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RoryP
Aug20-08, 01:42 PM
1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
A particle is moving along a straight line so that, at time t seconds after leaving a fixed point O, its velocity vms-1 is given by v=10sin(1/2 t).
Find the time when the acceleration, given by dv/dt, is first zero.

2. Relevant equations
sinx differentiates to cosx

3. The attempt at a solution
Ok i know they are asking me to find the time where there is a stationary point so therefore the gradient or dv/dt = 0.
From differentiating 10sin(1/2 t) i got 5cos(1/2 t). so therefore, 5cos(1/2 t)=0 so i thought you multiply by 2 to get rid of the half then divide by 10 so the Right hand side= 0 and then inverse cos of 0 = 1/2 Pi but the answer in the textbook gives Pi.
Please help me any body!!

Defennder
Aug20-08, 01:56 PM
You've got the steps right, just note that it's 1/2t = arc cos 0 and not t = arc cos 0.

RoryP
Aug20-08, 02:15 PM
ohhh yeah of course!! thank you very much =]