Related rates is a math concept that deals with the measurement of how the rate of change of one quantity is related to the rate of change of another quantity. In other words, it involves finding the rate of change of one variable with respect to another variable. The key to solving related rates problems is identifying the variables involved and setting up an equation that relates them.
All rates of change in related rates problems involve not only the variables visible in the equation, but also time. Because of this, time is how rates are related to one another. To find the relationship, do implicit differentiation on an equation with respect to time.
In the example, the perimeter is changing. The implicit differentiation proves that the rate of the perimeter change, length change, and width change are all related to one another.
As you can see, determining the equation that applies to a problem is very important. The most common equations that will be needed are geometric equations for perimeter, area, or volume. This is because related rates problems are a type of application problem that generally applies to growing or shrinking objects or shapes. There is no fully comprehensive list of equations, but many of the most common ones are included below.
The sides used in the equation are commonly listed as x and y in a problem. However, no matter the variable, these formulas apply to the sides relative as described to the angle being found.
To set up a related rates problem, follow these steps:
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