Question: Wheat production W in a given year depends on the average temperature T and the annual rainfall R. Scientists estimate that the average temperature is

Wheat production W in a given year depends on the average temperature T and the annual rainfall R. Scientists estimate that the average temperature is rising at a rate of 0.15°C/year and rainfall is decreasing at a rate of 0.1 cm/year. They also estimate that at current production levels, ∂W/∂T = -2 and ∂W/∂R = 8.
(a) What is the significance of the signs of these partial derivatives?
(b) Estimate the current rate of change of wheat production, dW/dt.

Step by Step Solution

3.35 Rating (158 Votes )

There are 3 Steps involved in it

1 Expert Approved Answer
Step: 1 Unlock

a Since wT is negative a rise in average temperature while a... View full answer

blur-text-image
Question Has Been Solved by an Expert!

Get step-by-step solutions from verified subject matter experts

Step: 2 Unlock
Step: 3 Unlock

Students Have Also Explored These Related Precalculus Questions!