Solve Word Problem: Find a and b in T(t)=250-ae^(-bt)

In summary, the conversation discusses finding the values of a and b in the equation T(t)=250-ae^(-bt), which models the temperature of a yam in an oven. By using the given information of the temperature at 30 minutes and the rate of increase, b can be found using Newton's law of cooling. To find a, the equation 70/e^-40b = a is used with the value of b calculated previously.
  • #1
betsinda
12
0

Homework Statement



A yam is pust in an oven maintained at a constant temp of 250degrees C. Suppose that after 30 min the temp of the yam is 150degrees C and is increasing at a rate of 3degrees C/min. If the temp of the yam t minutes after it is put in the oven is modeled by
T(t)=250-ae^(-bt), find a and b.

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



I have no idea how to even start. Please help
 
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  • #2
Just by looking at the question as stated, what are the values of:

T(30)
T'(30) ?

How can you use these to find a and b?
 
  • #3
betsinda said:
A yam is pust in an oven maintained at a constant temp of 250degrees C. Suppose that after 30 min the temp of the yam is 150degrees C and is increasing at a rate of 3degrees C/min. If the temp of the yam t minutes after it is put in the oven is modeled by
T(t)=250-ae^(-bt), find a and b.

Hi betsinda! :smile:

Hint: what is Newton's law of cooling?
 
  • #4
I think I have found b

180 = 250 - ae^-40b
150 = 250 - ae^-30b


-70 = -ae^-40b
70/e^-40b = a

-100 = -70/e^-40b * e^-30b
100/70 = e^40b * e ^-30b
10/7 = e^10b
ln 10/7 = 10 b
b = ln(10/7)/10

but how do I find a?
 
  • #5
betsinda said:
70/e^-40b = a
:
10/7 = e^10b

but how do I find a?

a = 70e40b = 70(e10b)4 :wink:
 
  • #6
Thank you !
 

Related to Solve Word Problem: Find a and b in T(t)=250-ae^(-bt)

1. What does "T(t)" represent in the word problem?

"T(t)" represents the temperature at a specific time, t.

2. What do "a" and "b" represent in the equation?

"a" represents the initial temperature and "b" represents the rate at which the temperature changes over time.

3. How do I solve for "a" and "b" in the equation?

To solve for "a" and "b", you can use the given information and plug it into the equation to create a system of equations. Then, use algebraic methods such as substitution or elimination to solve for the variables.

4. Can this equation be used for any type of temperature change?

Yes, this equation can be used for any type of temperature change as long as the temperature is decreasing exponentially.

5. Can this equation be used for any time unit?

Yes, this equation can be used for any time unit as long as the units are consistent throughout the equation.

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