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Question 1201893:  Please help me solve this equation: A pebble is dropped into a calm pond, causing ripples in the form of concentric circles. The radius of the outer ripple is increasing at a constant rate of 6 inches per second. When the radius is 4 feet, at what rate (in 1ft/sec) is the total area A of the disturbed water changing. 
 Answer by ikleyn(52903)      (Show Source): 
You can  put this solution on YOUR website! . 
Please help me solve this   problem. 
A pebble is dropped into a calm pond, causing ripples in the form of concentric circles.  
The radius of the outer ripple is increasing at a constant rate of 6 inches per second.  
When the radius is 4 feet, at what rate (in 1ft/sec) is the total area A  
of the disturbed water changing. 
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About the radius, we know from the problem, that
      R = 6*t,  where R is in inches and t is the time in seconds.
It is the same as to say that
      R =   =  ,  where R is in feet and t is the time in seconds.
Hence, the disturbed area in t seconds is
      A =   =   =    ft^2.    (1)
Then the rate, at which this area is changing, is the derivative of the function (1) over t
       =    ft^2/s.    (2)
The radius R is 4 ft when  
      = 4,  or  t =   = 8 seconds.
Substituting t= 8 seconds into (2), we obtain the 
   to the problem's question    =   =   = 4*3.14 = 12.56 ft^2 per second  (rounded).
 
Solved, with complete explanations.
 
 
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Notice that the dimension's unit name of the quantity under the question in your post is INCORRECT.
 
 
The correct dimension's unit name is  ft^2/s, as it is in my solution.
 
 
By the way, physicists have a simple criterion whether a person understands a subject or not. 
If a person uses wrong dimensions, it is a 100% indication that he (or she) does not understand.
 
 
Notice that this your error does not surprise me, since at this forum it is a rare case 
 
and great fiesta, when the post comes in proper form.
 
 
 
 
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