Math Problem Statement

Suppose the amount of a certain drug in the bloodstream is modeled by C(t) = 8t * e^(-0.2t), then the maximum concentration this drug reaches is closest to:

Solution

To find the maximum concentration of the drug, we are tasked with finding the maximum value of C(t)=8te0.2tC(t) = 8t e^{-0.2t}. This involves calculus:

  1. Find the derivative C(t)C'(t): Using the product rule: C(t)=ddt(8t)e0.2t+8tddt(e0.2t)C'(t) = \frac{d}{dt}(8t) \cdot e^{-0.2t} + 8t \cdot \frac{d}{dt}(e^{-0.2t}) C(t)=8e0.2t1.6t8e0.2tC'(t) = 8e^{-0.2t} - 1.6t \cdot 8e^{-0.2t} Factor out 8e0.2t8e^{-0.2t}: C(t)=8e0.2t(10.2t)C'(t) = 8e^{-0.2t}(1 - 0.2t)

  2. Set C(t)=0C'(t) = 0: For 8e0.2t(10.2t)=08e^{-0.2t}(1 - 0.2t) = 0, note that e0.2t0e^{-0.2t} \neq 0, so: 10.2t=0    t=51 - 0.2t = 0 \implies t = 5

  3. Verify it's a maximum: The second derivative or the behavior of C(t)C'(t) around t=5t = 5 confirms this is a maximum.

  4. Find C(5)C(5): Substitute t=5t = 5 into C(t)C(t): C(5)=85e0.25C(5) = 8 \cdot 5 \cdot e^{-0.2 \cdot 5} C(5)=40e1C(5) = 40 \cdot e^{-1} Since e10.3679e^{-1} \approx 0.3679: C(5)400.367914.7C(5) \approx 40 \cdot 0.3679 \approx 14.7

The maximum concentration is approximately 14.7.

Would you like further clarification? Here are 5 related questions to explore:

  1. How do we confirm if a critical point is a maximum or minimum?
  2. What does the derivative C(t)C'(t) represent in this context?
  3. How does the exponential decay affect the concentration over time?
  4. What are some practical uses of such models in pharmacology?
  5. How can technology (like graphing tools) simplify finding maxima?

Tip: When dealing with exponential functions, logarithmic properties and approximations are often helpful for calculations.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Calculus
Optimization
Exponential Decay

Formulas

C(t) = 8t * e^(-0.2t)
C'(t) = 8e^(-0.2t)(1 - 0.2t)
e^-x ≈ 1 / e^x for approximation

Theorems

Product Rule for Derivatives
Critical Point Analysis

Suitable Grade Level

Undergraduate or Advanced High School (Grades 11-12)