Table of contents
- 0. Functions7h 52m
- Introduction to Functions16m
- Piecewise Functions10m
- Properties of Functions9m
- Common Functions1h 8m
- Transformations5m
- Combining Functions27m
- Exponent rules32m
- Exponential Functions28m
- Logarithmic Functions24m
- Properties of Logarithms34m
- Exponential & Logarithmic Equations35m
- Introduction to Trigonometric Functions38m
- Graphs of Trigonometric Functions44m
- Trigonometric Identities47m
- Inverse Trigonometric Functions48m
- 1. Limits and Continuity2h 2m
- 2. Intro to Derivatives1h 33m
- 3. Techniques of Differentiation3h 18m
- 4. Applications of Derivatives2h 38m
- 5. Graphical Applications of Derivatives6h 2m
- 6. Derivatives of Inverse, Exponential, & Logarithmic Functions2h 37m
- 7. Antiderivatives & Indefinite Integrals1h 26m
- 8. Definite Integrals3h 25m
4. Applications of Derivatives
Motion Analysis
Problem 35c
Textbook Question
Determine whether the following statements are true and give an explanation or counterexample.
c. It is impossible for the instantaneous velocity at all times a≤t≤b to equal the average velocity over the interval a≤t≤b.
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1
Understand the definitions of instantaneous velocity and average velocity. Instantaneous velocity is the velocity of an object at a specific moment in time, while average velocity is the total displacement divided by the total time over an interval.
Recall the formula for average velocity over the interval [a, b]: it is given by \( v_{avg} = \frac{s(b) - s(a)}{b - a} \), where \( s(t) \) is the position function.
Recognize that instantaneous velocity at a point \( t \) is defined as the derivative of the position function: \( v_{inst}(t) = s'(t) \).
Consider the Mean Value Theorem, which states that if a function is continuous on [a, b] and differentiable on (a, b), then there exists at least one point \( c \) in (a, b) such that \( s'(c) = v_{avg} \).
Conclude that it is possible for the instantaneous velocity at some point in the interval to equal the average velocity, thus the statement is false. Provide a counterexample, such as a linear function where the instantaneous and average velocities are equal at all points.
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