Math Problem Statement

Estimate the instantaneous rate of change of h(t)= 3/(t+3) at the point t=-2

Solution

To find the instantaneous rate of change of h(t)=3t+3h(t) = \frac{3}{t+3} at the point t=2t = -2, we need to calculate the derivative of h(t)h(t) with respect to tt and evaluate it at t=2t = -2.

  1. Define the function: h(t)=3t+3h(t) = \frac{3}{t + 3}

  2. Differentiate h(t)h(t) with respect to tt: Using the quotient rule, where h(t)=f(t)g(t)h(t) = \frac{f(t)}{g(t)} with f(t)=3f(t) = 3 and g(t)=t+3g(t) = t + 3, the derivative h(t)h'(t) is: h(t)=f(t)g(t)f(t)g(t)[g(t)]2h'(t) = \frac{f'(t)g(t) - f(t)g'(t)}{[g(t)]^2} Since f(t)=3f(t) = 3 (a constant), f(t)=0f'(t) = 0, and g(t)=t+3g(t) = t + 3 so g(t)=1g'(t) = 1, we have: h(t)=0(t+3)31(t+3)2=3(t+3)2h'(t) = \frac{0 \cdot (t + 3) - 3 \cdot 1}{(t + 3)^2} = \frac{-3}{(t + 3)^2}

  3. Evaluate h(t)h'(t) at t=2t = -2: Substitute t=2t = -2 into the derivative: h(2)=3(2+3)2=31=3h'(-2) = \frac{-3}{(-2 + 3)^2} = \frac{-3}{1} = -3

Thus, the instantaneous rate of change of h(t)h(t) at t=2t = -2 is 3\mathbf{-3}.

Would you like further details, or do you have any questions?


Here are some related questions you might explore:

  1. How would you interpret the meaning of this rate of change?
  2. What is the instantaneous rate of change at other points for h(t)h(t)?
  3. How does the rate of change of h(t)h(t) compare to a linear function?
  4. Could you use limits to verify the instantaneous rate of change?
  5. How would you find the instantaneous rate of change at any arbitrary point t=at = a?

Tip: For rational functions like 3t+3\frac{3}{t+3}, the quotient rule can streamline finding the derivative efficiently!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Calculus
Instantaneous Rate of Change
Derivatives

Formulas

Quotient Rule for Derivatives
Instantaneous Rate of Change as the Derivative

Theorems

Quotient Rule

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 11-12