Position of toy moving on straight track

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SUMMARY

The position of a toy locomotive moving along a straight track is described by the equation x = t^6 - 6t^2 + 9t. To determine when the net force on the locomotive is zero, one must find the time t when the acceleration, derived from the second derivative of the position equation, equals zero. The user attempted to solve this by differentiating the position equation but encountered difficulties in the process.

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Homework Statement


The position of a toy locomotive moving on a
straight track along the x-ais is given by the
equation

x = t^6 - 6t^2 + 9t

where x is in meters and t is in seconds.

The net force on the locomotive is equal to
zero when t is equal to _______?

Answer in units of s.


Homework Equations


x = t^6 - 6t^2 + 9t
http://www.glenbrook.k12.il.us/gbssci/phys/Class/1DKin/U1L6a1.gif

The Attempt at a Solution


I tried to get the acceleration equation by taking the second derivative of the position equation, setting it to zero, and solving for t... but doesn't look right.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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The procedure you described should give you the answer... where did you get stuck?
 

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