Question

{Use of Tech} Beak length The length of the culmen (the upper ridge of a bird’s bill) of a t-week-old Indian spotted owlet is modeled by the function L(t)=11.94 / 1 + 4e^−1.65t, where L is measured in millimeters.
b. Use a graph of L′(t) to describe how the culmen grows over the first 5 weeks of life.

Accepted Answer

First, understand that L(t) is a function that models the length of the culmen of an owlet over time. The function is given as L(t) = $$\frac{11.94}{1 + 4e^{-1.65t}}. $$Our task is to analyze the growth rate of the culmen by examining the derivative L'(t). To find L'(t), we need to differentiate L(t) with respect to t. This involves using the quotient rule for differentiation, which is given by $$\frac{d}{dt}\left(\frac{u}{v}\right) = \frac{v \cdot u' - u \cdot v'}{v^2}$$, where u = 11.94 and v = 1 + $$4e^{-1.65t}. $$Calculate the derivatives u' and v'. Since u is a constant, u' = 0. For v, use the chain rule to find v' = $$-4 \cdot (-1.65) \cdot e^{-1.65t}. $$Simplify this to v' = $$6.6e^{-1.65t}. $$Substitute u, u', v, and v' into the quotient rule formula to find L'(t). This will give you the expression for the rate of change of the culmen length with respect to time. Finally, use a graphing tool to plot L'(t) over the interval from t = 0 to t = 5. Analyze the graph to describe how the growth rate of the culmen changes over the first 5 weeks. Look for trends such as increasing, decreasing, or constant growth rates.

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Key Concepts

Derivative

Graphing Functions

Exponential Functions