Calculating the Continuous Rate

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 108 views

Introduction

In mathematics, the continuous rate of a function refers to the rate at which the function changes over time. This concept is crucial in various fields, including economics, finance, and physics. In this article, we will explore the continuous rate of the function $P(t)=100 e^{-0.017 t}$ and determine the correct answer from the given options.

What is the Continuous Rate?

The continuous rate of a function is a measure of how quickly the function changes over time. It is calculated by taking the derivative of the function with respect to time. In other words, it represents the rate at which the function's output changes when the input changes.

Calculating the Continuous Rate

To calculate the continuous rate of the function $P(t)=100 e^{-0.017 t}$ , we need to find its derivative. The derivative of a function $f(x)$ is denoted by $f'(x)$ and represents the rate of change of the function with respect to $x$ .

Using the chain rule, we can find the derivative of the function $P(t)=100 e^{-0.017 t}$ as follows:

\frac{dP}{dt} = 100 \cdot (-0.017) \cdot e^{-0.017 t}

Simplifying the expression, we get:

\frac{dP}{dt} = -1.7 e^{-0.017 t}

Interpreting the Result

The derivative of the function $P(t)=100 e^{-0.017 t}$ represents the continuous rate of change of the function. In this case, the continuous rate is a negative value, indicating that the function is decreasing over time.

To express the continuous rate as a percentage, we can divide the derivative by the original function and multiply by 100:

\frac{\frac{dP}{dt}}{P(t)} \cdot 100 = \frac{-1.7 e^{-0.017 t}}{100 e^{-0.017 t}} \cdot 100

Simplifying the expression, we get:

\frac{\frac{dP}{dt}}{P(t)} \cdot 100 = -1.7\%

Conclusion

In conclusion, the continuous rate of the function $P(t)=100 e^{-0.017 t}$ is $-1.7\%$ . This means that the function is decreasing at a rate of 1.7% per unit of time.

Answer

The correct answer is:

A) ${$ -1.7 %$}$

Discussion

The continuous rate of a function is an essential concept in mathematics, and it has numerous applications in various fields. In this article, we have explored the continuous rate of the function $P(t)=100 e^{-0.017 t}$ and determined the correct answer from the given options.

References

[1] Calculus, 3rd edition, Michael Spivak
[2] Differential Equations and Dynamical Systems, 3rd edition, Lawrence Perko

Additional Resources

[1] Khan Academy: Calculus
[2] MIT OpenCourseWare: Calculus
[3] Wolfram Alpha: Calculus

FAQs

Q: What is the continuous rate of a function? A: The continuous rate of a function is a measure of how quickly the function changes over time.
Q: How is the continuous rate calculated? A: The continuous rate is calculated by taking the derivative of the function with respect to time.
Q: What is the derivative of the function $P(t)=100 e^{-0.017 t}$ ? A: The derivative of the function $P(t)=100 e^{-0.017 t}$ is $-1.7 e^{-0.017 t}$ .
Q&A: Understanding the Continuous Rate of a Function =====================================================

Introduction

In our previous article, we explored the concept of the continuous rate of a function and calculated the continuous rate of the function $P(t)=100 e^{-0.017 t}$ . In this article, we will answer some frequently asked questions (FAQs) related to the continuous rate of a function.

Q&A

Q: What is the continuous rate of a function?

A: The continuous rate of a function is a measure of how quickly the function changes over time. It is calculated by taking the derivative of the function with respect to time.

Q: How is the continuous rate calculated?

A: The continuous rate is calculated by taking the derivative of the function with respect to time. This can be done using various methods, including the power rule, product rule, and quotient rule.

Q: What is the derivative of the function $P(t)=100 e^{-0.017 t}$ ?

A: The derivative of the function $P(t)=100 e^{-0.017 t}$ is $-1.7 e^{-0.017 t}$ .

Q: How do I interpret the result of the derivative?

A: The result of the derivative represents the rate of change of the function with respect to time. In this case, the derivative is a negative value, indicating that the function is decreasing over time.

Q: Can the continuous rate be expressed as a percentage?

A: Yes, the continuous rate can be expressed as a percentage by dividing the derivative by the original function and multiplying by 100.

Q: What is the significance of the continuous rate in real-world applications?

A: The continuous rate is an essential concept in various fields, including economics, finance, and physics. It helps us understand how quickly a function changes over time, which is crucial in making informed decisions.

Q: Can you provide examples of functions with different continuous rates?

A: Yes, here are a few examples:

$f(x) = 2x^2$ has a continuous rate of $4x$
$g(x) = 3x^3$ has a continuous rate of $9x^2$
$h(x) = 4x^4$ has a continuous rate of $16x^3$

Q: How do I determine the continuous rate of a function with a variable exponent?

A: To determine the continuous rate of a function with a variable exponent, you can use the power rule of differentiation. The power rule states that if $f(x) = x^n$ , then $f'(x) = nx^{n-1}$ .

Q: Can you provide a step-by-step guide to calculating the continuous rate of a function?

A: Yes, here is a step-by-step guide:

Identify the function and its variables.
Determine the derivative of the function using the power rule, product rule, or quotient rule.
Simplify the derivative to obtain the continuous rate.
Express the continuous rate as a percentage by dividing the derivative by the original function and multiplying by 100.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the continuous rate of a function is an essential concept in mathematics and has numerous applications in various fields. By understanding how to calculate and interpret the continuous rate, you can make informed decisions and solve real-world problems.

References

[1] Calculus, 3rd edition, Michael Spivak
[2] Differential Equations and Dynamical Systems, 3rd edition, Lawrence Perko

Additional Resources

[1] Khan Academy: Calculus
[2] MIT OpenCourseWare: Calculus
[3] Wolfram Alpha: Calculus

FAQs

Q: What is the continuous rate of a function? A: The continuous rate of a function is a measure of how quickly the function changes over time.
Q: How is the continuous rate calculated? A: The continuous rate is calculated by taking the derivative of the function with respect to time.
Q: What is the derivative of the function $P(t)=100 e^{-0.017 t}$ ? A: The derivative of the function $P(t)=100 e^{-0.017 t}$ is $-1.7 e^{-0.017 t}$ .

Glossary

Continuous rate: A measure of how quickly a function changes over time.
Derivative: The rate of change of a function with respect to time.
Power rule: A rule for differentiating functions with variable exponents.
Product rule: A rule for differentiating functions that are products of two or more functions.
Quotient rule: A rule for differentiating functions that are quotients of two or more functions.