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 Integrals4h 44m
- 9. Graphical Applications of Integrals2h 27m
- 10. Physics Applications of Integrals 2h 22m
4. Applications of Derivatives
Motion Analysis
Problem 6.R.12a
Textbook Question
{Use of Tech} Decreasing velocity A projectile is fired upward, and its velocity (in m/s) is given by v(t) = 200 / √t+1, for t≥0.
a. Graph the velocity function, for t≥0.

1
Understand the function: The velocity function given is v(t) = 200 / √(t+1). This represents how the velocity of the projectile changes over time, t, where t is greater than or equal to 0.
Identify the domain: Since the function involves a square root, ensure that the expression inside the square root is non-negative. Here, t+1 is always positive for t ≥ 0, so the domain is t ≥ 0.
Consider the behavior of the function: As t increases, the denominator √(t+1) increases, which means the overall value of v(t) decreases. This indicates that the velocity decreases as time progresses.
Graph the function: To graph v(t), plot points for various values of t starting from t = 0. Calculate v(t) for these values to get a sense of the curve. For example, at t = 0, v(0) = 200 / √(0+1) = 200. As t increases, compute v(t) for t = 1, 2, 3, etc., to see how the velocity decreases.
Analyze the graph: Observe that the graph starts at v(0) = 200 and decreases as t increases. The graph will be a curve that approaches the t-axis but never touches it, reflecting the decreasing velocity over time.

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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Velocity Function
The velocity function describes the rate of change of an object's position with respect to time. In this case, the function v(t) = 200 / √(t+1) indicates how the velocity of the projectile changes as time progresses. Understanding this function is crucial for analyzing the motion of the projectile and determining its behavior over time.
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Graphing Functions
Graphing a function involves plotting its values on a coordinate system to visualize its behavior. For the velocity function v(t), this means calculating v(t) for various values of t and plotting these points to observe how velocity changes as time increases. This graphical representation helps in understanding trends, such as whether the velocity is increasing or decreasing.
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Limits and Asymptotic Behavior
Limits are fundamental in calculus for understanding the behavior of functions as they approach specific points or infinity. In the context of the velocity function, analyzing limits can reveal how the velocity behaves as time t increases indefinitely. This concept is essential for predicting long-term behavior and understanding the implications of decreasing velocity in projectile motion.
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Cases Where Limits Do Not Exist
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