Math Problem Statement

Distance is calculated as the product of speed and time. If a vehicle traveled d(x)=6x2−x−2 in kilometers for t(x)=3x−2 hours, what is the car's average speed in terms of x?

Solution

To find the car's average speed in terms of xx, we use the formula for speed:

Speed=DistanceTime\text{Speed} = \frac{\text{Distance}}{\text{Time}}

Given:

  • Distance function d(x)=6x2x2d(x) = 6x^2 - x - 2 (in kilometers),
  • Time function t(x)=3x2t(x) = 3x - 2 (in hours),

The average speed in terms of xx is:

Average Speed=d(x)t(x)=6x2x23x2\text{Average Speed} = \frac{d(x)}{t(x)} = \frac{6x^2 - x - 2}{3x - 2}

Now, simplify the expression. To do so, we can attempt polynomial division.

Division of 6x2x26x^2 - x - 2 by 3x23x - 2:

  1. Divide the leading term 6x26x^2 by 3x3x, which gives 2x2x.
  2. Multiply 2x2x by 3x23x - 2, which gives 6x24x6x^2 - 4x.
  3. Subtract (6x24x)(6x^2 - 4x) from 6x2x26x^2 - x - 2, which leaves 3x23x - 2.
  4. Divide 3x3x by 3x3x, which gives 11.
  5. Multiply 11 by 3x23x - 2, which gives 3x23x - 2.
  6. Subtract (3x2)(3x - 2) from 3x23x - 2, which leaves 0.

Thus, the quotient is:

6x2x23x2=2x+1\frac{6x^2 - x - 2}{3x - 2} = 2x + 1

Therefore, the car's average speed in terms of xx is:

2x+1km/h\boxed{2x + 1} \, \text{km/h}

Would you like further details on polynomial division or any part of the process?


Here are some related questions:

  1. How can you calculate instantaneous speed from distance and time functions?
  2. What happens to average speed if the time function changes?
  3. How do you interpret the meaning of the average speed function 2x+12x + 1?
  4. Can we solve this using limits for a more precise average speed?
  5. What is the significance of simplifying rational functions in physics?

Tip: Always check if polynomials can be simplified before division, as it can make calculations easier!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Polynomial Division
Rational Functions

Formulas

Speed = Distance / Time

Theorems

Polynomial Division Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12