Can You Find the Function Given Its Derivative and Initial Conditions?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding functions given their derivatives and initial conditions, specifically focusing on calculus concepts related to integration and motion under gravity.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss methods to find functions from their derivatives, with some providing specific examples and calculations. Questions arise regarding the integration process and the interpretation of initial conditions.

Discussion Status

Some participants confirm the correctness of the initial function derivations, while others explore related problems involving projectile motion and revenue modeling. Guidance is offered regarding the need to integrate derivatives to find original functions.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the importance of including units in their answers and clarify assumptions about the variables involved in the problems.

courtrigrad
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Hello all

If we have [itex]f'(x) = x^{-\frac{1}{3}} - 1[/itex] and [itex]f(8) = 4[/itex] find [itex]f(x)[/itex]. Ok so [itex]f(x) = \frac{3}{2}x^{\frac{2}{3}} -x + C[/itex]. Since [itex]f(8) = 4[/itex] then [itex]f(x) = \frac{3}{2}x^{\frac{2}{3}} -x + 6[/itex]

If we have [itex]f''(x) = 2x^{2}, f'(3) = 10, f(3) = 6[/itex] find [itex]f(x)[/itex]. So we have [itex]f'(x) = \frac{2}{3}x^{3} - 8[/itex]. Now [itex]f(x) = \frac{1}{6}x^{4} - 8x + C[/itex] So would [itex]f(x) = \frac{1}{6}x^{4} - 8x + 16.5[/itex]?



Thanks :smile:
 
Last edited:
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looks good :smile:
 
courtrigrad said:
Hello all

If we have [itex]f'(x) = x^{-\frac{1}{3}} - 1[/itex] and [itex]f(8) = 4[/itex] find [itex]f(x)[/itex]. Ok so [itex]f(x) = \frac{x^{\frac{2}{3}}}{\frac{2}{3}} - x + C[/itex]. Since [itex]f(8) = 4[/itex],
[tex]f(x) = \frac{x^{\frac{2}{3}}}{\frac{2}{3}} - x + 6[/tex]


It's correct.

Daniel.
 
And the second one is correct as well.

Daniel.
 
thanks a lot

Just had a few more questions:

An object is projected upwards from the ground with an iniital velocity of 80 feet per second.

(a) How long does it take the object to reach its maximum height?
(b) What is the maximum height?
(c) When is the velocity of the object half of its inital velocity?
(d) What is the height of the object when its velocity is one-half the initial velocity?

Ok so I assume that the acceleration is [itex]-32 \frac{ft}{sec}[/itex] So for (a) [itex]v = -32x + C[/itex] where v is the velocity. For all of these parts do I just take the integral to get back the original function and solve for the required variables?

Also if the rate of change of revenue ie modeled by [itex]\frac{dR}{dt} = 0.675t^{\frac{3}{2}}, 0\leq t\leq 225[/itex] then when [itex]t = 0, R = 0[/itex] if I want to find the model for the revenue function would i simply take the integral of it? Then to see if its at a particular value I just solve for it right?

Thanks :smile:
 
Pay attention with the first problem:it's v=v(t),not of "x".

Then for the second problem,yes,u'd have to integrate the derivative.

Daniel.
 
Yea I think I got it

(a) 2.5
(b) 100
(c) 1.25
(d) 75
 
Your answers look good. However, you should always try to present them with their UNITS. For instance, item "a" should be "2.5 sec".
 

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