Finding the velocity of a rock thrown vertically on Mars

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Homework Help Overview

This discussion revolves around finding the velocity of a rock thrown vertically on Mars, specifically focusing on the calculation of the derivative of a height function. Participants are examining the discrepancies between their calculated results and the expected answer.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are analyzing the derivative of a polynomial function to determine the velocity. There are questions regarding the correctness of factorization and whether two expressions are equivalent. Some participants express uncertainty about the application of derivative formulas.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing insights and questioning each other's reasoning. There is an exploration of different methods to approach the derivative, and some guidance has been offered regarding direct differentiation versus using the limit definition.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of potential confusion regarding the expected knowledge of derivative formulas in calculus, suggesting that participants may be operating under different assumptions about their background knowledge.

member 731016
Homework Statement
Please see below
Relevant Equations
Please see below
For this problem,
1682397665175.png

The answer is ##6.28 m/s##, however, I got ##-314 m/s## and I am not sure what I have done wrong.

My working is,
##H'(t) = \lim_{t \rightarrow 1} \frac{H(t) - H(1)}{t - 1}##
##H'(t) = \lim_{t \rightarrow 1} \frac{-1.86t^2 + 10t -8.14}{t - 1}##
##H'(t) = \lim_{t \rightarrow 1} \frac{(93t - 407)(t - 1)}{t - 1}##
##H'(t) = \lim_{t \rightarrow 1} 93t - 407 = -314##

Could someone please point out what I have done wrong?

Many thanks!
 
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ChiralSuperfields said:
Homework Statement: Please see below
Relevant Equations: Please see below

For this problem,
View attachment 325465
The answer is ##6.28 m/s##, however, I got ##-314 m/s## and I am not sure what I have done wrong.

My working is,
##H'(t) = \lim_{t \rightarrow 1} \frac{-1.86t^2 + 10t -8.14}{t - 1}##
##H'(t) = \lim_{t \rightarrow 1} \frac{(93t - 407)(t - 1)}{t - 1}##
##H'(t) = \lim_{t \rightarrow 1} 93t - 407 = -314##

Could someone please point out what I have done wrong?

Many thanks!
Are line 1 and line 2 equal?

-Dan
 
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topsquark said:
Are line 1 and line 2 equal?

-Dan
Thank you for your reply @topsquark !

I believe the factorization is correct (I used my graphics calculator to find the roots). The derivative formula I am using is ##H'(t) = \lim_{t \rightarrow 1} \frac{H(t) - H(1)}{t - 1}##

Many thanks!
 
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ChiralSuperfields said:
Thank you for your reply @topsquark !

I believe the factorization is correct (I used my graphics calculator to find the roots). The derivative formula I am using is ##H'(t) = \lim_{t \rightarrow 1} \frac{H(t) - H(1)}{t - 1}##

Many thanks!
So, you are saying that
##-1.86 t^2 + 10 t - 8.41 = (93 t - 407)(t - 1)##

FOIL out that RHS, please.

-Dan
 
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topsquark said:
So, you are saying that
##-1.86 t^2 + 10 t - 8.41 = (93 t - 407)(t - 1)##

FOIL out that RHS, please.

-Dan
Thank you for your reply @topsquark!

True, they are not equal. I need to multiply the right hand ride by a factor of -1.86/93 to make the equations equal. This gives the correct solution.

Many thanks!
 
ChiralSuperfields said:
Homework Statement: Please see below
Relevant Equations: Please see below

For this problem,
View attachment 325465
The answer is ##6.28 m/s##, however, I got ##-314 m/s## and I am not sure what I have done wrong.

My working is,
##H'(t) = \lim_{t \rightarrow 1} \frac{H(t) - H(1)}{t - 1}##
##H'(t) = \lim_{t \rightarrow 1} \frac{-1.86t^2 + 10t -8.14}{t - 1}##
##H'(t) = \lim_{t \rightarrow 1} \frac{(93t - 407)(t - 1)}{t - 1}##
##H'(t) = \lim_{t \rightarrow 1} 93t - 407 = -314##

Could someone please point out what I have done wrong?

Many thanks!

No need to calculate H(1), or resort to a calculator (or the quadratic formula) to factorise the result:<br /> \begin{split}<br /> \lim_{t \to 1} \frac{H(t)- H(1)}{t - 1} &amp;= \lim_{t \to 1} \frac{10t - 1.96t^2 - (10 \times 1 - 1.86 \times 1^2)}{t - 1} \\<br /> &amp;= \lim_{t \to 1} \frac{10(t-1) - 1.86(t^2 - 1^2)}{t-1} \\<br /> &amp;= \lim_{t \to 1} \frac{10(t-1) -1.86(t + 1)(t - 1)}{t-1} \\<br /> &amp;= \lim_{t \to 1} \left(10 - 1.86(t + 1)\right) \\<br /> &amp;= 10 - 2 \times 1.86.\end{split} But you can just differentiate H directly. \begin{split}<br /> H&#039;(t) &amp;= 10 - 2 \times 1.86 t \\<br /> H&#039;(1) &amp;= 10 - 2 \times 1.86.<br /> \end{split}
 
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I am surprised that you have to go to the basic definition of the derivative. The formula for the derivative of a polynomial would be covered very early in any calculus class. You should check whether you are expected to know that formula at this point. If so, you should review basic calculus and make the theorems and formulas in it second nature to you.
 
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