Calculating Average Velocity from Acceleration?

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To calculate the average velocity of the third segment given the average velocities of the first two segments and assuming constant acceleration, one can use the relationship between acceleration, velocity, and distance. The average acceleration can be derived from the known average velocities of the first two segments. Using the formula for acceleration, v3 can be estimated by adding the calculated acceleration to the average velocity of the second segment. The discussion highlights the challenge of applying calculus concepts to solve the problem effectively. Understanding these relationships is crucial for accurately determining the average velocity in this context.
SonnyBoy
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Homework Statement


This is a real world application I'm attempting to solve, but I'm unsure how to get started.

I have three contiguous segments of equal length and I know the average velocity for the first two segments. Assuming constant (but unknown) acceleration, how can I calculate the average velocity of the third segment?

Homework Equations


None?

The Attempt at a Solution


I've plugged a bunch of numbers into a spreadsheet, but I only have a basic understanding of differential calculus (and even less of an understanding of integral calculus), so I'm not getting too far. :(
 
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OK... so I think I have this so far...

acceleration = (v2 - v1) / distance
v3 = v2 + acceleration?
 
The book claims the answer is that all the magnitudes are the same because "the gravitational force on the penguin is the same". I'm having trouble understanding this. I thought the buoyant force was equal to the weight of the fluid displaced. Weight depends on mass which depends on density. Therefore, due to the differing densities the buoyant force will be different in each case? Is this incorrect?

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