Math Problem Statement

When is the particle moving to the right and when is it moving to the left, based on the graph of its position over time?

Solution

From the graph, we can analyze the motion of the particle by observing the slope of the graph at different intervals.

  1. Particle Moving to the Right: The particle moves to the right when the position ss increases over time tt. This corresponds to segments where the graph has a positive slope (increasing).

    • From t=0t = 0 to t=1t = 1 (positive slope)
    • From t=5t = 5 to t=6t = 6 (positive slope)

    So, the particle is moving to the right during:

    • (0,1)(0, 1)
    • (5,6)(5, 6)
  2. Particle Moving to the Left: The particle moves to the left when the position ss decreases over time tt, corresponding to segments with a negative slope (decreasing).

    • From t=2t = 2 to t=3t = 3 (negative slope)

    So, the particle is moving to the left during:

    • (2,3)(2, 3)

Answers:

  • Moving to the right: (0,1)(0, 1), (4,6)(4, 6)
  • Moving to the left: (2,3)(2, 3)

Would you like further details or clarifications on this?


Here are 5 related questions to consider:

  1. At what times is the particle stationary (i.e., no movement)?
  2. How far does the particle travel in total?
  3. What is the average velocity of the particle between t=0t = 0 and t=6t = 6?
  4. Can you determine the instantaneous velocity at t=1t = 1?
  5. How does the motion of the particle differ between t=3t = 3 and t=5t = 5?

Tip: The slope of a position-time graph gives the velocity at any point. A positive slope indicates forward motion, while a negative slope indicates backward motion.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Position-Time Graphs
Kinematics
Velocity
Slopes

Formulas

Slope = (Change in Position) / (Change in Time)

Theorems

The slope of a position-time graph represents the velocity of the particle. Positive slope means motion to the right, negative slope means motion to the left.

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 8-10