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
4. Applications of Derivatives
Motion Analysis
Problem 15c
Textbook Question
Suppose the position of an object moving horizontally along a line after t seconds is given by the following functions s = f(t), where s is measured in feet, with s > 0 corresponding to positions right of the origin.
Determine the velocity and acceleration of the object at t = 1.
f(t) = t2 − 4t; 0 ≤ t ≤ 5
![](/channels/images/assetPage/verifiedSolution.png)
1
Step 1: Understand the problem. We are given a position function s = f(t) = t^2 - 4t, which describes the position of an object moving along a line. We need to find the velocity and acceleration of the object at t = 1.
Step 2: Find the velocity function. The velocity of an object is the derivative of the position function with respect to time. So, calculate the derivative of f(t) with respect to t: v(t) = f'(t) = d/dt (t^2 - 4t).
Step 3: Calculate the derivative. Use the power rule to differentiate each term: the derivative of t^2 is 2t, and the derivative of -4t is -4. Therefore, v(t) = 2t - 4.
Step 4: Evaluate the velocity at t = 1. Substitute t = 1 into the velocity function: v(1) = 2(1) - 4.
Step 5: Find the acceleration function. The acceleration is the derivative of the velocity function. Differentiate v(t) = 2t - 4 with respect to t to find a(t).
Recommended similar problem, with video answer:
![](/channels/images/assetPage/verifiedSolution.png)
This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above
Video duration:
4mPlay a video:
Was this helpful?
Watch next
Master Derivatives Applied To Velocity with a bite sized video explanation from Nick
Start learning