1.4.293 AP Calculus Exam a(t) and v(t) t=8

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the analysis of a problem from the AP Calculus Exam concerning the relationships between acceleration, velocity, and average values of functions over a specified time interval. Participants explore various choices related to the problem and clarify concepts related to average values in calculus.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants note that the equation should include a minus sign and discuss the implications of choosing option (e) based on the assumption of constant acceleration.
  • One participant provides the formula for the average value of a function over an interval and questions which of the other choices aligns with this concept.
  • There is a clarification regarding the notation, with one participant asking if "f(t)" refers to "v(t)."
  • Another participant elaborates on the general formula for average values, specifying average acceleration, velocity, and position, and points out that choice (c) represents average speed rather than velocity.
  • One participant suggests that option (B) is the correct answer, citing the absence of absolute value as a key factor.
  • A later reply reiterates the belief that (B) is correct and provides a mathematical expression relating average velocity to the change in position over time.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on which answer choice is correct, particularly between options (B) and (C). There is no consensus reached on the correct answer, and the discussion includes multiple competing interpretations of the problem.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions regarding the constancy of acceleration and the definitions of average speed versus average velocity are not fully resolved, leading to potential ambiguity in the interpretations of the problem.

karush
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OK, this can only be done by observation so since we have v(t) I chose e
but the eq should have a minus sign.

here the WIP version of the AP Calculus Exam PDF as created in Overleaf

https://documentcloud.adobe.com/link/track?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:053a75d8-ca5b-4447-bd65-4e580f0de793

the goal is to have 365 problems that align basically where students are first year calculus
always appreciate comments since it needs to be a group effort.
 
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karush said:
OK, this can only be done by observation so since we have v(t) I chose e
but the eq should have a minus sign.

choice (e) works as written only if acceleration remains constant over the indicated interval of time

fyi, the avg value of a function of time over the interval of time $[a,b]$ is $$\dfrac{1}{b-a} \int_a^b f(t) \, dt$$

which of the other 4 choices matches up?
 
by f(t) do you mean v(t)?

assuming c with abs enclosure
 
in general, the average value of a function is ...

$\displaystyle \overline{f(x)} = \dfrac{1}{b-a} \int_a^b f(x) \, dx$

in general, if $f$ is any function of time over the time interval $[a,b]$ ...

$\displaystyle \overline{f(t)} = \dfrac{1}{b-a} \int_a^b f(t) \, dt$so, specifically ...

average acceleration, $\displaystyle \overline{a(t)} = \dfrac{1}{b-a} \int_a^b a(t) \, dt$

average velocity, $\displaystyle \overline{v(t)} = \dfrac{1}{b-a} \int_a^b v(t) \, dt$

average position, $\displaystyle \overline{x(t)} = \dfrac{1}{b-a} \int_a^b x(t) \, dt$

choice (c) is average speed, not velocity.
 
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AP Calculus resource ...

https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/pdf/ap-curricmodcalculusmotion.pdf?course=ap-calculus-bc
 
pl I think B is the answer due to absence of absolute value.

sorry just noticed I never replied to this.

that was a lot of help ... kinda confusing at first.
 
karush said:
pl I think B is the answer due to absence of absolute value.

sorry just noticed I never replied to this.

that was a lot of help ... kinda confusing at first.

(B) is correct

$\displaystyle \dfrac{1}{8} \int_0^8 v(t) \, dt = \dfrac{x(8)-x(0)}{8-0} = \dfrac{\Delta x}{\Delta t} = \bar{v}$
 

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