Math Problem Statement

Find the position function x left parenthesis t right parenthesis of a moving particle with the given acceleration a left parenthesis t right parenthesis​, initial position x 0equalsx left parenthesis 0 right parenthesis​, and initial velocity v 0equalsv left parenthesis 0 right parenthesis. a left parenthesis t right parenthesisequals5 t​, v 0equals4​, x 0equals0

Solution

To find the position function x(t)x(t) of a moving particle given its acceleration a(t)a(t), initial position x(0)x(0), and initial velocity v(0)v(0), we need to integrate the acceleration to find velocity and then integrate velocity to find position.

Given:

  • a(t)=5ta(t) = 5t
  • v(0)=4v(0) = 4
  • x(0)=0x(0) = 0

Step 1: Find the Velocity Function v(t)v(t)

The acceleration a(t)=dvdt=5ta(t) = \frac{dv}{dt} = 5t. Integrate a(t)a(t) with respect to tt to find v(t)v(t):

v(t)=5tdt=5t22+C1v(t) = \int 5t \, dt = \frac{5t^2}{2} + C_1

Using the initial condition v(0)=4v(0) = 4: v(0)=5022+C1=4C1=4v(0) = \frac{5 \cdot 0^2}{2} + C_1 = 4 \Rightarrow C_1 = 4

Thus, the velocity function is: v(t)=5t22+4v(t) = \frac{5t^2}{2} + 4

Step 2: Find the Position Function x(t)x(t)

The velocity v(t)=dxdt=5t22+4v(t) = \frac{dx}{dt} = \frac{5t^2}{2} + 4. Integrate v(t)v(t) with respect to tt to find x(t)x(t):

x(t)=(5t22+4)dt=5t36+4t+C2x(t) = \int \left( \frac{5t^2}{2} + 4 \right) dt = \frac{5t^3}{6} + 4t + C_2

Using the initial condition x(0)=0x(0) = 0: x(0)=5036+40+C2=0C2=0x(0) = \frac{5 \cdot 0^3}{6} + 4 \cdot 0 + C_2 = 0 \Rightarrow C_2 = 0

So the position function is: x(t)=5t36+4tx(t) = \frac{5t^3}{6} + 4t

Final Answer:

x(t)=5t36+4tx(t) = \frac{5t^3}{6} + 4t

Would you like additional details on the integration process or further examples?

Here are 5 related questions to explore further:

  1. How would the position function change if a(t)a(t) were a constant rather than a function of tt?
  2. What happens to x(t)x(t) if the initial velocity v(0)v(0) is different?
  3. How does the shape of the position-time graph change based on the acceleration function?
  4. How would we find x(t)x(t) if given an initial position but no initial velocity?
  5. What if the acceleration function was a(t)=ktna(t) = k \cdot t^n?

Tip: Remember, integrating acceleration to get velocity and then integrating velocity to get position is the key process for motion problems in calculus.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Calculus
Kinematics
Integration

Formulas

v(t) = ∫ a(t) dt + C
x(t) = ∫ v(t) dt + C

Theorems

Fundamental Theorem of Calculus

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 11-12