Integral velocity/time problem

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around estimating the distance traveled by a car based on its velocity graph as it accelerates from rest to 120 km/h over 30 seconds. Participants are analyzing the approach to calculating this distance using different estimation methods.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the use of lower and upper estimates, as well as midpoint methods for calculating distance. There are questions about the correctness of the time intervals used and the conversion of time units from seconds to hours.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided feedback on the original poster's attempts, pointing out errors in the time intervals and suggesting corrections. There is ongoing refinement of the calculations based on peer input, with some estimates appearing to be more accurate than others.

Contextual Notes

Participants note discrepancies in the time intervals used in the calculations and emphasize the importance of using consistent units for time and distance. The original poster has been encouraged to revise their work based on the feedback received.

phillyolly
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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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