Integral velocity/time problem

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The discussion revolves around solving a problem related to estimating the distance traveled by a car accelerating from rest to 120 km/h over 30 seconds, using a velocity graph. The original poster seeks validation for their calculations, which included lower and upper estimates for distance but contained several errors, particularly in time conversions and endpoint selections. Feedback highlighted the need to use correct time units in hours rather than seconds and to adjust summation indices accordingly. After revisions, the poster presented updated solutions, which were noted to be improved but still required clarification on distance units. Overall, the thread emphasizes the importance of accurate unit conversions and proper estimation techniques in calculus problems.
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I have completed a problem and would like you to check it and see if I got it right.

Homework Statement


The velocity graph of a car accelerating from rest to a speed of 120 km/h over a period of 30 seconds is shown. Estimate the distance traveled during this period

Here is the graph, where a=40 http://www.webassign.net/scalcet/5-1-016alt.gif

The Attempt at a Solution



You will see a print screen of my work. Did I do correctly that I put together a lower and upper estimates and divided the sum by 2 in order to estimate the distance traveled? I believe I made a mistake.
 

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phillyolly said:
I have completed a problem and would like you to check it and see if I got it right.

Homework Statement


The velocity graph of a car accelerating from rest to a speed of 120 km/h over a period of 30 seconds is shown. Estimate the distance traveled during this period

Here is the graph, where a=40 http://www.webassign.net/scalcet/5-1-016alt.gif

The Attempt at a Solution



You will see a print screen of my work. Did I do correctly that I put together a lower and upper estimates and divided the sum by 2 in order to estimate the distance traveled? I believe I made a mistake.

Your endpoints are all wrong. You have 0, .5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0. In the graph they are 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 seconds. In both estimates you should have \Delta t, not \Delta x. x should not appear in your work.

Since the velocities are in km/hr, your time units should be in hours, not seconds. 5 seconds = 5 sec X 1 min/60 sec X 1 hr/60 min = 1/720 hr. This is your \Delta t. The distance will be in km.
 
Thank you a lot for the notes.
 
Here is my revised version. Please can you check this one?
I have two solutions: the first one is for midpoints.
The second one is for lower and upper estimates.

Thanks
 

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  • Midpoint-solution.jpg
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  • Lower-upper-estim-solution.jpg
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You still have quite a few mistakes. In the 2nd image, your summation should go from i = 1 to i = 6, not 2/45. In the second and third images, there are numerous errors in the converted times. From the graph, the times are 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 seconds.
5 sec = 1/720 hr
10 sec = 2/720 hr
15 sec = 3/720 hr
...
30 sec = 6/720 hr
Several of your reduced fractions are wrong. For example, 6/720 \neq 1/10 hr.
 
OK, based on your suggestions, I have completed the assignment. I hope that this time I did it correctly. Please take a look.
 

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  • Lower-upper-estim-solution.jpg
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The three estimates look good. The only thing I would add is the distance units.
 

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