Math Problem Statement

By measuring the slope of the tangent, estimate the rate of change of the temperature after an hour (in °F/min).

Solution

To find the rate of change of the turkey's temperature after an hour, we need to determine the slope of the tangent line to the curve at t=60t = 60 minutes. Here's how we can approximate this:

  1. Locate the Point: At t=60t = 60 minutes (point PP on the graph), we identify the temperature value on the curve. From the graph, it looks like the temperature is approximately 120°F.

  2. Draw the Tangent: The problem suggests using the slope of the tangent line at this point. On the graph, we look for a line that just touches the curve at t=60t = 60 minutes and estimate the change in temperature over a small time interval.

  3. Estimate the Slope: The slope of the tangent can be found using the formula: slope=ΔTΔt,\text{slope} = \frac{\Delta T}{\Delta t}, where ΔT\Delta T is the change in temperature and Δt\Delta t is the change in time.

  4. Approximation: By looking at the tangent line, we estimate the rate of temperature change. Suppose we approximate a fall of 20°F over a 50-minute interval around t=60t = 60 (from approximately 140°F at t=50t = 50 minutes to 120°F at t=100t = 100 minutes).

    Then, slope20°F50min=0.4°F/min.\text{slope} \approx \frac{-20 \, \text{°F}}{50 \, \text{min}} = -0.4 \, \text{°F/min}.

So, the rate of change of the temperature after an hour is approximately -0.4°F/min.

Would you like a more detailed explanation or have any questions?

Here are some related questions for further exploration:

  1. How does the rate of change vary at different times (e.g., after 30 minutes, 90 minutes)?
  2. What is the long-term temperature of the turkey as time approaches infinity?
  3. Can we model this cooling process using Newton's Law of Cooling?
  4. How would a different room temperature affect the rate of cooling?
  5. How can you use calculus to find the exact rate of change if the equation of the curve is known?

Tip: When estimating slopes on a graph, try to pick two points as far apart as possible on the tangent line to minimize error in the slope calculation.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Calculus
Rate of Change
Slope of a Tangent

Formulas

Slope formula: slope = ΔT / Δt

Theorems

Concept of Derivatives

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12