Math Problem Statement

A car on a track is moving such that its position relative to some fixed point is given by x(t) = (2/3)t^3 - 8t^2 + 30t + 36, where x is measured in centimeters and t is measured in seconds. Write an expression for the car's velocity, v(t).

Solution

To find the expression for the car's velocity v(t)v(t), we need to take the derivative of the position function x(t)x(t) with respect to time tt.

The position function is given as: x(t)=23t38t2+30t+36x(t) = \frac{2}{3}t^3 - 8t^2 + 30t + 36

Now, let's differentiate each term:

  1. The derivative of 23t3\frac{2}{3}t^3 is: ddt(23t3)=2t2\frac{d}{dt} \left(\frac{2}{3}t^3\right) = 2t^2
  2. The derivative of 8t2-8t^2 is: ddt(8t2)=16t\frac{d}{dt} (-8t^2) = -16t
  3. The derivative of 30t30t is: ddt(30t)=30\frac{d}{dt} (30t) = 30
  4. The derivative of the constant 3636 is: ddt(36)=0\frac{d}{dt} (36) = 0

Thus, the velocity function v(t)v(t) is: v(t)=2t216t+30v(t) = 2t^2 - 16t + 30

Would you like more details on this differentiation process or further clarifications?

Related questions:

  1. What is the car's acceleration a(t)a(t) based on the velocity function?
  2. At what time does the car reach its maximum velocity?
  3. How can we find the time when the car comes to a stop?
  4. How would the behavior of the car change if the t3t^3 term was absent in the position function?
  5. What is the physical meaning of each term in the velocity function?

Tip: Remember that velocity is the first derivative of position, while acceleration is the derivative of velocity.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Calculus
Derivatives
Kinematics

Formulas

v(t) = dx/dt (First derivative of the position function)

Theorems

Derivative rule for polynomials

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 11-12 (or early university calculus)