Math Problem Statement
Solution
To determine when the particle is moving toward the origin, we need to examine the position function and find when the velocity is negative while the position is positive (indicating it’s approaching zero) or vice versa.
-
Find the derivative to determine the velocity of the particle:
-
Factor the derivative to find when the velocity is zero (which indicates potential changes in direction): This gives and as critical points.
-
Analyze intervals around the critical points to determine when is positive or negative:
- For : is positive (moving away from the origin).
- For : is negative (moving toward the origin).
- For : is positive again (moving away from the origin).
-
Evaluate the position at (since it falls in the interval ):
- If the particle is moving toward the origin within this interval, then would be the correct answer.
Given this reasoning, the correct answer is: (B) At a Dodger’s game.
Would you like further details, or do you have any questions?
Here are five related questions to explore this topic further:
- How would we determine if the particle ever stops moving entirely?
- What does the concavity of tell us about the particle’s movement?
- How would we determine the distance traveled by the particle over a specific interval?
- Can we determine when the particle is at its farthest point from the origin?
- How does this approach apply if we want to find when the particle is moving in the opposite direction?
Tip: Analyzing derivatives helps you understand the behavior of functions, particularly in physics problems involving motion.
Ask a new question for Free
By Image
Drop file here or Click Here to upload
Math Problem Analysis
Mathematical Concepts
Calculus
Derivatives
Motion Analysis
Formulas
Derivative of s(t): s'(t) = 3t^2 - 6t
Theorems
Sign analysis for derivatives to determine direction of motion
Suitable Grade Level
Grades 11-12
Related Recommendation
Calculus Problem: Particle Motion with Velocity and Acceleration
Motion Analysis: Speeding Up and Slowing Down for s(t) = t^3 − 13.5t^2 + 54t
Find Velocity and Position When Acceleration is Zero for s(t) = t^3/3 - 3t^2 + 4
Analyze Motion Using Position, Velocity, and Acceleration Functions at t = 1s
Analyzing Particle Motion: Position, Velocity, and Acceleration