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Numerical Methods

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Question 51

The population density of a certain microorganism in a controlled environment, D(t)D(t)D(t) in hundreds per unit area, is modelled by the function

D(t)=10ln⁡(t+2)−t2+5,t>−2 D(t) = 10\ln(t + 2) - t^2 + 5, \quad t > -2 D(t)=10ln(t+2)−t2+5,t>−2

where t t\,t is the time in hours after the start of an experiment.

a.

Show that a time t t\,t exists in the interval [−1.3,−1.2][-1.3, -1.2][−1.3,−1.2] where the population density is zero.

[2]
b.

The population density also returns to zero at a positive time TTT. To find the value of TTT, the iterative formula

tn+1=10ln⁡(tn+2)+5,with t1=4 t_{n+1} = \sqrt{10\ln(t_n + 2) + 5}, \quad \text{with } t_1 = 4 tn+1​=10ln(tn​+2)+5​,with t1​=4

is used.

(i) Find the value of t2 t_2\,t2​ to 4 decimal places. (ii) By continuing the iteration, determine the value of T T\,T correct to 4 decimal places.

[3]
c.

The population density reaches a maximum at a time tmaxt_{max}tmax​.

Using calculus and showing each stage of your working, find the exact value of tmaxt_{max}tmax​.

[3]

Numerical Methods Questions

  1. A Level
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