Chapter 3: Problem 72
If \(r=\sin (f(t)), f(0)=\pi / 3,\) and \(f^{\prime}(0)=4,\) then what is \(d r / d t\) at \(t=0 ?\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
\( \frac{dr}{dt} \) at \( t = 0 \) is 2.
Step by step solution
01
Identify the function and determine the need for the chain rule
We are given the function \( r = \sin(f(t)) \). Since \( f(t) \) is a function of \( t \), and \( r \) is a function of \( f(t) \), we need to use the chain rule to find the derivative \( \frac{dr}{dt} \).
02
Apply the chain rule
The chain rule states that \( \frac{dr}{dt} = \frac{dr}{df} \cdot \frac{df}{dt} \). First, find \( \frac{dr}{df} \); since \( r = \sin(f(t)) \), we have \( \frac{dr}{df} = \cos(f(t)) \).
03
Determine \( \frac{df}{dt} \) at \( t = 0 \)
Given that \( f'(0) = 4 \), we have \( \frac{df}{dt} \bigg|_{t=0} = 4 \).
04
Evaluate \( \cos(f(t)) \) at \( t = 0 \)
Since \( f(0) = \frac{\pi}{3} \), substitute this to get \( \cos(f(0)) = \cos\left(\frac{\pi}{3}\right) = \frac{1}{2} \).
05
Calculate \( \frac{dr}{dt} \) at \( t = 0 \)
Now substitute the values from Steps 2, 3, and 4 into the chain rule: \( \frac{dr}{dt} = \cos(f(0)) \cdot f'(0) = \frac{1}{2} \cdot 4 = 2 \).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Derivative Calculation
Calculating derivatives is a fundamental skill in calculus. It involves understanding how a function changes as its input changes.
- In the exercise, we were asked to find the derivative of a variable, \( r \), with respect to time \( t \). This is denoted mathematically by \( \frac{dr}{dt} \).
- Derivatives allow us to measure the rate of change of a quantity. For example, in this exercise, \( \frac{dr}{dt} \) gives us the rate at which \( r \) changes as \( t \) changes.
- To calculate \( \frac{dr}{dt} \), we need to use the chain rule because the function involves a composition of functions.
Trigonometric Functions
In calculus, trigonometric functions like sine and cosine often appear in problems involving rates of change.
- The sine function in our problem, \( r = \sin(f(t)) \), represents one of the basic trigonometric relationships. The derivative of sine plays a crucial role in the solution.
- Knowing that \( \frac{d}{df}(\sin(f)) = \cos(f) \) is important because it tells us how sine changes with its input. This idea helps break down the function into manageable parts for calculation.
- Understanding trigonometric identities, such as \( \cos(\frac{\pi}{3}) = \frac{1}{2} \), allows us to evaluate trigonometric functions at specific points. This is a crucial step in applying the chain rule.
Chain Rule Application
The chain rule is a vital tool in calculus for differentiating compositions of functions.
- The chain rule formula is \( \frac{dr}{dt} = \frac{dr}{df} \cdot \frac{df}{dt} \). Here, it helps find the derivative of a function composed of other functions, such as \( \sin(f(t)) \).
- First, you differentiate the outer function. In this problem, that's \( \sin(f(t)) \) with respect to \( f(t) \), giving \( \frac{dr}{df} = \cos(f(t)) \).
- Next, differentiate the inner function, \( f(t) \), with respect to \( t \), which is provided as \( f'(0) = 4 \).
- Finally, multiply these derivatives, substituting known values. The calculated \( \cos(f(0)) = \frac{1}{2} \) when multiplied by \( 4 \) gives the rate of change, \( 2 \).