Indefinite Integration problem

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on solving an indefinite integration problem involving a particle's acceleration function, a(t) = t² - 4t + 6. The user correctly identifies the need to find the velocity function, v(t), by integrating the acceleration, resulting in v(t) = (t³/3) - 2t² + 6t + C₁. To find the position function, s(t), the user integrates v(t), yielding s(t) = (t⁴/12) - (2t³/3) + 3t² + C₁t + C₂. The constants C₁ and C₂ can be determined using the initial conditions s(0) = 0 and s(1) = 20, which form a system of equations.

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  • Understanding of indefinite integration and antiderivatives
  • Familiarity with polynomial functions and their properties
  • Basic knowledge of initial conditions in calculus
  • Ability to solve systems of equations
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  • Practice solving indefinite integrals involving polynomial functions
  • Learn about initial value problems in differential equations
  • Explore the concept of constants of integration in calculus
  • Study systems of equations and methods for solving them
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Students studying calculus, particularly those focusing on integration and motion problems, as well as educators looking for examples of applying initial conditions in indefinite integration.

QuarkCharmer
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Homework Statement


A particle is moving with the given data. Find the position of the particle.
[itex]a(t)=t^{2}-4t+6[/itex],
[itex]s(0)=0[/itex],
[itex]s(1)=20[/itex]

Homework Equations



The Attempt at a Solution


[itex]a(t)=t^{2}-4t+6[/itex], [itex]s(0)=0[/itex], [itex]s(1)=20[/itex]
[tex]v(t)=\int t^{2}-4t+6 dt[/tex]
[tex]v(t)=\frac{t^{3}}{3}-2t^{2}+6t+C_{1}[/tex]
Then I suppose I take the antiderivative again to get to s (distance), I can't solve for the constant yet.

[tex]s(t)=\int \frac{t^{3}}{3}-2t^{2}+6t+C_{1} dt[/tex]
[tex]s(t)=\frac{t^{4}}{12}-\frac{2t^{3}}{3}+3t^{2}+C_{1}t+C_{2}[/tex]

So now I have two constants in there? Would I just use the parameters [itex]s(0)=0[/itex] and [itex]s(1)=20[/itex] to try to solve this like a system of 2 equations with two unknowns? I don't really know how to proceed. The other problems like this at least gave me a value for the first derivative of the original function so I could sort of work backwards.
 
Last edited:
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QuarkCharmer said:
So now I have two constants in there? Would I just use the parameters [itex]s(0)=0[/itex] and [itex]s(1)=20[/itex] to try to solve this like a system of 2 equations with two unknowns?

This is exactly what you do. Be more confident! :smile:
 

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