9.17.2008

Word problems intimidate me!

Here is an example:

A 5-gallon bucket is full of pure water. Suppose we begin dumping salt into the bucket at a rate of 1/4 pounds per minute. Also, we open the spigot so that 1/2 gallons per minute leaves the bucket, and we add pure water to keep the bucket full. If the salt water solution is always well mixed, what is the amount of salt in the bucket after 1 minute? 10 minutes? 1000 minutes?

It's really not that difficult...I have to find the rate of change of salt (hence, a differential equation). But it has me very worried about the exam which is tomorrow at 5:45 pm. I am nervous and will be studying all evening and night. And most likely I will be making things harder than they need to be! :)

Wish me luck,

1 comment:

Linda said...

Ooooo, that doesn't sound like an easy problem to me--ACK! Belated good luck to you!