Mechanics/Calculus question phrasing help

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around deriving the kinematic equations for constant acceleration using given relationships involving average velocity and acceleration. Participants are attempting to clarify the phrasing of the problem and the expectations for the derivation process.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster expresses confusion regarding the question's phrasing and what is specifically being asked. They mention attempts to derive equations through substitution but seek clarification on their understanding of the problem. Other participants suggest manipulating known equations and provide insights into average velocity and acceleration relationships.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging in clarifying the problem and exploring different interpretations. Some guidance has been offered regarding the equations to use, but there is still uncertainty about the original poster's understanding of the question's requirements.

Contextual Notes

The original poster indicates a lack of clarity in the problem statement, which may affect their ability to proceed with the derivation. There is an emphasis on understanding the question rather than directly solving it.

maximade
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Homework Statement


Derive the kinematic equations for constant a from change in x=V(avg)Xt & change in v= a(avg)Xt


Homework Equations


v=v(o)+at
(Every other equation that can be made from x=x(1)+V(0)t+.5at^2)
x= position
a=acceleration (constant)
v=velocity
t=time


The Attempt at a Solution


My main problem with this problem is that I don't know exactly what it's asking and the phrasing confuses me.
But what I did was turned the change in x=V(avg)Xt into v=v(o)+at through deriving and substitution.
For the change in v= a(avg)Xt equation, I turned it into a=change in v/t through deriving and substitution.
Once again I'm not even sure that I even answered the question, can someone please interpret the question in a way I can understand it?
Thanks in advance.
 
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hi max

since the acceleration is constant, [tex]\inline{a_{avg}=constant=a}[/tex]
and the equations you are supposed to use are [tex]\inline{x=V_{avg}t}[/tex] and
[tex]\text{change in v}=a_{avg}t=at[/tex]

now remember that

[tex]V_{avg}=\frac{V+V_o}{2}[/tex]

and change in V=final velocity - initial velocity = [itex]V-V_o[/itex]

so use these equations , manipulate them...

for example... [itex]\text{change in v}=V-V_o = at[/itex]
so [itex]V=V_o +at[/itex] this would be one of the equations of kinematics for the constant
acceleration..
 
Last edited:
Hi Issac, I know how to manipulate the equations and such, my main problem is that I don't know what the question itself is asking. Like am I supposed to find a= through the 2 equations?
 
there are 3 main equations of the kinematics for the constant acceleration ... i already showed you one of them...now to get the second equation, you need to eliminate V and get an equation in x, V_o ,a and t... do it
 

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