Math Problem Statement

A formula connecting speed (s), distance (d), and time (t) is s = d/t. d = 190 meters to 2 significant figures, t = 8.1 seconds to 2 significant figures. Calculate the lower and upper bounds of s. Give your answers to 3 significant figures.

Solution

Let's solve this problem by calculating the lower and upper bounds for speed ss.

Formula and given values:

The relationship between speed ss, distance dd, and time tt is:

s=dts = \frac{d}{t}

The given values are:

  • Distance d=190d = 190 meters (to 2 significant figures).
  • Time t=8.1t = 8.1 seconds (to 2 significant figures).

Now, we need to calculate the lower and upper bounds for both dd and tt.

Step 1: Find the bounds for dd and tt

For distance d=190metersd = 190 \, \text{meters}:

  • Lower bound of dd: dlower=185metersd_{\text{lower}} = 185 \, \text{meters} (since 190 is rounded to the nearest 10, its lower bound is 185).
  • Upper bound of dd: dupper=195metersd_{\text{upper}} = 195 \, \text{meters}.

For time t=8.1secondst = 8.1 \, \text{seconds}:

  • Lower bound of tt: tlower=8.05secondst_{\text{lower}} = 8.05 \, \text{seconds} (since 8.1 is rounded to the nearest 0.1, its lower bound is 8.05).
  • Upper bound of tt: tupper=8.15secondst_{\text{upper}} = 8.15 \, \text{seconds}.

Step 2: Calculate the bounds for speed ss

Lower bound of ss:

slower=dlowertupper=1858.1522.7m/ss_{\text{lower}} = \frac{d_{\text{lower}}}{t_{\text{upper}}} = \frac{185}{8.15} \approx 22.7 \, \text{m/s}

Upper bound of ss:

supper=duppertlower=1958.0524.2m/ss_{\text{upper}} = \frac{d_{\text{upper}}}{t_{\text{lower}}} = \frac{195}{8.05} \approx 24.2 \, \text{m/s}

Final answer:

  • Lower bound of ss is approximately 22.7m/s22.7 \, \text{m/s} to 3 significant figures.
  • Upper bound of ss is approximately 24.2m/s24.2 \, \text{m/s} to 3 significant figures.

Would you like more details or have any questions?


Here are some related questions you could explore:

  1. How are significant figures used to determine the accuracy of the bounds?
  2. What effect does rounding have on calculating the upper and lower bounds?
  3. How would the bounds change if dd or tt were given with more significant figures?
  4. How can we verify the accuracy of the calculated speed bounds?
  5. How is uncertainty in measurement accounted for in these bounds?

Tip: When rounding to significant figures, always check if you are rounding up or down correctly as it can affect precision significantly.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Bounds and Rounding
Speed, Distance, and Time
Significant Figures

Formulas

s = d/t

Theorems

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Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12