CALCULUS 1 2G-Rates of Change and

Related Rates
Average Rate of Change

Suppose 𝑓 is a function and 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥).

The average rate of change of 𝒚 with respect to 𝒙 on [𝑥0 , 𝑥] is
𝑓 𝑥 − 𝑓(𝑥0 )
𝑥 − 𝑥0

2G-RATES OF CHANGE AND RELATED RATES

Rate of Change

Suppose 𝑓 is a function and 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥).

The instantaneous rate of change of 𝒚 with respect to 𝒙 at 𝑥 = 𝑥0 is
𝑓 𝑥 − 𝑓(𝑥0 ) Δ𝑓
lim = lim = 𝑓′(𝑥0 )
𝑥→𝑥0 𝑥 − 𝑥0 Δ𝑥→0 Δ𝑥

This gives us a new interpretation for the derivative.

Aside from giving the slope of a tangent line, it gives an
instantaneous rate of change.

2G-RATES OF CHANGE AND RELATED RATES

Rate of Change

Let 𝑦 be a function of 𝑥.
𝑑𝑦
If > 0 on an interval 𝐼, then 𝑦 increases as 𝑥 increases,
𝑑𝑥
and 𝑦 decreases as 𝑥 decreases.
𝑑𝑦
If < 0 on an interval 𝐼, then 𝑦 decreases as 𝑥 increases,
𝑑𝑥
and 𝑦 increases as 𝑥 decreases.
𝑑𝑦
If = 0 on an interval 𝐼, then 𝑦 does not change with
𝑑𝑥
respect to 𝑥.
2G-RATES OF CHANGE AND RELATED RATES
Example

A right circular cylinder has a fixed height of 6 units. Find the rate
of change of its volume with respect to the radius of its base.
𝑑𝑉
=?
𝑑𝑟
𝑉cylinder = 𝜋𝑟 2 ℎ
𝑉 = 𝜋𝑟 2 6 = 6𝜋𝑟 2 (height is fixed)
𝑑𝑉
= 6𝜋 2𝑟 = 12𝜋𝑟
𝑑𝑟

2G-RATES OF CHANGE AND RELATED RATES

Example

A bactericide was introduced to a nutrient broth in which bacteria

were growing. The bacterium population continued to grow for
some time but then stopped growing and began to decline. The
size of the population at time t (hours) was
𝑃 = 106 + 104 𝑡 − 103 𝑡 2 .
Determine the growth rates at 𝑡 = 0, 𝑡 = 5 and 𝑡 = 10 hours.

2G-RATES OF CHANGE AND RELATED RATES

Example (continued)
𝑃 = 106 + 104 𝑡 − 103 𝑡 2
The growth rate or the rate of change of the bacterium population P with
respect to time t is given by 𝑃′(𝑡).
′
𝑑
𝑃 𝑡 = 106 + 104 𝑡 − 103 𝑡 2
𝑑𝑡
𝑃′ 𝑡 = 104 − 2 103 𝑡
𝑃′ 0 = 104
𝑃′ 5 = 0
𝑃′ 10 = −104

2G-RATES OF CHANGE AND RELATED RATES

Example (continued)
Notice that 𝑃′ 𝑡 = 104 − 2 103 𝑡 = 2(103 )(5 − 𝑡)

𝑃′ 𝑡 > 0 when 𝑡 ∈ [0,5) and 𝑃′ 𝑡 < 0 when 𝑡 ∈ (5, ∞)

Thus, the bacterium population was increasing until 𝑡 = 5 hours, then it

stopped growing and began to decline.

2G-RATES OF CHANGE AND RELATED RATES

Example

A ladder 24 ft. long rests against a vertical wall. Let 𝜃 be the angle
between the top of the ladder and the wall and let 𝑥 be the
distance from the bottom of the ladder to the wall. If the bottom of
the ladder slides away from the wall, how fast does 𝑥 change with
𝜋
respect to 𝜃 when 𝜃 = ?
3

2G-RATES OF CHANGE AND RELATED RATES

Example (continued)
From the figure, the equation that relates 𝑥 and 𝜃 is:
𝑥
sin 𝜃 =
24
𝑥 = 24 sin 𝜃
𝑑𝑥
= 24 cos 𝜃
𝑑𝜃
𝜋
At 𝜃 = ,
3
𝑑𝑥 𝜋
ቚ 𝜋 = 24 cos = 12 ft/radian
𝑑𝜃 𝜃= 3 3

2G-RATES OF CHANGE AND RELATED RATES

Rectilinear Motion

A particle that is moving along a straight line, which we shall refer

to as the 𝑠-axis, is in rectilinear motion.
The position of the particle at time 𝑡 is given by the function 𝑠(𝑡),
called the position function of the particle moving along the 𝑠-axis.

2G-RATES OF CHANGE AND RELATED RATES

Rectilinear Motion

The instantaneous velocity of the particle at time t is

Δ𝑠 𝑑𝑠
𝑣 𝑡 = lim = = 𝑠′(𝑡)
Δ𝑡→0 Δ𝑡 𝑑𝑡
The instantaneous speed of the particle at time 𝑡 is 𝑣 𝑡 .
The instantaneous acceleration of the particle at time t is
Δ𝑣 𝑑𝑣
𝑎 𝑡 = lim = = 𝑣′(𝑡)
Δ𝑡→0 Δ𝑡 𝑑𝑡
𝑑 𝑑 𝑑𝑠 𝑑2𝑠
𝑎 𝑡 = 𝑣 = = 2 = 𝑠 ′′ 𝑡
𝑑𝑡 𝑑𝑡 𝑑𝑡 𝑑𝑡

2G-RATES OF CHANGE AND RELATED RATES

Rectilinear Motion
Let 𝑠(𝑡) be the position function of a particle moving along the 𝑠-axis. The
signs of 𝑣(𝑡) and 𝑎(𝑡) give us information about the motion of the particle.
𝑣(𝑡) Remarks 𝑎(𝑡) Remarks
+ moving in the positive direction of 𝑠 + Speeding up
+ (usually to the right or upward) − Slowing down
− moving in the negative direction of 𝑠 + Slowing down
− (usually to the left or downward) − Speeding up

If 𝑣(𝑡) = 0, either the particle is not moving or is changing direction at 𝑡.

If 𝑎(𝑡) = 0, then the velocity of the particle is constant.

2G-RATES OF CHANGE AND RELATED RATES

Example
A particle moves along a horizontal coordinate line in such a way that
its position at time 𝑡 is specified by 𝑠 𝑡 = 𝑡 3 − 12𝑡 2 + 36𝑡 − 30 where
𝑠 is measured in feet and 𝑡 in seconds.
1. Find the instantaneous velocity and the instantaneous acceleration in terms
of 𝑡.
2. Describe the position and motion of the particle in a table that includes the
intervals of time when the particle is moving to the left or to the right, when
the velocity is increasing or decreasing, when the speed is increasing or
decreasing, and the particle’s position with respect to the origin during
these intervals of time.
3. Show the motion of the particle schematically.
4. Determine the total distance traveled by the particle during the first 7
seconds.

2G-RATES OF CHANGE AND RELATED RATES

Example (Continued)
1. 𝑠 𝑡 = 𝑡 3 − 12𝑡 2 + 36𝑡 − 30
𝑑𝑠
𝑣 𝑡 =
𝑑𝑡
𝑣 𝑡 = 3𝑡 2 − 24𝑡 + 36
𝑑𝑣
𝑎 𝑡 =
𝑑𝑡
𝑎 𝑡 = 6𝑡 − 24

2G-RATES OF CHANGE AND RELATED RATES

Example (Continued)
2. First, we find 𝑡 ≥ 0 such that 𝑣(𝑡) = 0 and 𝑎(𝑡) = 0.
𝑣 𝑡 = 3𝑡 2 − 24𝑡 + 36
𝑣 𝑡 = 3(𝑡 − 6)(𝑡 − 2)
𝑡 = 6, 𝑡 = 2

𝑎 𝑡 = 6𝑡 − 24
𝑎 𝑡 =6 𝑡−4
𝑡=4

2G-RATES OF CHANGE AND RELATED RATES

Example (Continued)
2.

2G-RATES OF CHANGE AND RELATED RATES

Example (Continued)
3. The particle makes a turn at 𝑡 = 2 and 𝑡 = 6. The position of the
particle at these times is 𝑠 2 = 2 and 𝑠 6 = −30, respectively.
Schematically, the particle moved in the following way:

2G-RATES OF CHANGE AND RELATED RATES

Example (Continued)
4. Basing on the position function 𝑠(𝑡) and the schematic diagram,

Total distance traveled

= 𝑠 2 −𝑠 0 + 𝑠 6 −𝑠 2 + 𝑠 7 −𝑠 6
= 32 + 32 + 7
= 71 feet

2G-RATES OF CHANGE AND RELATED RATES

Related Rates

Let 𝑥 be a quantity that is a function of time 𝑡.

𝑑𝑥
= rate of change of 𝑥 with respect to 𝑡
𝑑𝑡
Suppose 𝑦 is dependent on 𝑥. So,
𝑑𝑦 𝑑𝑥
is dependent on .
𝑑𝑡 𝑑𝑡
Therefore, the rate of change of 𝑦 with respect to 𝑡 is related to
the rate of change of 𝑥 with respect to 𝑡.

2G-RATES OF CHANGE AND RELATED RATES

Suggestions in solving problems involving
related rates:
1. Let 𝑡 denote the elapsed time. If possible, draw a diagram of the problem that is valid for any time
𝑡 > 0.
2. Select variables to represent the quantities that change with respect to time. Label those quantities
whose values do not depend on t with their given constant values.
3. Write down any numerical facts known about the variables. Interpret each rate of change as the
derivative of a variable with respect to time.
4. Identify what is being asked.
5. Write an equation relating the variables that is valid at all time 𝑡 > 0.
6. Differentiate the equation in (5) implicitly with respect to 𝑡.
7. Substitute in the equation obtained in (6) all values that are valid at the particular time of interest.
Solve for what is being asked.
8. Write a conclusion that answers the question of the problem. Do not forget to include the correct
units of measurement.

2G-RATES OF CHANGE AND RELATED RATES

Example

A ladder 10 meters long is leaning against a wall. If the bottom of

the ladder is being pulled horizontally towards the wall at 2 m/s,
how fast is the top of the ladder moving when the bottom is 6
meters from the wall?

2G-RATES OF CHANGE AND RELATED RATES

Example (continued)
Let 𝑡 denote the elapsed time. Select variables to represent
the quantities that change with respect to time. Label those
quantities whose values do not depend on t with their given
constant values.

The bottom of the ladder is pulled towards the wall at 2 m/s,

so 𝑥 decreases with time:
𝑑𝑥
= −2 m/s
𝑑𝑡
We are looking for:
𝑑𝑦
ቚ =?
𝑑𝑡 𝑥=6

2G-RATES OF CHANGE AND RELATED RATES

Example (continued)
Write an equation relating the variables.
𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 = 102
Differentiate the equation implicitly with respect to t.
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑦
2𝑥 ∙ + 2𝑦 ∙ =0
𝑑𝑡 𝑑𝑡
𝑑𝑦 𝑥 𝑑𝑥
=−
𝑑𝑡 𝑦 𝑑𝑡
Substitute in the equation obtained all values and solve for what is being
asked.
𝑑𝑦 𝑥 𝑑𝑥
ቚ =−
𝑑𝑡 𝑥=6 𝑦 𝑑𝑡

2G-RATES OF CHANGE AND RELATED RATES

Example (continued)
Substitute in the equation obtained all values and
solve for what is being asked.
𝑑𝑥
We know 𝑥 = 6 and = −2, but we need 𝑦:
𝑑𝑡
𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 = 102
62 + 𝑦 2 = 102
𝑦 = 8 (since 𝑦 cannot be negative)

𝑑𝑦 𝑥 𝑑𝑥 6 3
ቚ =− = − −2 =
𝑑𝑡 𝑥=6 𝑦 𝑑𝑡 8 2

2G-RATES OF CHANGE AND RELATED RATES

Example (continued)
Write a conclusion that answers the question of the
problem.

3
The top of the ladder is sliding up the wall at a rate of m/s
2
when the bottom of the ladder is 6 meters from the wall.

2G-RATES OF CHANGE AND RELATED RATES

Example

An automobile traveling at a rate of 20 ft/s is approaching an

intersection. When the automobile is 100 ft. from the intersection,
a truck traveling at the rate of 40 ft/s crosses the intersection. The
automobile and the truck are on roads that are at right angles to
each other. How fast are the truck and the automobile separating
2 seconds after the truck leaves the intersection?

2G-RATES OF CHANGE AND RELATED RATES

Example (continued)

𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑧
= −20 ft/s (𝑥 is decreasing) ቚ =?
𝑑𝑡 𝑑𝑡 𝑡=2
𝑑𝑦
= 40 ft/s (𝑦 is increasing)
𝑑𝑡
2G-RATES OF CHANGE AND RELATED RATES
Example (continued)
From the figure: 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 = 𝑧 2
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑦 𝑑𝑧
2𝑥 + 2𝑦 = 2𝑧
𝑑𝑡 𝑑𝑡 𝑑𝑡
𝑑𝑧 1 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑦
= 𝑥 +𝑦
𝑑𝑡 𝑧 𝑑𝑡 𝑑𝑡

2G-RATES OF CHANGE AND RELATED RATES

Example (continued)
At 𝑡 = 2:
𝑑𝑥
𝑥 = 100 + 𝑡 = 100 − 20 2 = 60
𝑑𝑡
𝑑𝑦
𝑦 =0+ 𝑡 = 40 2 = 80
𝑑𝑡

𝑥2 + 𝑦2 = 𝑧2
602 + 802 = 𝑧 2
𝑧 = 100

2G-RATES OF CHANGE AND RELATED RATES

Example (continued)
𝑑𝑧 1 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑦
= 𝑥 +𝑦
𝑑𝑡 𝑧 𝑑𝑡 𝑑𝑡
𝑑𝑧 1
ቚ = 60 −20 + 80 40
𝑑𝑡 𝑡=2 100
𝑑𝑧 2000
ቚ = = 20
𝑑𝑡 𝑡=2 100
The distance between them is increasing
at a rate of 20 ft/s after 2 seconds.

2G-RATES OF CHANGE AND RELATED RATES

Example

Water is pouring into an inverted cone at the rate of 8 cubic feet

per minute. If the height of the cone is 12 feet and the radius of its
base is 6 feet, how fast is the water level rising when the water is
4 feet deep?

2G-RATES OF CHANGE AND RELATED RATES

Example (continued)
Let 𝑉 = volume of the water in cone
𝑑𝑉
= 8 ft 3 /min
𝑑𝑡
𝑑ℎ
ቚ =?
𝑑𝑡 ℎ=4
1 2
𝑉 = 𝜋𝑟 ℎ
3
𝑑𝑟
But we do not know .
𝑑𝑡

2G-RATES OF CHANGE AND RELATED RATES

Example (continued)
Express 𝑟 in terms of ℎ. By similar triangles:
𝑟 6 ℎ
= 𝑟=
ℎ 12 2
Now we can solve,
2
1 1 ℎ 1
𝑉 = 𝜋𝑟 2 ℎ = 𝜋 ℎ= 𝜋ℎ3
3 3 2 12
𝑑𝑉 1 𝑑ℎ 𝑑ℎ 4 𝑑𝑉
= 𝜋 3ℎ2 = 2
𝑑𝑡 12 𝑑𝑡 𝑑𝑡 𝜋ℎ 𝑑𝑡
𝑑ℎ 4 2
ቚ = 8 =
𝑑𝑡 ℎ=4 𝜋 4 2 𝜋
2
The water level is rising at ft/min
𝜋
when the water is 4 feet deep.

2G-RATES OF CHANGE AND RELATED RATES