Math Problem Statement

Find the position and velocity of an object moving along a straight line with the given acceleration, initial velocity, and initial position: a(t) = -42, v(0) = 40, and s(0) = 30.

Solution

The problem provides the following information:

  • Acceleration: a(t)=42a(t) = -42
  • Initial velocity: v(0)=40v(0) = 40
  • Initial position: s(0)=30s(0) = 30

We need to find the expressions for velocity v(t)v(t) and position s(t)s(t).

Step 1: Find the velocity function v(t)v(t)

Since acceleration a(t)a(t) is the derivative of velocity, we can integrate a(t)a(t) to find v(t)v(t).

v(t)=a(t)dt=42dt=42t+C1v(t) = \int a(t) \, dt = \int -42 \, dt = -42t + C_1

We are given that v(0)=40v(0) = 40. Using this to solve for C1C_1:

v(0)=42(0)+C1=40C1=40v(0) = -42(0) + C_1 = 40 \quad \Rightarrow \quad C_1 = 40

Thus, the velocity function is:

v(t)=42t+40v(t) = -42t + 40

Step 2: Find the position function s(t)s(t)

Since velocity v(t)v(t) is the derivative of position s(t)s(t), we can integrate v(t)v(t) to find s(t)s(t).

s(t)=v(t)dt=(42t+40)dt=21t2+40t+C2s(t) = \int v(t) \, dt = \int (-42t + 40) \, dt = -21t^2 + 40t + C_2

We are given that s(0)=30s(0) = 30. Using this to solve for C2C_2:

s(0)=21(0)2+40(0)+C2=30C2=30s(0) = -21(0)^2 + 40(0) + C_2 = 30 \quad \Rightarrow \quad C_2 = 30

Thus, the position function is:

s(t)=21t2+40t+30s(t) = -21t^2 + 40t + 30

Final results:

  • Velocity: v(t)=42t+40v(t) = -42t + 40
  • Position: s(t)=21t2+40t+30s(t) = -21t^2 + 40t + 30

Would you like further clarification or details on this process?

Here are 5 related questions to expand your understanding:

  1. What is the relationship between acceleration, velocity, and position in general?
  2. How does constant acceleration affect the velocity and position of an object?
  3. What would happen to the position and velocity functions if the initial conditions changed?
  4. Can you derive the velocity function if the acceleration were time-dependent, say a(t)=42ta(t) = -42t?
  5. What is the significance of the constants C1C_1 and C2C_2 in these integrations?

Tip: When integrating to find velocity or position, always remember to account for the constant of integration using the given initial conditions.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Calculus
Differential Equations
Kinematics

Formulas

v(t) = ∫ a(t) dt
s(t) = ∫ v(t) dt

Theorems

Fundamental Theorem of Calculus

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 11-12 (or early university)