Math Problem Statement

. If f(t) is the position of a moving object at time t, what does the average rate of change of f on an interval [t1, t2] represent? (i) Average time of travel (ii) Average distance traveled (iii) Average velocity

Solution

If f(t)f(t) represents the position of a moving object at time tt, then the average rate of change of f(t)f(t) on the interval [t1,t2][t_1, t_2] is given by:

Average Rate of Change=f(t2)f(t1)t2t1\text{Average Rate of Change} = \frac{f(t_2) - f(t_1)}{t_2 - t_1}

This formula represents the average velocity of the object over the time interval [t1,t2][t_1, t_2]. The average velocity is the total change in position (i.e., displacement) divided by the total time elapsed.

Thus, the correct answer is:

(iii) Average velocity

Would you like any further details or have any questions?

Here are 5 related questions:

  1. How do you interpret the average velocity if the object changes direction during the interval?
  2. What is the difference between average velocity and instantaneous velocity?
  3. How can the average velocity be zero even if the object has moved?
  4. How does the average velocity relate to the concept of speed?
  5. What would the average rate of change represent if f(t)f(t) were the temperature at time tt instead of position?

Tip: Average velocity considers only the net change in position, not the actual path traveled.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Calculus
Average Rate of Change
Velocity

Formulas

Average Rate of Change formula: \( \frac{f(t_2) - f(t_1)}{t_2 - t_1} \)

Theorems

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Suitable Grade Level

High school and above