Table of contents
- 0. Functions7h 52m
- Introduction to Functions16m
- Piecewise Functions10m
- Properties of Functions9m
- Common Functions1h 8m
- Transformations5m
- Combining Functions27m
- Exponent rules32m
- Exponential Functions28m
- Logarithmic Functions24m
- Properties of Logarithms34m
- Exponential & Logarithmic Equations35m
- Introduction to Trigonometric Functions38m
- Graphs of Trigonometric Functions44m
- Trigonometric Identities47m
- Inverse Trigonometric Functions48m
- 1. Limits and Continuity2h 2m
- 2. Intro to Derivatives1h 33m
- 3. Techniques of Differentiation3h 18m
- 4. Applications of Derivatives2h 38m
- 5. Graphical Applications of Derivatives6h 2m
- 6. Derivatives of Inverse, Exponential, & Logarithmic Functions2h 37m
- 7. Antiderivatives & Indefinite Integrals1h 26m
- 8. Definite Integrals3h 25m
4. Applications of Derivatives
Differentials
Problem 4.8.33
Textbook Question
{Use of Tech} Tumor size In a study conducted at Dartmouth College, mice with a particular type of cancerous tumor were treated with the chemotherapy drug Cisplatin. If the volume of one of these tumors at the time of treatment is V₀, then the volume of the tumor t days after treatment is modeled by the function V(t) = V₀ (0.99e⁻⁰·¹²¹⁶ᵗ + 0.01e⁰·²³⁹ᵗ). (Source: Undergraduate Mathematics for the Life Sciences, MAA Notes No. 81, 2013)
Plot a graph of y = 0.99e⁻⁰·¹²¹⁶ᵗ + 0.01e⁰·²³⁹ᵗ, for 0 ≤ t ≤ 16, and describe the tumor size over time. Use Newton’s method to determine when the tumor decreases to half of its original size.

1
To plot the graph of y = 0.99e^{-0.1216t} + 0.01e^{0.239t} for 0 ≤ t ≤ 16, first understand that this function represents the relative change in tumor volume over time. The term 0.99e^{-0.1216t} suggests a decay, while 0.01e^{0.239t} suggests a slight growth component.
Use a graphing tool or software to plot the function y = 0.99e^{-0.1216t} + 0.01e^{0.239t}. Observe the behavior of the graph over the interval 0 ≤ t ≤ 16. Notice how the decay term dominates, leading to an overall decrease in the function value over time.
To use Newton's method to find when the tumor decreases to half its original size, set V(t) = 0.5V₀. This implies solving the equation 0.99e^{-0.1216t} + 0.01e^{0.239t} = 0.5.
Newton's method requires an initial guess t₀. Choose a reasonable starting point based on the graph, where the function appears to reach half its initial value. Define the function f(t) = 0.99e^{-0.1216t} + 0.01e^{0.239t} - 0.5 and its derivative f'(t).
Apply Newton's method iteratively using the formula t_{n+1} = t_n - f(t_n)/f'(t_n) until the change in t is sufficiently small. This will give the approximate time t when the tumor volume is half of its original size.
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