Distance/displacement integration problem

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a velocity function v(t) = t² - 2t - 8 defined over the interval 1 ≤ t ≤ 6, with the goal of finding both the displacement and the distance traveled by a particle moving along a line during this time period.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to integrate the velocity function over the specified interval but is uncertain whether the result represents displacement or distance. They question how to find the other quantity.
  • Some participants suggest considering whether the particle changes direction within the interval, which could affect the interpretation of the integral.
  • There is a discussion about the definitions of displacement and distance, with hints about the relationship between initial and final positions.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring the implications of the velocity function and its integral. Some guidance has been offered regarding the definitions of displacement and distance, but no consensus has been reached on the specific calculations or interpretations.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the velocity function is only defined for t values between 1 and 6, which may limit the analysis of direction changes and the resulting calculations.

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Homework Statement




Suppose that v(t)=t2 -2t -8, 1≤t≤6 is the velocity function (in meters per second) of a particle moving along a line. Find a) the displacement and b) the distance traveled by the particle during the given time interval.

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



so i integrated the velocity function at the interval 1 to 6 and got the answer (-10/3)m. so i have no idea if this is the distance or displacement and if it is one of those, then how would i find the other one?

thanks!
 
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zachem62 said:

Homework Statement




Suppose that v(t)=t2 -2t -8, 1≤t≤6 is the velocity function (in meters per second) of a particle moving along a line. Find a) the displacement and b) the distance traveled by the particle during the given time interval.

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



so i integrated the velocity function at the interval 1 to 6 and got the answer (-10/3)m. so i have no idea if this is the distance or displacement and if it is one of those, then how would i find the other one?

thanks!

Think about whether the particle can change its direction of travel between times 0 and 6, and if it can, think about what the integral ∫v(t): t=0..6 actually computes.

RGV
 
Ray Vickson said:
Think about whether the particle can change its direction of travel between times 0 and 6, and if it can, think about what the integral ∫v(t): t=0..6 actually computes.

RGV

in the question it says that t can only be between 1 and 6 so i can't use any 0. and it is possible that the particle can change direction and my guess is this means that the integral ∫v(t): t=1 to 6 computes the distance. am i right?

then how would i get displacement? can u give me a hint? i know that its the final position minus initial position but i don't know if I'm supposed to get it by integrating the function or do something else.
 
v(t)=t^2 -2t -8, 1≤t≤6
When t= 6, v(6)= 36- 12- 8= 16.
When t= 1, v(1)= 1- 2- 8= -11.
Now, what was the displacement? (Do you know what "displacement" means?)
 

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