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C4 help please!

OK, I'm struggling on this question (Q21, Ex 4F). I was fine with parts a) and b), but I just can't get my head around c)! help much appreciated!

A population P is growing at the rate of 9% each year and at time t years may be approximated by the formula

P=P0(1.09)^t , t>(or equal to) 0

where P is regarded as a continuous function of t and P0 is the starting population at time t=0.

(a) Find an expression for t in terms of P and P0.

(b) Find the time T years when the population has doubled from its value at t=0, giving your answer to 3 s. f.

(c) Find, as a multiple of P0, the rate of change of population dP/dt at time t=T

Reply 1

Sockpirate
OK, I'm struggling on this question (Q21, Ex 4F). I was fine with parts a) and b), but I just can't get my head around c)! help much appreciated!

A population P is growing at the rate of 9% each year and at time t years may be approximated by the formula

P=P0 (1.09)t , t>(or equal to) 0

where P is regarded as a continuous function of t and P0 is the starting population at time t=0.

(a) Find an expression for t in terms of P and P0.

(b) Find the time T years when the population has doubled from its value at t=0, giving your answer to 3 s. f.

(c) Find, as a multiple of P0, the rate of change of population dP/dt at time t=T

just to make clear P=P_01.09t

Reply 2

It's just 1.09P_0 i think

Reply 3

rbnphlp
just to make clear P=P_01.09t


Ah, oops! thats should be (1.09)^t :s-smilie:

Reply 4

Sockpirate
OK, I'm struggling on this question (Q21, Ex 4F). I was fine with parts a) and b), but I just can't get my head around c)! help much appreciated!

A population P is growing at the rate of 9% each year and at time t years may be approximated by the formula

P=P0 (1.09)t , t>(or equal to) 0

where P is regarded as a continuous function of t and P0 is the starting population at time t=0.

(a) Find an expression for t in terms of P and P0.

(b) Find the time T years when the population has doubled from its value at t=0, giving your answer to 3 s. f.

(c) Find, as a multiple of P0, the rate of change of population dP/dt at time t=T



c. Differentiate, you should have learnt how to differentiate a^x.

Reply 5

malolis
c. Differentiate, you should have learnt how to differentiate a^x.


Yes, I know how to differentiate a^x, but there are three unknowns? P, Po and t.

Reply 6

Sockpirate
Yes, I know how to differentiate a^x, but there are three unknowns? P, Po and t.


Po is a constant, not a variable. Just differentiate it as you would differentiate 2 or 3 or 9999 :smile:

I get dP/dt=Po(1.09^T)(ln1.09)

Reply 7

malolis
Po is a constant, not a variable. Just differentiate it as you would differentiate 2 or 3 or 9999 :smile:

I get dP/dt=Po(1.09^T)(ln1.09)


Oh god, of course it is! OK, thank you so much ^^

Reply 8

What rule do you use? Chain, product or quotient?

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