How Do I Solve This Spring Differentiation Problem in Physics?

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The discussion centers on solving a physics differentiation problem involving a mini-van's motion and the forces acting on it. The user struggles with part (b) of the problem, specifically the integration of the differential equation related to the mini-van's velocity. Key points include the incorrect application of integration techniques and the need to verify solutions by substituting back into the differential equations. Participants emphasize the importance of correctly interpreting the integral and suggest checking the integration process for errors. Overall, the thread highlights the challenges of applying calculus to physics problems and the necessity of clear communication for effective assistance.
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Homework Statement


Differentiation question on physics spring

https://sg.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20140819111550AAvmAjH


Homework Equations




The Attempt at a Solution



https://www.icloud.com/photostream/#AEGY8gBYGdYO6S;2B1E78BF-9378-47B0-B87C-BD50541B4EE7

Why I can't get the answer given: am I wrong or the answer given wrong

Can anyoneelse work it out and see the answer
 
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To put it bluntly: you are wrong.

Don't really appreciate your way of using the template, but never mind. I hope I don't get thrown out of PF for helping anyway. The hint is: integrating ##dx\over x^2+7^2## does not yield a ln. (Check by differentiating !)
 
For the sake of anyone else checking in: the problem statement is:
C1. a mini-van of mass 1200kg is traveling along a level road. The resistance to the motion is (v^2+49)N where v (m/s) is the instantaneous velocity at any time t (s). When the velocity of the mini-van reaches 16m/s, the engine is shut off.

(a) write the DE of motion connecting v and t
(b) find the time taken for the velocity to reduce from 16m/s to 12m/s
(c) ...

You are asking about C1.b.
How do I solve this differential question,I can do c1 part [a] but how to do b)? Why am my previous working wrong? please help?

You have written $$1200\frac{dv}{dt} = -(v^2+49) \\ \implies t=-\int \frac{1200}{v^2+49}\;dv$$ ... you actually wrote t+c=... but the arbitrary constant gets absorbed into the integral on the RHS.

You show no working for the integration - as BvU suggests, this is where you need to look closer.
You appear to have got: $$\int\frac{dv}{v^2+49}=\ln(-v+7)+\ln(v+7)$$... which would be incorrect.
It is unclear how you did that.

As a matter of routine, you should check your solution to DEs by substituting them back.
Do try to write out your questions in PF, it makes it easier to help you.
 
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-(v^2- 49) factors as (-v+ 7)(v+ 7) but -(v^2+ 49) does not.
 
Maybe OP read ##-(v^2+49)## as ##-v^2+49## ?
 
Is eggcracker still in the picture ? What of the integral of ##1\over x^2+a^2## ?
 
'S only been a day ... @eggcracker: any of this helpful so far?
More assistance with feedback.
 
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