Step 1 :Given that Kim's height is a constant 161 cm, and she is losing weight at a rate of 5 kg per month, we are asked to find how fast her surface area is decreasing at the instant she weighs 84 kg.
Step 2 :We use the Mosteller model for estimating body surface area, which is given by \(S = \frac{\sqrt{hw}}{60}\), where \(h\) is the height in cm, \(w\) is the weight in kg, and \(S\) is the surface area in square meters.
Step 3 :Since Kim's height is constant, its derivative with respect to time is zero. We differentiate the formula for \(S\) with respect to time \(t\) to find \(\frac{dS}{dt}\).
Step 4 :Using the chain rule, we get \(\frac{dS}{dt} = \frac{1}{2} \frac{\sqrt{h}}{\sqrt{w}} \frac{dw}{dt}\).
Step 5 :Substituting the given values, we have \(h = 161\), \(w = 84\), and \(\frac{dw}{dt} = -5\).
Step 6 :Substituting these values into the derivative, we find \(\frac{dS}{dt} = -\frac{\sqrt{161}}{24\sqrt{84}}\).
Step 7 :Simplifying this expression, we find \(\frac{dS}{dt} = -\frac{\sqrt{69}}{144}\).
Step 8 :Thus, the rate at which Kim's surface area is decreasing at the instant she weighs 84 kg is \(\boxed{-\frac{\sqrt{69}}{144}}\) square meters per month.