Using three connected rates of change

This next question is more involved – don’t take the long difficult route.

In this example (see below) I demonstrate how you can greatly simplify a problem by considering connecting three rates of change instead of two. (1st video) In the second video I do the question again but just combine the usual two rates of change so that you can compare two methods. I think you will agree that the first is a lot easier.

Example:

  1. A spherical balloon is being inflated by helium at a steady rate of 150 cm3 s-1. Find the rate of change of the surface area when the radius is 6 cm.

Best Method

Alternative method but very slow – I would not advise it.

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