Math Problem Statement
Consider a car whose position, s, is given by the table
t(s) 0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 s(ft) 0 0.5 1.5 3.8 6.5 9.6
Find the average velocity over the interval 0 ≤ t ≤ 0.2, the estimate the velocity at t = 0.2
Solution
To find the average velocity and estimate the velocity at , we will proceed step by step:
Step 1: Average Velocity Over
The formula for average velocity over an interval is:
For , the values from the table are:
,
,
Substitute these values:
Thus, the average velocity is:
Step 2: Estimate the Velocity at
To estimate the instantaneous velocity at , we calculate the slope of the secant lines surrounding . These slopes approximate the velocity.
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Using the interval : We already calculated:
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Using the interval :
From the table: ,Slope:
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Average the two slopes to approximate :
Thus, the estimated velocity at is:
Final Results:
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Average velocity over :
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Estimated velocity at :
Would you like a graph or further explanation on secant slopes?
Here are some follow-up questions:
- How does instantaneous velocity differ from average velocity?
- Why does taking smaller intervals improve the estimate for instantaneous velocity?
- What is the relationship between velocity and the derivative of the position function?
- How could you improve the velocity estimate at ?
- What tools can be used to visualize motion problems like this one?
Tip: For a better approximation of instantaneous velocity, consider taking smaller intervals around the point of interest!
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Math Problem Analysis
Mathematical Concepts
Kinematics
Average Velocity
Instantaneous Velocity
Slopes of Secant Lines
Formulas
Average velocity formula: v_avg = (s(t2) - s(t1)) / (t2 - t1)
Instantaneous velocity approximation: v = (s(t2) - s(t1)) / (t2 - t1)
Theorems
Definition of Velocity as the Derivative of Position
Suitable Grade Level
Grades 9-12
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