Instantaneous and average velocity help

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The discussion focuses on calculating instantaneous and average velocity from the given position function s(t)=t^3-2t^2-5t+6. The instantaneous velocity at t=1 second is determined using the derivative definition, yielding a result of -1 after proper calculations. For average velocity from t=0 to t=2, the correct approach involves evaluating the position function at these points, leading to an average velocity of -5. Participants clarify the need to use the position function rather than its derivative for average velocity calculations. The conversation emphasizes the importance of careful substitution and arithmetic in solving these problems.
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vAn objects moves horizontally according to the following equation s(t)=t3-2t2-5t+6. Determine the instantaneous velocity of the object at t0=1 second using the definition of a derivative at a point.

v'(t)= lim (s(t0+h)-s(t0))/h
h-->0


And
What is the average velocity of the object from t=0 to t=2?
Average velocity= (s(t2)-s(t1))/(t2-t1)



For the first one, i got:
((1+h)3-2(1+h)2-5(1+h)+6-13-2(1)2-5(1)+6)/h

I expanded and factored all of that ang got (h(-1+h+h2)/h then i plugged in 0 for h and got -1 as the instantaneous velocity... is that correct?

I got the first one... i just added the values wrong... i got -6. But i still don't know how to do the second one.

and for the second one, i have (3(2)2-4(2)-5)/2-0 but that makes it 0/2 and i know that this can't be.

Can you please help me?thank you!
 
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For the second part, it looks like you used the derivative of s (i.e. the velocity) in the numerator. You should use s itself (i.e. plug t1 and t2 into s(t) for the numerator) as in the definition of average velocity.
 
Pacopag said:
For the second part, it looks like you used the derivative of s (i.e. the velocity) in the numerator. You should use s itself (i.e. plug t1 and t2 into s(t) for the numerator) as in the definition of average velocity.

so it should just be (-4-0)/(2-0)=-1/2?
 
I think so. No. Wait a minute. Check it again. I think your t1 part is wrong. Just check it over carefully.
 
wait wouldn't it be -5 for the average velocity instead?
 
Yeah. That's what I get.
 
thank you!
 

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