You are here:

Calculus/Applications of Derivatives

Advertisement

Expert: - 2/21/2009


Question
The spread of a virus is modeled by N=-t^3+12t^2, 0<=t<=12, where N is the number of people infected(hundreds) and t is the time (weeks).

"When will the virus be spreading most rapidly?" I am not sure what the question is asking for. Is it the maximum rate of change? Please respond ASAP. Thank you.

Answer
It gives the equation for spread of a virus.

It asks when it will spread most rapidly.

This would seem to be asking to find the maximum of
N=-t^3+12t^2, 0<=t<=12.

The way to find a maximum is find where dN/dt is 0 between 0 & 12.
If d²N/dt² is negative at that point, it is a maximum.

Also, compute what N(0) and N(12) are, for they are the endpoints
on the interval.

Calculus

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Scotto

Expertise

Any kind of calculus question you want. I also have answered some questions in Physics (mass, momentum, falling bodies), Chemistry (charge, reactions, symbols, molecules), and Biology.

Experience

Experience in the area: I have tutored students in all areas of mathematics for over 25 years. Education/Credentials: BSand MS in Mathematics from Oregon State University, where I completed sophomore course in Physics and Chemistry. I received both degrees with high honors. Awards and Honors: I have passed Actuarial tests 100, 110, and 135.

Publications
Maybe not a publication, but I have respond to well oveer 7,500 questions on the PC. Well over 2,000 of them have been in calculus.

Education/Credentials
I aquired well over 40 hours of upper division courses. This was well over the number that were required. I graduated with honors in both my BS and MS degree from Oregon State University. I was allowed to jump into a few junior level courses my sophomore year.

Awards and Honors
I have been nominated as the expert of the month several times. All of my scores right now are at least a 9.8 average (out of 10).

Past/Present Clients
My past clients have been students at OSU, students at the college in South Seattle, referals from a company, friends and aquantenances, people from my church, and people like you from all over the world.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.