Math Problem Statement

Find the average velocity for the function s(t) = t^3 - 4t with a = 2 and b = 3.

Solution

The problem asks to find the average velocity of the function s(t)=t34ts(t) = t^3 - 4t on the interval [a,b][a, b], where a=2a = 2 and b=3b = 3.

Average Velocity Formula:

The average velocity over the interval [a,b][a, b] is given by the formula: vavg=s(b)s(a)bav_{\text{avg}} = \frac{s(b) - s(a)}{b - a} where s(t)s(t) is the position function.

Step-by-Step Solution:

  1. Given function: s(t)=t34ts(t) = t^3 - 4t
  2. Evaluate at t=3t = 3: s(3)=334(3)=2712=15s(3) = 3^3 - 4(3) = 27 - 12 = 15
  3. Evaluate at t=2t = 2: s(2)=234(2)=88=0s(2) = 2^3 - 4(2) = 8 - 8 = 0
  4. Find the average velocity: vavg=s(3)s(2)32=15032=151=15v_{\text{avg}} = \frac{s(3) - s(2)}{3 - 2} = \frac{15 - 0}{3 - 2} = \frac{15}{1} = 15

Final Answer:

The average velocity over the interval [2,3][2, 3] is 1515 units per time unit.


Would you like further details on this solution or have any questions?

Here are five related questions to expand your understanding:

  1. How does average velocity differ from instantaneous velocity?
  2. How would you find the instantaneous velocity at t=2t = 2?
  3. What is the significance of the position function in physics?
  4. Can you apply the average velocity formula to non-linear motion?
  5. How do you interpret the result of average velocity in real-world scenarios?

Tip: When calculating average velocity, remember that it's simply the total displacement over the time interval, not influenced by variations in speed during that interval.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Calculus
Average Velocity
Position Function

Formulas

v_avg = (s(b) - s(a)) / (b - a)

Theorems

Average Rate of Change

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 11-12 or College Calculus 1