54905212
The temperature of a kiln changes at rate \(T'(t)\), measured in degrees Fahrenheit per minute. A technician calculates
\(\int_{12}^{20}T'(t)\,\text{d}t=-36\)
and reports, “The kiln cooled at \(-36\) degrees Fahrenheit per minute.”
Correct the technician's interpretation, including the proper units.
Hints
- Track how the time unit in the differential interacts with the rate unit.
- Decide whether the integral gives an instantaneous quantity or a change over an interval.
- Use the negative sign to describe direction of change.
Solution
1. Integrating a rate measured in degrees Fahrenheit per minute over time measured in minutes produces degrees Fahrenheit.
2. The integral is the net temperature change from minute \(12\) to minute \(20\).
3. The value \(-36\) means the kiln's temperature decreases by \(36\) degrees Fahrenheit over that interval.
Answer
The kiln's temperature has a net change of \(-36\,^{\circ}\text{F}\); equivalently, it cools by \(36\,^{\circ}\text{F}\) from minute \(12\) to minute \(20\). The answer is not a rate.
