Math Problem Statement
Solution
This problem involves calculating the rate at which the distance between the boy and the girl is increasing as they move in perpendicular directions. The boy is moving north at 5 ft/sec, and the girl is moving east at 1 ft/sec. We are asked to find how fast they are separating from each other 5 seconds after they started moving.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Let:
- be the distance the girl has walked in the east direction after seconds,
- be the distance the boy has moved in the north direction after seconds,
- be the distance between the boy and the girl at time .
From the Pythagorean theorem, we know that: Since and , we can substitute: Thus, the distance between them is:
Now, we need to find how fast the distance is changing after 5 seconds, i.e., find at .
Differentiate both sides with respect to time :
Simplifying: Substitute the values:
- ,
- ,
- ft/sec (girl's speed),
- ft/sec (boy's speed).
At , we have:
- ft,
- ft,
- ft.
Now, substitute into the equation:
Approximate the result:
Final Answer:
After 5 seconds, the boy and girl are separating at approximately 5.10 ft/sec.
Would you like further details or have any questions?
Here are five related questions you might find useful:
- What is the significance of applying the Pythagorean theorem to this type of problem?
- How would the result change if the girl increased her walking speed?
- What would happen if both individuals were running in the same direction instead of perpendicularly?
- How can related rates be applied to other real-life problems like this?
- What are the steps to differentiate implicit functions effectively?
Tip: When solving related rates problems, always begin by identifying the geometric relationship between the variables involved, and differentiate that equation with respect to time.
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Math Problem Analysis
Mathematical Concepts
Differential Calculus
Related Rates
Pythagorean Theorem
Formulas
z^2 = x^2 + y^2
dz/dt = (dx/dt) + (dy/dt)
Theorems
Pythagorean Theorem
Related Rates Theorem
Suitable Grade Level
Grades 10-12 (Calculus level)
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