Chapter 6: Problem 78
The flow rate (or water discharge rate) at the mouth of the Orinoco River in South America may be approximated by $$ F(t)=26,000 \sin \left[\frac{\pi}{6}(t-5.5)\right]+34,000 $$ where \(t\) is the time in months and \(F(t)\) is the flow rate in \(\mathrm{m}^{3} / \mathrm{sec} .\) For approximately how many months each year does the flow rate exceed \(55,000 \mathrm{m}^{3} / \mathrm{sec} ?\)
Short Answer
Step by step solution
Understand the Flow Rate Function
Set Up the Inequality
Determine When the Sine Condition Holds
Solve for t in Terms of Given Inequality
Calculate the Duration Each Year
Round Off to Nearest Month
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
sine function
- The function given, \( F(t) = 26,000 \sin\left[\frac{\pi}{6}(t-5.5)\right] + 34,000 \), uses the sine function to reflect how the flow rate varies over months.
- The term \( \frac{\pi}{6}(t - 5.5) \) determines the shape and shift of the sine curve, helping to correctly align it with seasonal peaks in flow.
trigonometric inequality
- By reformulating the equation to \( 26,000 \sin\left[\frac{\pi}{6}(t-5.5)\right] > 21,000 \), we focus solely on the sine component.
- Dividing by 26,000 yields \( \sin\left[\frac{\pi}{6}(t-5.5)\right] > 0.8077 \).
periodic functions
- The sine function's period is calculated from its coefficient: \( \frac{\pi}{6} \) corresponds to a 12-month cycle, aligning with annual changes.
- A period of 12 months means the pattern of flow rate repeats every year. Thus, high flow rates recur twice each year, governed by the sine wave's cycle.
mathematical modeling
- This model helps predict river discharge at any given month \( t \), based on historical patterns.
- Mathematical models, like this one, often inform decisions in water management, predicting seasonal variations for agriculture, and understanding ecological impacts.