(Q\). - Apply the stated square root to that quantity. - Check that the rate is positive while seats remain available.

Solution

1. The number of unreserved seats is \(900-Q\). 2. Taking its square root gives the rate factor \(\sqrt{900-Q}\). 3. Therefore, choice D is \(Q'=k\sqrt{900-Q}\).

Answer

D. \(Q'=k\sqrt{900-Q}\)
Model with differential equations 26
A population \(P(t)\) receives \(25\) members per month and loses members at a rate proportional to \(P(t)+10\), with proportionality constant \(k>0\). Which differential equation best models the statement? A. \(P'=25+k(P+10)\) B. \(P'=25-k(P+10)\) C. \(P'=-25-k(P+10)\) D. \(P'=-25+k(P+10)\)

Hints

- The fixed arrival of \(25\) members contributes a positive constant term. - The loss term must contain the complete quantity \(P+10\) multiplied by \(k\). - Choose the equation that subtracts the loss term rather than multiplying the arrival term by \(P\).

Solution

1. The fixed arrival contributes \(+25\). 2. The proportional loss contributes \(-k(P+10)\). 3. Therefore, choice B is \(P'=25-k(P+10)\).

Answer

B. \(P'=25-k(P+10)\)
Model with differential equations 27
A reservoir's surface area \(A(t)\) changes at a rate equal to inflow \(I(t)\) minus outflow \(O(t)\), divided by a constant average depth \(d\). Which differential equation best models the statement? A. \(A'=\frac{I(t)-O(t)}{d}\) B. \(A'=\frac{I(t)+O(t)}{d}\) C. \(A'=\frac{O(t)-I(t)}{d}\) D. \(A'=\frac{2I(t)-O(t)}{d}\)

Hints

- Combine inflow and outflow to form the net rate. - Follow the stated division by the average depth. - Verify that the resulting units are area per unit time.

Solution

1. Form the net volume rate as \(I(t)-O(t)\). 2. Divide that rate by the constant depth \(d\). 3. Therefore, choice A is \(A'=\frac{I(t)-O(t)}{d}\).

Answer

A. \(A'=\frac{I(t)-O(t)}{d}\)
Model with differential equations 28
Let \(C(t)\) be the number of valid concert wristbands \(t\) minutes after entry begins. The model is \(C'(t)=14-0.07C(t)\). State a concise verbal description of the two contributions to the rate.

Hints

- Interpret the constant term \(14\) as a fixed contribution to the wristband rate. - Interpret \(-0.07C(t)\) as a loss proportional to the current number of valid wristbands. - State both contributions with per-minute language and preserve their signs.

Solution

1. Read the left side as the rate of change of the number of valid concert wristbands. 2. Interpret each term on the right side separately. 3. Wristbands are issued at \(14\) per minute and invalidated at \(7\%\) of the current number per minute.

Answer

Wristbands are issued at \(14\) per minute and invalidated at \(7\%\) of the current number per minute.
Model with differential equations 29
Let \(H(t)\) be the thermal energy stored in a heat-storage tank, in joules, at time \(t\) seconds. The model is \(H'(t)=0.5t-\frac{H(t)}{20}\). Describe the two contributions to the rate.

Hints

- Which term depends explicitly on time, and which depends on the stored energy? - Interpret the positive and negative signs separately. - Express both contributions as energy per unit time.

Solution

1. The derivative \(H'(t)\) is the rate of change of stored thermal energy. 2. The term \(0.5t\) adds energy at a rate that increases with time. 3. The term \(-\frac{H(t)}{20}\) removes energy at a rate proportional to the energy stored, both measured in joules per second.

Answer

Thermal energy is added at a rate of \(0.5t\) joules per second and lost at a rate of \(\frac{H(t)}{20}\) joules per second.
Model with differential equations 30
Let \(v(t)\) be a vehicle's velocity in feet per second at time \(t\) seconds. The model is \(v'(t)=6-0.2v(t)^2\). State a concise verbal description of the acceleration terms.

Hints

- Read \(v'(t)\) as acceleration. - The constant \(6\) contributes acceleration in the positive direction. - The term \(-0.2v(t)^2\) is a negative contribution proportional to the square of the velocity.

Solution

1. Read the left side as the rate of change of the modeled velocity. 2. Interpret each term on the right side separately. 3. Acceleration has a constant \(6\,\frac{\text{ft}}{\text{s}^2}\) contribution and a negative quadratic-velocity contribution of \(0.2v(t)^2\).

Answer

Acceleration has a constant \(6\,\frac{\text{ft}}{\text{s}^2}\) contribution and a negative quadratic-velocity contribution of \(0.2v(t)^2\).
Model with differential equations 31
A cart attached to a spring moves along a track. Let \(y(t)\) be its displacement from equilibrium, in feet, after \(t\) seconds. The model is \(y''(t)=-3y(t)-0.4y'(t)\). Describe the acceleration terms.

Hints

- Match displacement, velocity, and acceleration with derivatives of \(y(t)\). - Which force tends to bring a displaced object toward equilibrium? - Which term opposes the current direction of motion?

Solution

1. Read \(y''(t)\) as acceleration, \(y'(t)\) as velocity, and \(y(t)\) as displacement. 2. The term \(-3y(t)\) is a restoring contribution opposite displacement. 3. The term \(-0.4y'(t)\) is a damping contribution opposite velocity.

Answer

Acceleration has a restoring term equal to \(-3\) times displacement and a damping term equal to \(-0.4\) times velocity.
Model with differential equations 32
Let \(N(t)\) be the number of subscribers \(t\) days after a service launches. The service has a pool of \(1200\) potential subscribers, and the model is \(N'(t)=0.04(1200-N(t))-5\). State a concise verbal description of the two contributions to the rate.

Hints

- Interpret \(1200-N(t)\) before describing the positive term. - Describe each right-hand term separately. - Use the sign of each term to decide whether it increases or decreases the quantity.

Solution

1. The number of potential subscribers who have not subscribed is \(1200-N(t)\). 2. The positive term represents new subscriptions at \(4\%\) of that remaining pool per day. 3. The negative term represents \(5\) cancellations per day.

Answer

New subscriptions occur at \(4\%\) of the remaining potential-subscriber pool per day, while \(5\) subscriptions are canceled per day.
Model with differential equations 33
An educational endowment has balance \(B(t)\) dollars, where \(t\) is measured in years. The account earns interest continuously at \(5\%\) per year. Scholarships are paid from the account at a rate of \(2000+100t\) dollars per year. Initially, the balance is \(\$50{,}000\). Write the initial-value problem for \(B(t)\), and determine the initial rate of change of the balance. Do not solve the differential equation.

Hints

- Separate the contribution that increases the balance from the contribution that decreases it. - Translate the continuous percentage into a term involving the current balance. - Evaluate the model at the initial time after writing the initial-value problem.

Solution

1. Interest contributes \(0.05B\) dollars per year, while scholarships subtract \(2000+100t\) dollars per year. 2. Therefore, \(B'=0.05B-(2000+100t)\), with \(B(0)=50{,}000\). 3. The initial rate is \(B'(0)=0.05\cdot50{,}000-2000=500\) dollars per year.

Answer

\(B'(t)=0.05B(t)-(2000+100t)\), \(B(0)=50{,}000\), and \(B'(0)=500\) dollars per year.
Model with differential equations 34
A server queue contains \(Q(t)\) jobs, where \(t\) is measured in minutes. New jobs arrive at a rate of \(80+20\sin\left(\frac{\pi t}{12}\right)\) jobs per minute. The server completes jobs at a rate equal to \(10\%\) of the current queue per minute. Initially, \(500\) jobs are waiting. Write the initial-value problem and find the initial rate of change of the queue. Do not solve the differential equation.

Hints

- Write the net rate as arrivals minus completed jobs. - Translate the percentage completion rate into a term involving the current queue. - Evaluate the forcing term and queue term at the initial time.

Solution

1. The queue rate equals arrivals minus completions, so \(Q'=80+20\sin\left(\frac{\pi t}{12}\right)-0.1Q\). 2. The initial condition is \(Q(0)=500\). 3. At \(t=0\), \(Q'(0)=80+20\sin0-0.1\cdot500=30\) jobs per minute.

Answer

\(Q'(t)=80+20\sin\left(\frac{\pi t}{12}\right)-0.1Q(t)\), \(Q(0)=500\), and \(Q'(0)=30\) jobs per minute.
Model with differential equations 35
A market price \(p(t)\), in dollars, adjusts at a rate equal to \(0.02\) times excess demand. Demand is \(D(p)=500-4p\) units per day, and supply is \(S(p)=80+2p\) units per day. Write a differential equation for \(p(t)\), find the equilibrium price, and determine the direction and rate of change when \(p=50\). Do not solve the differential equation.

Hints

- Form excess demand by subtracting supply from demand. - Apply the stated adjustment factor to that difference. - Set the rate equal to zero for equilibrium and evaluate it at the listed price.

Solution

1. Excess demand is \(D-S=(500-4p)-(80+2p)=420-6p\). 2. Therefore, \(p'=0.02(420-6p)=8.4-0.12p\). 3. Equilibrium occurs when \(8.4-0.12p=0\), giving \(p=70\). 4. At \(p=50\), \(p'=8.4-0.12\cdot50=2.4\), so the price is increasing at \(\$2.40\) per day.

Answer

\(p'=8.4-0.12p\); the equilibrium price is \(\$70\); at \(p=50\), the price is increasing at \(\$2.40\) per day.
Model with differential equations 36
A well-mixed tank contains \(100\,\text{gal}\) of water with \(20\,\text{lb}\) of dissolved salt. Brine containing \(0.5\,\text{lb/gal}\) enters at \(3\,\text{gal/min}\), and the mixture leaves at the same rate. Let \(A(t)\) be the amount of salt, in pounds, after \(t\) minutes. Write the initial-value problem for \(A(t)\), and determine the initial rate of change. Do not solve the differential equation.

Hints

- Use “rate in minus rate out” for the salt amount. - Find the outgoing concentration from the current salt amount and the constant tank volume. - Evaluate the completed model at the initial amount to find the initial rate.

Solution

1. Salt enters at \(0.5\cdot3=1.5\,\text{lb/min}\). 2. Because the tank volume remains \(100\,\text{gal}\), the salt concentration in the tank is \(\frac{A}{100}\,\text{lb/gal}\). Salt leaves at \(\frac{3A}{100}=0.03A\,\text{lb/min}\). 3. Therefore, the initial-value problem is \(A'=1.5-0.03A\), \(A(0)=20\). 4. The initial rate is \(A'(0)=1.5-0.03\cdot20=0.9\,\text{lb/min}\).

Answer

\(A'=1.5-0.03A\), \(A(0)=20\), and \(A'(0)=0.9\,\text{lb/min}\).
Model with differential equations 37
A patient's bloodstream contains \(M(t)\) milligrams of medicine after \(t\) hours. A pump adds \(12+3t\) milligrams per hour. The body removes \(0.04M(t)^{3/2}\) milligrams per hour. Initially, the bloodstream contains \(25\) milligrams. Write an initial-value problem for \(M\), and find the initial net rate of change. Do not solve the equation.

Hints

- Separate the pump's addition from the body's removal. - What value of the amount belongs in the initial condition? - Evaluate the two rate terms using the starting time and amount.

Solution

1. Input minus removal gives \(M'=12+3t-0.04M^{3/2}\). 2. The initial condition is \(M(0)=25\). 3. The initial net rate is \(M'(0)=12-0.04\cdot25^{3/2}=12-5=7\) milligrams per hour.

Answer

\(M'=12+3t-0.04M^{3/2}\), \(M(0)=25\), and \(M'(0)=7\) milligrams per hour.
Model with differential equations 38
A cloud backup queue contains \(C(t)\) megabytes of unprocessed data. New data arrives at \(500e^{-0.1t}\) megabytes per minute. Automated cleanup removes data at \(0.03C(t)\) megabytes per minute, and congestion causes an additional loss of \(0.0002C(t)^2\) megabytes per minute. Initially, \(C(0)=1000\). Write the initial-value problem and find the initial net rate. Do not solve it.

Hints

- Combine one input term with two distinct removal terms. - Keep the time-dependent arrival rate unchanged in the model. - Evaluate the model at the initial time and queue size.

Solution

1. The net rate is arrival minus both loss terms: \(C'=500e^{-0.1t}-0.03C-0.0002C^2\). 2. The initial condition is \(C(0)=1000\). 3. The initial rate is \(C'(0)=500-0.03\cdot1000-0.0002\cdot1000^2=500-30-200=270\) megabytes per minute.

Answer

\(C'=500e^{-0.1t}-0.03C-0.0002C^2\), \(C(0)=1000\), and \(C'(0)=270\) megabytes per minute.
Model with differential equations 39
A warehouse begins the day with \(500\) replacement batteries. Shipments bring \(120e^{-0.1t}\) batteries per day, customer orders remove batteries at a continuous rate equal to \(8\%\) of those in stock per day, and damage removes \(5\) batteries per day. Let \(I(t)\) be the model's estimated stock after \(t\) days. Lee writes \(I'=0.08I-120e^{-0.1t}+5\). Explain each sign error, write the correct initial-value problem, and find the initial net rate. Do not solve the equation.

Hints

- Label each process as bringing batteries in or taking them out. - Use the starting stock as the initial condition. - Calculate the net rate at the start after correcting the signs.

Solution

1. Shipments add batteries, so \(120e^{-0.1t}\) is positive. Orders and damage remove batteries, so both terms are negative. 2. The correct equation is \(I'=120e^{-0.1t}-0.08I-5\). 3. The initial condition is \(I(0)=500\). 4. The initial rate is \(I'(0)=120-0.08\cdot500-5=75\) batteries per day.

Answer

Lee reversed all three signs. The correct model is \(I'=120e^{-0.1t}-0.08I-5\), \(I(0)=500\), with \(I'(0)=75\) batteries per day.
Model with differential equations 40
A theater lobby has \(N(t)\) people waiting to enter, where \(t\) is measured in minutes. People arrive at \(40+10\cos t\) people per minute, while admission gates process people at \(0.20N(t)\) people per minute. Initially, \(N(0)=50\). Complete the rate table, write the initial-value problem, and find the initial net rate. Do not solve the differential equation. <table> <tr><th>Process</th><th>Rate term</th><th>Sign in \(N'\)</th></tr> <tr><td>Arrivals</td><td></td><td></td></tr> <tr><td>Admissions</td><td></td><td></td></tr> </table>

Hints

- Decide which process adds to the queue and which removes from it. - Form the net rate as input minus output. - Evaluate the trigonometric input at \(t=0\) before subtracting admissions.

Solution

1. Arrivals add people at rate \(40+10\cos t\), so that term is positive. 2. Admissions remove people at rate \(0.20N\), so that term is negative. 3. The IVP is \(N'=40+10\cos t-0.20N\), \(N(0)=50\). 4. The initial net rate is \(N'(0)=40+10-0.20\cdot50=40\) people per minute.

Answer

The completed rows are: arrivals, \(40+10\cos t\), positive; admissions, \(0.20N\), negative. The IVP is \(N'=40+10\cos t-0.20N\), \(N(0)=50\), and \(N'(0)=40\) people per minute.
Model with differential equations 41
A high school has \(1200\) students. Let \(R(t)\) be the number who have heard a new announcement \(t\) hours after it is first shared. The spread rate is proportional to the product of the number who have heard it and the number who have not, with proportionality constant \(0.00002\) per student-hour. Initially, \(100\) students have heard it. Write the initial-value problem, find the initial spread rate, and explain the units of the proportionality constant. Do not solve the differential equation.

Hints

- Express the uninformed group in terms of \(R\). - Translate “proportional to the product” directly into a rate equation. - Use dimensional analysis to determine the constant's units.

Solution

1. The number who have not heard the announcement is \(1200-R\). 2. The model is \(R'=0.00002R(1200-R)\), with \(R(0)=100\). 3. The initial rate is \(R'(0)=0.00002\cdot100\cdot1100=2.2\) students per hour. 4. Since \(R(1200-R)\) has units of students squared and \(R'\) has units of students per hour, the constant has units of \(1\) per student-hour.

Answer

\(R'=0.00002R(1200-R)\), \(R(0)=100\), and \(R'(0)=2.2\) students per hour. The proportionality constant has units of \(1\) per student-hour.
Model with differential equations 42
A battery stores \(B(t)\) watt-hours, where \(t\) is measured in hours. Solar input is \(8+2\cos\left(\frac{\pi t}{12}\right)\) watts, while the connected system uses \(5+0.01B(t)^2\) watts. Initially, \(B(0)=20\). Assume the rate of change of stored energy equals input power minus output power. Write the initial-value problem and find the initial net power. Do not solve it.

Hints

- Treat power input as positive and system use as negative. - Use the stated energy-rate relationship before evaluating the initial state. - Evaluate the cosine and stored-energy term at the initial state.

Solution

1. Stored energy changes by input power minus output power: \(B'=8+2\cos\left(\frac{\pi t}{12}\right)-5-0.01B^2\). 2. The initial condition is \(B(0)=20\). 3. The initial rate is \(B'(0)=8+2-5-0.01\cdot400=1\), so the initial net power is \(1\,\text{W}\).

Answer

\(B'=3+2\cos\left(\frac{\pi t}{12}\right)-0.01B^2\), \(B(0)=20\), and the initial net power is \(1\,\text{W}\).
Model with differential equations 43
An online learning platform has \(A(t)\) active users. Invitations add active users at rate \(0.02A(500-A)\) users per day, while departures occur at rate \(3\sqrt{A}\) users per day. Initially, \(A(0)=100\). Write the initial-value problem and find the initial net rate. Do not solve it.

Hints

- Treat invitations as an input and departures as an output. - Keep the interaction term in its given factored form. - Evaluate the square root and interaction term at the initial value.

Solution

1. The net rate is invitation-based growth minus departures: \(A'=0.02A(500-A)-3\sqrt{A}\). 2. The initial condition is \(A(0)=100\). 3. The initial rate is \(A'(0)=0.02\cdot100\cdot400-3\cdot10=800-30=770\) users per day.

Answer

\(A'=0.02A(500-A)-3\sqrt{A}\), \(A(0)=100\), and \(A'(0)=770\) users per day.
Model with differential equations 44
A reactor contains \(A(t)\) grams of a chemical after \(t\) hours. The chemical is produced at \(12e^{-0.2t}\) grams per hour and breaks down at a rate equal to \(10\%\) of the current amount per hour. Initially, \(A(0)=80\) grams. Write the initial-value problem and find the initial net rate. Do not solve the equation.

Hints

- Which process increases the amount of chemical? - Convert the hourly percentage breakdown into an amount-dependent removal rate. - Evaluate the rate at the initial time and starting amount.

Solution

1. Production adds chemical, while breakdown removes it. Therefore, \(A'=12e^{-0.2t}-0.10A\). 2. The initial condition is \(A(0)=80\). 3. The initial rate is \(A'(0)=12-0.10\cdot80=4\) grams per hour.

Answer

\(A'=12e^{-0.2t}-0.10A\), \(A(0)=80\), and \(A'(0)=4\) grams per hour.
Model with differential equations 45
A lake has a pollutant concentration \(C(t)\), in milligrams per liter, after \(t\) hours. Runoff raises it at a rate of \(0.5+0.2\sin t\) milligrams per liter per hour. Treatment removes \(0.1\) times \(\frac{C(t)}{1+C(t)/C_*}\) each hour, where \(C_*=1\,\text{mg/L}\). Initially, \(C(0)=1\,\text{mg/L}\). Write the initial-value problem and find the initial net rate. Do not solve it.

Hints

- Which term represents the external source and which represents treatment? - Why is the ratio \(C/C_*\) unitless? - Check both rates at the starting time before finding the net rate.

Solution

1. The net concentration rate is the source minus treatment: \(C'=0.5+0.2\sin t-\frac{0.1C}{1+C/C_*}\), where \(C_*=1\,\text{mg/L}\). 2. The initial condition is \(C(0)=1\,\text{mg/L}\). 3. The initial rate is \(C'(0)=0.5-\frac{0.1}{2}=0.45\) milligram per liter per hour.

Answer

\(C'=0.5+0.2\sin t-\frac{0.1C}{1+C/C_*}\), \(C_*=1\,\text{mg/L}\), \(C(0)=1\,\text{mg/L}\), and \(C'(0)=0.45\,\frac{\text{mg}}{\text{L}\cdot\text{h}}\).
Model with differential equations 46
A moderation team has \(M(t)\) unresolved reports \(t\) hours after a system update. New reports arrive at \(\frac{60}{t+1}\) reports per hour, and the team resolves reports at \(0.30M(t)\) reports per hour. Initially, \(M(0)=100\). Luca writes \(M'=\frac{60}{t+1}+0.30M\). Correct the model and find the initial net rate. Do not solve the differential equation.

Hints

- Decide which process adds to the unresolved queue. - A resolution rate removes reports and therefore has a negative sign. - Evaluate both rates at \(t=0\) and \(M=100\).

Solution

1. New reports add to the queue, so \(\frac{60}{t+1}\) is positive. Resolved reports leave the queue, so \(0.30M\) is negative. 2. The correct IVP is \(M'=\frac{60}{t+1}-0.30M\), with \(M(0)=100\). 3. The initial net rate is \(M'(0)=60-0.30\cdot100=30\) reports per hour.

Answer

The resolution term must be negative. The correct IVP is \(M'=\frac{60}{t+1}-0.30M\), \(M(0)=100\), and \(M'(0)=30\) reports per hour.
Model with differential equations 47
A fermentation vat contains \(S(t)\) grams of sugar. Sugar is added at \(5\) grams per hour and consumed by yeast at \(\frac{6S}{20+S}\) grams per hour. Initially, \(S(0)=40\) grams. Write the initial-value problem and find the initial net rate. Do not solve the differential equation.

Hints

- Treat added sugar as an input and consumption as an output. - Keep the saturating consumption rate as one fraction. - Evaluate the consumption term at \(S=40\).

Solution

1. Sugar input is positive and yeast consumption is negative, so \(S'=5-\frac{6S}{20+S}\). 2. The initial condition is \(S(0)=40\). 3. The initial consumption rate is \(\frac{6\cdot40}{20+40}=4\) grams per hour, so \(S'(0)=5-4=1\) gram per hour.

Answer

\(S'=5-\frac{6S}{20+S}\), \(S(0)=40\), and \(S'(0)=1\) gram per hour.
Model with differential equations 48
In an electric circuit, current \(I(t)\) satisfies the balance \(L I'+RI=V(t)\). The inductance is \(L=2\) henries, resistance is \(R=5\) ohms, applied voltage is \(V(t)=10e^{-t}\) volts, and \(I(0)=1\) ampere. Write the initial-value problem and find the initial current rate. Do not solve it.

Hints

- Substitute each physical parameter into the stated circuit balance. - Keep the voltage's time dependence unchanged. - Evaluate the equation at the initial time and current.

Solution

1. Substituting the circuit data gives \(2I'+5I=10e^{-t}\). 2. The initial condition is \(I(0)=1\). 3. At \(t=0\), \(2I'(0)+5=10\), so \(I'(0)=2.5\) amperes per second.

Answer

\(2I'+5I=10e^{-t}\), \(I(0)=1\), and \(I'(0)=2.5\) amperes per second.
Model with differential equations 49
A submersible moves vertically with velocity \(v(t)\), where upward is positive. Its mass is \(100\) kilograms. Buoyancy is \(1200\) newtons upward, weight is \(980\) newtons downward, and water drag is \(-30v|v|\) newtons. Initially, \(v(0)=-1\) meter per second. Use Newton's second law: net force equals mass times acceleration. Write the initial-value problem for \(v\) and find the initial acceleration. Do not solve the differential equation.

Hints

- Add buoyancy, weight, and drag with their stated directions. - Use the supplied force law to convert net force into acceleration. - Evaluate the signed quadratic drag carefully at a negative velocity.

Solution

1. Newton's second law gives \(100v'=1200-980-30v|v|\). 2. Therefore, \(v'=2.2-0.3v|v|\), with \(v(0)=-1\). 3. Since \(v(0)|v(0)|=-1\), \(v'(0)=2.2+0.3=2.5\) meters per second squared. The positive sign means the acceleration is upward.

Answer

\(v'=2.2-0.3v|v|\), with \(v(0)=-1\). The initial acceleration is \(2.5\) meters per second squared upward.
Model with differential equations 50
A tank contains \(m(t)\) kilograms of dissolved fertilizer after \(t\) hours. The graph gives its rate of change, in kilograms per hour, at different fertilizer masses. Use the graph to write a differential equation for \(m(t)\). At what mass would the amount stop changing?
Figure for problem 562931

Hints

- The height of the line gives the derivative for each amount on the horizontal axis. - Identify the line's vertical intercept and slope. - At an equilibrium amount, the derivative is zero.

Solution

1. The straight line has vertical intercept \(4\) and slope \(-1\), so the rate is \(m'(t)=4-m(t)\). 2. Setting the rate equal to zero gives \(m=4\) kilograms.

Answer

\(m'(t)=4-m(t)\); equilibrium at \(4\,\text{kg}\).
Model with differential equations 51
A storage tank receives \(4\,\text{L/min}\) of liquid. It loses \(10\%\) of its current contents each minute, modeled continuously. A student writes \(V'(t)=4-0.1t\). Explain the mistake and write the correct model.

Hints

- What quantity does the stated percentage apply to? - The left side measures liters per minute; check the units of each term on the right.

Solution

1. The loss depends on the amount in the tank, not on the elapsed time. 2. The correct model is \(V'(t)=4-0.1V(t)\), with \(V\) in liters and \(t\) in minutes.

Answer

The student used time instead of the current volume. \(V'(t)=4-0.1V(t)\).
Model with differential equations 52
At which marked time is the tank's water volume momentarily unchanged? When does the tank change from filling to emptying?
Figure for problem 562933

Hints

- A zero derivative means a horizontal tangent. - Locate the highest part of the curve. - Compare the signs of slopes before and after that point.

Solution

1. The curve has a horizontal tangent at its highest point, \(t=3\). 2. It increases before \(t=3\) and decreases afterward, so the change from filling to emptying occurs at \(t=3\).

Answer

Both occur at point \(B\), approximately \(t=3\,\text{h}\).
Model with differential equations 53
A greenhouse aims for a target temperature \(20+0.5t\) degrees Celsius, where \(t\) is measured in hours. Its temperature follows \(T'(t)=0.4(20+0.5t-T(t))\). A student says the greenhouse will settle at \(20\) degrees Celsius because that is the target at the start. If \(T(2)=20\), find \(T'(2)\). Use the result to explain why the student's claim is wrong.

Hints

- Examine whether the target is constant or changes with time. - What happens to the target after one or two hours? - A fixed equilibrium would require the rate to remain zero at the same temperature.

Solution

1. At \(t=2\) hours, the target is \(21\) degrees Celsius. 2. If \(T(2)=20\), then \(T'(2)=0.4(21-20)=0.4\) degrees Celsius per hour, not zero. 3. The target keeps rising, so \(20\) cannot be a fixed equilibrium temperature of this model.

Answer

\(T'(2)=0.4\,\text{°C/h}\). The temperature would still be rising at \(20\) degrees Celsius after two hours; the target is not fixed at \(20\).
Model with differential equations 54
A large tank initially contains pure water. Starting at \(t=0\), dye enters the tank at a constant rate of \(15\,\text{g/min}\). At the same time, dye leaves through an overflow at a continuous rate equal to \(2.5\%\) of the amount \(m(t)\) in the tank per minute. a) Write a differential equation for the mass of dye \(m(t)\), where \(t\) is measured in minutes and \(m(t)\) in grams. b) Find \(m(t)\). c) Find the mass of dye after \(1\) hour. d) Find the long-term limiting mass of dye.

Hints

- Write the net rate as inflow minus outflow. - The initial amount is zero because the tank begins with pure water. - Find the equilibrium amount by setting the derivative equal to zero. - Examine the exponential term as time becomes large.

Solution

1. The rate of change equals the constant inflow minus the proportional outflow: \(m'(t)=15-0.025m(t)\), with \(m(0)=0\). 2. At equilibrium, \(15-0.025S=0\), so \(S=600\). The solution satisfying \(m(0)=0\) is \(m(t)=600(1-e^{-0.025t})\). 3. After \(60\) minutes, \(m(60)=600(1-e^{-1.5})\approx 466.12\,\text{g}\). 4. As \(t\to\infty\), \(e^{-0.025t}\to 0\), so \(m(t)\to 600\,\text{g}\).

Answer

a) \(m'(t)=15-0.025m(t)\), with \(m(0)=0\) b) \(m(t)=600(1-e^{-0.025t})\) c) \(m(60)\approx 466.12\,\text{g}\) d) \(600\,\text{g}\)
Model with differential equations 55
A laboratory studies the growth of a bacterial culture in a petri dish. The function \(m(t)\) gives the mass of the culture in grams, where \(t\) is measured in hours. a) What are the units of \(m'(t)\) and \(m''(t)\)? Explain what each derivative means in the growth process. b) During the early growth phase, the model \(m'(t)=km(t)\), where \(k>0\), is often used. Explain the biological assumption represented by this equation. c) Later, the culture approaches a carrying capacity. In a typical logistic model, \(m''(t)\) changes sign at a time when \(m''(t)=0\). Explain the significance of this time. d) Why can the model \(m'(t)=km(t)\) not describe the bacterial mass accurately over a long period?

Hints

- What happens to units when a quantity is differentiated with respect to time? - What would it mean if twice as much bacterial mass produced twice as much new mass? - What happens to the slope of a curve at a logistic inflection point? - Can a culture in a closed dish grow exponentially forever?

Solution

1. Since mass is measured in grams and time in hours, \(m'(t)\) has units \(\frac{\text{g}}{\text{h}}\) and represents the instantaneous growth rate. The second derivative \(m''(t)\) has units \(\frac{\text{g}}{\text{h}^2}\) and represents how the growth rate changes over time. 2. The equation \(m'(t)=km(t)\) states that the growth rate is proportional to the current mass. Biologically, it assumes that each bacterium contributes to reproduction at a constant average rate, producing unrestricted exponential growth. 3. A sign change in \(m''(t)\) identifies an inflection point. At this time, \(m'(t)\) reaches its maximum, so the culture is growing as rapidly as possible before its growth rate begins to decrease. 4. Exponential growth assumes unlimited resources. In a petri dish, limited space and nutrients and the accumulation of waste eventually slow and stop growth.

Answer

a) \(m'(t)\) has units \(\frac{\text{g}}{\text{h}}\) and is the growth rate. \(m''(t)\) has units \(\frac{\text{g}}{\text{h}^2}\) and is the rate of change of the growth rate. b) The growth rate is proportional to the current bacterial mass. c) It is the time of maximum growth rate, where growth changes from accelerating to slowing. d) Real cultures have limited space and nutrients, so unrestricted exponential growth cannot continue indefinitely.
Model with differential equations 56
A concentration \(C(t)\), measured in grams per liter after \(t\) minutes, decreases at a rate proportional to \(C(t)^2\). When \(C=4\), the concentration is decreasing at \(0.8\,\frac{\text{g}}{\text{L}\cdot\text{min}}\). If \(C(0)=4\), determine the proportionality constant and write the initial-value problem. Do not solve it.

Hints

- A decreasing concentration has a negative derivative. How does the stated proportionality affect the expression for that derivative? - Use the observed concentration and its rate to find the coefficient, including its units. - Use the starting concentration as the initial condition. There is no need to solve the equation.

Solution

1. Write the rate law as \(C'(t)=-kC(t)^2\), where \(k>0\). 2. Use \(C=4\) and \(C'=-0.8\): \(-0.8=-16k\), so \(k=0.05\,\frac{\text{L}}{\text{g}\cdot\text{min}}\). 3. The initial-value problem is \(C'(t)=-0.05C(t)^2,\quad C(0)=4\).

Answer

\(k=0.05\,\frac{\text{L}}{\text{g}\cdot\text{min}}\), and \(C'(t)=-0.05C(t)^2,\quad C(0)=4\)
Model with differential equations 57
A spherical soap bubble has radius \(r(t)\) and volume \(V(t)=\frac{4}{3}\pi r(t)^3\). Its volume increases at a rate proportional to its surface area \(4\pi r(t)^2\), with proportionality constant \(k>0\). Derive a differential equation for \(r(t)\). Do not solve it.

Hints

- The radius changes with time, so which differentiation rule applies to the volume formula? - Compare the volume's rate of change with the rate described using surface area. - Which values of the radius allow you to divide by the surface-area expression?

Solution

1. Differentiate \(V=\frac{4}{3}\pi r^3\) with respect to \(t\): \(V'=4\pi r^2r'\). 2. The stated model gives \(V'=k(4\pi r^2)\). 3. For \(r>0\), equating the rates and canceling \(4\pi r^2\) gives \(r'(t)=k\).

Answer

\(r'(t)=k\) for \(r(t)>0\)
Model with differential equations 58
A memory score \(R(t)\) decreases at a rate jointly proportional to its current value and to \(\frac{1}{1+t}\). Use \(k>0\) as the constant of proportionality. If \(R(0)=90\) and \(R'(0)=-18\), determine \(k\) and write the initial-value problem. Do not solve it.

Hints

- Joint proportionality gives a rate containing both \(R(t)\) and \(1/(1+t)\). - Use the negative sign for decay, then substitute the initial value and initial derivative to determine \(k\). - Insert the resulting constant and \(R(0)=90\) into the IVP without solving it.

Solution

1. Translate the rate statement as \(R'(t)=-\frac{k}{1+t}R(t)\). 2. At \(t=0\), \(R'(0)=-kR(0)=-90k\). 3. Using \(R'(0)=-18\) gives \(k=0.2\). 4. The initial-value problem is \(R'(t)=-\frac{0.2}{1+t}R(t),\quad R(0)=90\).

Answer

\(k=0.2\), and \(R'(t)=-\frac{0.2}{1+t}R(t),\quad R(0)=90\)
Model with differential equations 59
The area \(A(t)\) of a circular oil slick increases at a rate proportional to its circumference. Use \(k>0\). Write a differential equation that models the situation. Do not solve it.

Hints

- Which geometric quantity is changing, and which measures the boundary of the circle? - Both area and circumference depend on radius. How could you remove radius from the final equation? - Should the area derivative be positive or negative?

Solution

1. For a circle, \(A=\pi r^2\), so \(r=\sqrt{\frac{A}{\pi}}\). 2. The circumference is \(2\pi r=2\pi\sqrt{\frac{A}{\pi}}\). 3. The rate model is \(A'(t)=k\cdot2\pi\sqrt{\frac{A(t)}{\pi}}=2k\sqrt{\pi A(t)}\).

Answer

\(A'(t)=2k\sqrt{\pi A(t)}\)
Model with differential equations 60
A square sheet of ice has side length \(s(t)\). Its area decreases at a constant rate of \(6\,\frac{\text{cm}^2}{\text{min}}\). Write a differential equation involving \(s(t)\) that models the situation. Do not solve it.

Hints

- Identify the quantity whose rate is described. - Rewrite the area in terms of the side length. - Check whether the rate should be positive or negative.

Solution

1. The area is \(A(t)=s(t)^2\), so \(A'(t)=2s(t)s'(t)\). 2. Since the area decreases at a constant rate of \(6\), set \(A'(t)=-6\) to obtain \(2s(t)s'(t)=-6\).

Answer

\(2s(t)s'(t)=-6\)
Model with differential equations 61
An electronics lab tests \(500\) lamps. Let \(L(t)\) be the expected number of lit lamps after \(t\) hours. In a continuous model, the hourly switching-on rate is \(0.3\) times the expected number of unlit lamps. The hourly switching-off rate is \(0.1\) times the expected number of lit lamps. Write a differential equation for \(L(t)\). Do not solve it.

Hints

- How many lamps are expected to be unlit if \(L(t)\) are lit? - Which change increases the lit count and which decreases it? - Combine the two signed rates before simplifying.

Solution

1. The expected number of unlit lamps is \(500-L(t)\). 2. Turning on adds to the lit count and turning off subtracts from it, so \(L'(t)=0.3\bigl(500-L(t)\bigr)-0.1L(t)\). 3. Simplifying gives \(L'(t)=150-0.4L(t)\).

Answer

\(L'(t)=150-0.4L(t)\)
Model with differential equations 62
A clinic administers medicine intravenously at a constant rate of \(12\,\text{mg/h}\). Each hour, the patient's body removes medicine continuously at a rate equal to \(15\%\) of the amount currently present. Let \(A(t)\) be the amount of medicine, in milligrams, after \(t\) hours. Elena writes \(A'=12+0.15A\) and says, “Both terms are positive because both describe rates.” a) Correct the differential equation and explain the sign of each term. b) If \(A(0)=40\), write the initial-value problem. c) State the units of \(12\) and \(0.15\).

Hints

- Decide separately whether each process increases or decreases the amount present. - The removal rate depends on how much medicine is currently in the body. - Check that every term in the rate equation has units of milligrams per hour.

Solution

1. The infusion adds medicine, so its contribution is \(+12\). The body removes medicine, so its contribution is \(-0.15A\). 2. Therefore, the differential equation is \(A'=12-0.15A\). 3. With the initial amount included, the initial-value problem is \(A'=12-0.15A\), \(A(0)=40\). 4. The constant \(12\) has units \(\text{mg/h}\), and \(0.15\) has units \(\text{h}^{-1}\), so \(0.15A\) has units \(\text{mg/h}\).

Answer

a) \(A'=12-0.15A\). Infusion increases the amount, and removal decreases it. b) \(A'=12-0.15A\), \(A(0)=40\) c) \(12\) has units \(\text{mg/h}\), and \(0.15\) has units \(\text{h}^{-1}\).
Model with differential equations 63
A conical pile has radius twice its height, so \(r=2h\). Material is added at \(4\pi\,\text{m}^3/\text{min}\), while compaction reduces the pile's volume at a rate equal to \(\frac{1}{25}\) of its current volume per minute. Derive a differential equation for the height \(h(t)\). Then determine whether the height is increasing or decreasing when \(h=5\,\text{m}\).

Hints

- Express the cone's volume using only its height. - Differentiate the volume with respect to time before using the input and compaction rates. - Evaluate the resulting height rate at the stated height to determine its sign.

Solution

1. The cone's volume is \(V=\frac{1}{3}\pi r^2h=\frac{4}{3}\pi h^3\), so \(V'=4\pi h^2h'\). 2. The net volume rate is \(V'=4\pi-\frac{V}{25}=4\pi-\frac{4\pi h^3}{75}\). 3. Equating the two expressions and dividing by \(4\pi h^2\) gives \(h'=\frac{1}{h^2}-\frac{h}{75}\). 4. At \(h=5\), \(h'=\frac{1}{25}-\frac{1}{15}=-\frac{2}{75}\,\text{m/min}\), so the height is decreasing.

Answer

\(h'(t)=\frac{1}{h(t)^2}-\frac{h(t)}{75}\). At \(h=5\,\text{m}\), \(h'=-\frac{2}{75}\,\text{m/min}\), so the height is decreasing.
Model with differential equations 64
Cable with cross-sectional area \(0.001\,\text{m}^2\) is wound onto a reel at \(2\,\text{m/s}\). The reel is \(0.4\,\text{m}\) wide and has core radius \(0.1\,\text{m}\). If \(r(t)\) is the outside radius of the wound cable, the cable volume on the reel is \(V=\pi(0.4)(r^2-0.1^2)\). Derive a differential equation for \(r(t)\), and find \(r'\) when \(r=0.2\,\text{m}\).

Hints

- Convert cable speed into a volume rate using its cross-sectional area. - Differentiate the given reel-volume expression with respect to time. - Equate the incoming volume rate to the reel's volume rate.

Solution

1. The incoming cable volume rate is \(0.001\cdot2=0.002\,\text{m}^3/\text{s}\). 2. Differentiating the reel volume gives \(V'=0.8\pi r r'\). 3. Equating rates gives \(0.8\pi r r'=0.002\), so \(r'=\frac{1}{400\pi r}\). 4. At \(r=0.2\), \(r'=\frac{1}{80\pi}\,\text{m/s}\).

Answer

\(r'(t)=\frac{1}{400\pi r(t)}\), and when \(r=0.2\,\text{m}\), \(r'=\frac{1}{80\pi}\,\text{m/s}\).
Model with differential equations 65
A capacitor has capacitance \(2\,\text{F}\) and voltage \(V(t)>0\), where \(t\) is measured in seconds. Its stored energy is \(U=\frac{1}{2}CV^2\). A \(3\,\text{A}\) current source supplies power \(3V\) watts, while a \(4\,\Omega\) resistor dissipates power \(\frac{V^2}{4}\) watts. Assume the rate of change of stored energy equals the supplied power minus the dissipated power. Derive a differential equation for \(V(t)\). Then find \(V'\) when \(V=4\,\text{V}\).

Hints

- Differentiate the stored-energy expression with respect to time. - Use the stated power balance to relate the energy rate to supplied and dissipated power. - Use the positive-voltage condition when simplifying.

Solution

1. Since \(C=2\), the stored energy is \(U=V^2\), so \(U'=2VV'\). 2. Net power equals input minus loss: \(U'=3V-\frac{V^2}{4}\). 3. For \(V>0\), \(2VV'=3V-\frac{V^2}{4}\), so \(V'=\frac{3}{2}-\frac{V}{8}\). 4. At \(V=4\), \(V'=\frac{3}{2}-\frac{1}{2}=1\,\text{V/s}\).

Answer

\(V'(t)=\frac{3}{2}-\frac{V(t)}{8}\), and when \(V=4\,\text{V}\), \(V'=1\,\text{V/s}\).
Model with differential equations 66
A container initially holds \(100\,\text{L}\) of water with \(5\,\text{kg}\) of dissolved salt. Water evaporates at \(2\,\text{L/min}\), but no salt leaves. Let \(C(t)\) be the salt concentration in kilograms per liter. Derive a differential equation and initial condition for \(C(t)\), state the physically meaningful time interval, and find \(C'(0)\). Do not solve the differential equation.

Hints

- Express the conserved salt mass as concentration times volume. - Differentiate that product while accounting for the changing volume. - Require the remaining water volume to stay positive. - Compute the initial concentration before evaluating its rate.

Solution

1. The volume is \(V(t)=100-2t\), while the salt mass is constant. Since salt mass equals \(CV\), \((CV)'=0\). 2. Thus \(C'V+CV'=0\), so \(C'=\frac{2C}{100-2t}\). 3. Initially, \(C(0)=\frac{5}{100}=0.05\,\text{kg/L}\). 4. The model is physically meaningful while the volume is positive, so \(0\le t<50\) minutes. 5. Therefore, \(C'(0)=\frac{2\cdot0.05}{100}=0.001\,\frac{\text{kg}}{\text{L}\cdot\text{min}}\).

Answer

\(C'(t)=\frac{2C(t)}{100-2t}\), \(C(0)=0.05\,\text{kg/L}\), for \(0\le t<50\), and \(C'(0)=0.001\,\frac{\text{kg}}{\text{L}\cdot\text{min}}\).
Model with differential equations 67
A lab container holds \(R(t)\) milligrams of dye after \(t\) seconds. Dye enters at \(40e^{-0.2t}\,\text{mg/s}\) and is removed by a chemical reaction at a rate proportional to \(R(t)^2\), with constant \(k>0\). Initially \(R(0)=10\,\text{mg}\), and \(R'(0)=15\,\text{mg/s}\). Determine \(k\), including its units, and write the initial-value problem. Do not solve it.

Hints

- Which process raises the dye amount, and which lowers it? - Use the initial amount and rate to find the unknown coefficient. - What units must the coefficient have when multiplied by a squared mass to give a mass per second?

Solution

1. The net rate is \(R'=40e^{-0.2t}-kR^2\). 2. At \(t=0\), \(15=40-k(10)^2\). 3. Thus \(100k=25\), so \(k=0.25\,\frac{1}{\text{mg}\cdot\text{s}}\). 4. The initial-value problem is \(R'=40e^{-0.2t}-0.25R^2\), \(R(0)=10\).

Answer

\(k=0.25\,\frac{1}{\text{mg}\cdot\text{s}}\), and \(R'(t)=40e^{-0.2t}-0.25R(t)^2\), with \(R(0)=10\,\text{mg}\).
Model with differential equations 68
The temperature \(T(t)\), in degrees Celsius, of a heated chamber is measured after \(t\) minutes. The surrounding air is at \(20+2t\) degrees Celsius. The chamber loses heat at a rate proportional to the difference between its temperature and the air's temperature, and a heater adds \(4\,^{\circ}\text{C/min}\) to its rate of change. The chamber starts at \(80\,^{\circ}\text{C}\), and its temperature initially falls at \(8\,^{\circ}\text{C/min}\). Determine the proportionality constant, state its units, and write the initial-value problem. Do not solve it.

Hints

- Compare the chamber temperature with the changing surrounding temperature. - The heater adds to the rate while cooling toward the air temperature opposes the difference. - Use the initial temperature and rate to find the unknown coefficient, including its units.

Solution

1. The model is \(T'=-k[T-(20+2t)]+4\). 2. At \(t=0\), \(-8=-k(80-20)+4\). 3. Thus \(-12=-60k\), so \(k=0.20\,\text{min}^{-1}\). 4. The initial-value problem is \(T'=-0.20[T-(20+2t)]+4\), \(T(0)=80\).

Answer

\(k=0.20\,\text{min}^{-1}\), and \(T'=-0.20[T-(20+2t)]+4\), \(T(0)=80\).
Model with differential equations 69
A tank's volume, in liters, is related to its water depth \(h\), in meters, by \(V(h)=100h+10h^2\). Water enters at \(50\) liters per minute and drains at \(5h\) liters per minute. Initially, \(h=2\). Write an initial-value problem for \(h(t)\), and find the initial rate of change of depth. Do not solve it.

Hints

- Differentiate the given volume-depth relation with respect to time. - Set the resulting volume rate equal to inflow minus outflow. - Substitute the initial depth after isolating \(h'\).

Solution

1. Differentiating the volume relation gives \(\frac{dV}{dt}=(100+20h)h'\). 2. The net volume rate is \(50-5h\), so \((100+20h)h'=50-5h\). 3. Therefore, \(h'=\frac{50-5h}{100+20h}\), with \(h(0)=2\). 4. The initial rate is \(h'(0)=\frac{40}{140}=\frac27\) meters per minute.

Answer

\(h'=\frac{50-5h}{100+20h}\), \(h(0)=2\), and \(h'(0)=\frac27\) meters per minute.
Model with differential equations 70
A spherical soap bubble has radius \(r(t)\). Air is pumped into it at \(12\pi r\) cubic centimeters per second, while air leaks out at \(3\pi r^2\) cubic centimeters per second. Initially, \(r(0)=2\) centimeters. Write an initial-value problem for \(r\), and find the initial rate of change of the radius. Do not solve it.

Hints

- Differentiate the sphere volume with respect to time. - Set volume change equal to inflow minus leakage. - Use the initial radius after expressing the volume rate in terms of the radius change.

Solution

1. The bubble volume is \(V=\frac{4}{3}\pi r^3\), so \(V'=4\pi r^2r'\). 2. The net volume rate is \(12\pi r-3\pi r^2\). 3. Thus \(4\pi r^2r'=12\pi r-3\pi r^2\), so \(r'=\frac{3}{r}-\frac{3}{4}\). 4. With \(r(0)=2\), \(r'(0)=\frac{3}{2}-\frac{3}{4}=\frac{3}{4}\) centimeter per second.

Answer

\(r'=\frac{3}{r}-\frac{3}{4}\), \(r(0)=2\), and \(r'(0)=\frac{3}{4}\) centimeter per second.
Model with differential equations 71
A cubic solid crystal has side length \(s(t)\) centimeters and density \(2\) grams per cubic centimeter. Material is deposited at \(12s^2\) grams per minute, while surface wear removes \(4s\) grams per minute. Initially, \(s(0)=1\). Write an initial-value problem for \(s\), and find the initial rate of change of its side length. Do not solve it.

Hints

- Express mass using the cube's volume and given density. - Differentiate the mass expression as the side length changes. - Equate mass change to deposited material minus material worn away, then use the initial value.

Solution

1. The mass is \(M=2s^3\), so \(M'=6s^2s'\). 2. The net mass rate is \(12s^2-4s\). 3. Thus \(6s^2s'=12s^2-4s\), so \(s'=2-\frac{2}{3s}\). 4. With \(s(0)=1\), \(s'(0)=2-\frac{2}{3}=\frac{4}{3}\) centimeters per minute.

Answer

\(s'=2-\frac{2}{3s}\), \(s(0)=1\), and \(s'(0)=\frac{4}{3}\) centimeters per minute.
Model with differential equations 72
A circular film has radius \(r(t)\) centimeters. Material added along its edge increases area at \(3\pi r\) square centimeters per minute, while drying removes area at \(0.4\pi r^2\) square centimeters per minute. Initially, \(r(0)=4\). Write an initial-value problem for \(r\), and find the initial radial growth rate. Do not solve it.

Hints

- Differentiate circular area with respect to time. - Set that derivative equal to area added minus area removed. - Divide by the factor multiplying the radial rate.

Solution

1. The area is \(A=\pi r^2\), so \(A'=2\pi rr'\). 2. The net area rate is \(3\pi r-0.4\pi r^2\). 3. Thus \(2\pi rr'=3\pi r-0.4\pi r^2\), so \(r'=1.5-0.2r\). 4. At \(r=4\), \(r'(0)=1.5-0.8=0.7\) centimeter per minute.

Answer

\(r'=1.5-0.2r\), \(r(0)=4\), and \(r'(0)=0.7\) centimeter per minute.
Model with differential equations 73
A cart collects sand that is initially at rest at \(2\) kilograms per second, so its mass is \(M(t)=50+2t\) kilograms. An external drive applies \(100\) newtons forward, while resistance applies \(-4v\) newtons when the cart's speed is \(v(t)\) meters per second. The cart starts from rest. Using the momentum balance \(\frac{d}{dt}(Mv)=100-4v\), write an initial-value problem for \(v\) and find \(v'(0)\). Do not solve it.

Hints

- Differentiate the product of mass and velocity. - Include the momentum needed to accelerate newly collected sand. - Use the initial speed after isolating the acceleration.

Solution

1. Differentiate momentum: \(\frac{d}{dt}(Mv)=M v'+M'v=(50+2t)v'+2v\). 2. Set this equal to the net external force: \((50+2t)v'+2v=100-4v\). 3. Thus \(v'=\frac{100-6v}{50+2t}\), with \(v(0)=0\). 4. The initial acceleration is \(v'(0)=\frac{100}{50}=2\) meters per second squared.

Answer

\(v'=\frac{100-6v}{50+2t}\), \(v(0)=0\), and \(v'(0)=2\) meters per second squared.
Model with differential equations 74
A tank's horizontal cross-sectional area at water depth \(h\) is \(20+5h\) square meters. Water enters at \(30\) cubic meters per minute and drains at \(4\sqrt{h}\) cubic meters per minute. Initially, \(h(0)=4\) meters. Write an initial-value problem for \(h\), and find the initial depth rate. Do not solve it.

Hints

- Relate volume change to cross-sectional area times depth change. - Set that rate equal to inflow minus outflow. - Substitute the initial depth after isolating \(h'\).

Solution

1. Volume change satisfies \(V'=(20+5h)h'\). 2. The net volume rate is \(30-4\sqrt{h}\). 3. Thus \(h'=\frac{30-4\sqrt{h}}{20+5h}\), with \(h(0)=4\). 4. The initial rate is \(h'(0)=\frac{30-8}{40}=0.55\) meter per minute.

Answer

\(h'=\frac{30-4\sqrt{h}}{20+5h}\), \(h(0)=4\), and \(h'(0)=0.55\) meter per minute.
Model with differential equations 75
At the beginning of an observation, a lake contains \(50\,\text{kg}\) of a dissolved pollutant. An additional \(20\,\text{kg}\) enters each day. At the same time, the pollutant is removed at a continuous rate equal to \(8\%\) of the amount \(P(t)\) in the lake per day. a) Write a differential equation for \(P(t)\), where \(t\) is measured in days. b) Find the amount of pollutant after \(10\) days. c) Environmental guidelines require the long-term pollutant amount to remain below \(300\,\text{kg}\). Determine whether the current rates satisfy this requirement. d) What is the greatest allowable daily inflow if the long-term amount must not exceed \(200\,\text{kg}\)?

Hints

- Write the net change as inflow minus removal. - Find the equilibrium amount from the differential equation. - The long-term value is the equilibrium amount. - For part d), express the equilibrium in terms of the unknown inflow.

Solution

1. The net rate is inflow minus proportional removal: \(P'(t)=20-0.08P(t)\), with \(P(0)=50\). 2. The equilibrium amount is \(S=\frac{20}{0.08}=250\). Therefore, \(P(t)=250+(50-250)e^{-0.08t}=250-200e^{-0.08t}\). 3. \(P(10)=250-200e^{-0.8}\approx 160.13\,\text{kg}\). 4. The long-term amount is \(250\,\text{kg}\), which is below \(300\,\text{kg}\), so the requirement is satisfied. 5. If the inflow is \(Z\,\text{kg/day}\), the equilibrium amount is \(\frac{Z}{0.08}\). Requiring \(\frac{Z}{0.08}\le 200\) gives \(Z\le 16\).

Answer

a) \(P'(t)=20-0.08P(t)\), with \(P(0)=50\) b) \(P(10)\approx 160.13\,\text{kg}\) c) Yes; the long-term amount is \(250\,\text{kg}\). d) At most \(16\,\text{kg/day}\)

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