Dynamics Problem about Velocity

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The discussion focuses on solving a dynamics problem involving a car's velocity during acceleration and deceleration phases. The user initially attempts to solve the problem using indefinite integrals but struggles to find the correct constants of integration. It is clarified that while indefinite integrals can provide a family of solutions, specific values for the constants must be determined using known conditions, such as the car's initial velocity. For the acceleration phase, the constant can be found using the initial condition at t=0, while for the deceleration phase, a known velocity at a specific time is needed to solve for the second constant. Ultimately, the problem can be approached with indefinite integrals, but careful attention to the constants is essential for obtaining the correct solution.
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Homework Statement


Hi guys, I was working on this problem and I want to know if it can be solved by using an indefinite integral, so here it goes:

A car starts from rest and travels along a straight track such that it accelerates at 10 m/s^2 for 10 s, and then decelerates at 2 m/s^2 . Determine the velocity of the car.

Homework Equations


My question is if I can solve this using INDEFINITE INTEGRALS ONLY?

The Attempt at a Solution


I have obtained the correct answer using a definite integral:

For 0 less than or equal to t less than or equal to 10:
Integral from 0 to v (1) (dv) = integral from 0 to t (10) dt v=10t
For 10 less than or equal to t less than or equal to t'
Integral from 100 to v (1) dv = integral from 10 to t (-2 ) dt = v=-2t+120

I'm able to obtain the same result (when using an indefinite integral) for t between 0-10 but for 10-t I cant, also in my book it says that v1 = delta v + v0, well I can clearly see that when using the definite integral but not when I have to use the indefinite integral..

I tried this for t between 10-t : int (1) dv = int (-2) dt = v+c = -2t+C = v=-2t which is incorrect, then I said ok I forgot to add v0 but still I get v=-2t+100 which is still incorrect..

Also if I see it like this: v1= -2t + C + v0 I still can't get a clear understanding because I can't get a value for C.. Please help me and thanks!
 
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joryboy said:
My question is if I can solve this using INDEFINITE INTEGRALS ONLY?
This question should be done by indefinite integration.

The velocity is provided by the area under the acceleration-time graph.
For the first section: $$v(0<t\leq 10)=10\int \;dt = 10t+c$$ ... here, ##c## is the constant of integration
- the indefinite integral gives you a family of possible solutions, only one of them is the solution to the problem you have. Find it by working out which value of c matches your problem.

- to work out what ##c## has to be, you use the fact that you also know the value of v at a particular time t ... specifically at t=0. So you put that point into the general solution and solve for c.

For the second section $$v(t>10) = -2 \int\; dt = -2t+d$$ ... here ##d## is the constant of integration and ##v(0) \neq 0## because this part of the journey did not go through ##t=0##.
What you need to find ##d## is some point on the line for the second part of the journey you already know the value of.
 
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