MHB 34 MVT - Application of the mean value theorem

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The discussion focuses on applying the Mean Value Theorem (MVT) to calculate average acceleration. It establishes that the average acceleration is 120 mi/h², derived from the change in velocity over time. The continuity and smoothness of the function imply there exists a value \( c \) within the interval where the instantaneous acceleration equals the average acceleration. Participants emphasize the necessity of referencing the MVT to validate the findings. The conclusion reiterates that the average acceleration of 120 mi/h² is confirmed through the MVT application.
karush
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$10 min = \dfrac{h}{6}$
So
$a(t)=v'(t)
=\dfrac{\dfrac{(50-30)mi}{h}}{\dfrac{h}{6}}
=\dfrac{20 mi}{h}\cdot\dfrac{6}{h}=\dfrac{120 mi}{h^2}$
Hopefully đź•¶
 
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karush said:


$10 min = \dfrac{h}{6}$
So
$a(t)=v'(t)
=\dfrac{\dfrac{(50-30)mi}{h}}{\dfrac{h}{6}}
=\dfrac{20 mi}{h}\cdot\dfrac{6}{h}=\dfrac{120 mi}{h^2}$
Hopefully đź•¶

The average acceleration is $\displaystyle \frac{20}{\frac{1}{6}} = 120 \,\textrm{mi}/\textrm{h}^2 $

Since the function is continuous and smooth, there must be some value $c \in \left[ 0, \frac{1}{6} \right] $ such that $a\left( c \right) = 120 $ by the Mean Value Theorem.
 
Karush, what you said was simply that the average acceleration was120. In order to correctly answer the question, you have to appeal to the "Mean Value Theorem" as Prove It did.