Thread: Formulae

The rate of growth of the height of a species of tree is observed to be given by 12 - 7t - 4t^2 as a function of time t. Find a formula for the height h given that h=6 when t = 1.

Originally Posted by Jen1603

The rate of growth of the height of a species of tree is observed to be given by 12 - 7t - 4t^2 as a function of time t. Find a formula for the height h given that h=6 when t = 1.

The rate of growth can also be though of as the change is growth, or the derivative of growth. You are given a formula with respect to "t", so think of this equation as dG/dt , where G(t) is the growth formula. If you integrate this equation you should find G(t), and when you plug in the information in the problem you are able to eliminate the general constant of integration.