Solve Few Simple Questions on Velocity and Differentiability

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around questions related to velocity functions and differentiability, specifically focusing on when a particle changes direction and the conditions for a piecewise function to be differentiable at a certain point.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the condition for a particle changing direction, primarily focusing on when the velocity function equals zero. There is also consideration of whether a zero velocity implies a change in direction. Additionally, questions arise regarding the differentiability of a piecewise function and the implications of continuity at the boundary between the pieces.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided insights into the conditions for direction change and differentiability, while others are exploring the implications of their findings. There is an ongoing examination of the relationship between velocity, direction, and the values of constants in the piecewise function.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the challenge of dealing with an extra variable in the piecewise function and the need for continuity at the transition point. There is also mention of specific values and conditions that need to be satisfied for the problems at hand.

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I have a few questions and I was wondering if someone could check my answers.


1) Given the velocity function http://texify.com/img/%5CLARGE%5C%21v%28t%29%20%3D-%28t%2B1%29%20%5Csin%7B%5Cfrac%7Bt%5E%7B2%7D%7D%7B2%7D%7D%20.gif ,[/URL] find all the times on hte open interval 0<t<3 where the particle changes direction. Justify your answer.

I said, the possible places where this occurs is when v=0. So I solved for v =0, and the only number that matches that domain is approximately 2.5 Are there any other answers I am missing? Is my idea of when the particle changes direction v=0 the entire reasoning to when the particle changes direction? I thought of an instance where v=0 but then particle doesn't change direction but rather keeps going in the same direction. Any help?

2)Suppose a function g is defined by http://texify.com/img/%5CLARGE%5C%21k%5Csqr%7Bx%2B1%7D%20%5C%20%5C%20%20for%20%5C%20%5C%200%5Cleq%20x%20%5Cleq%203%20%5C%5Cmx%2B2%20%5C%20%5C%20%20for%20%5C%20%5C%203%3C%20x%20%5Cleq%205%20.gif where k and m are constants. If g is differentiable at x=3, what are the values for k and m?

I was usually able to solve this but now there is one extra variable that I do not know how to get rid of. What do I do?
 
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razored said:
1) Given the velocity function http://texify.com/img/%5CLARGE%5C%21v%28t%29%20%3D-%28t%2B1%29%20%5Csin%7B%5Cfrac%7Bt%5E%7B2%7D%7D%7B2%7D%7D%20.gif ,[/URL] find all the times on hte open interval 0<t<3 where the particle changes direction. Justify your answer.

I said, the possible places where this occurs is when v=0. So I solved for v =0, and the only number that matches that domain is approximately 2.5 Are there any other answers I am missing? Is my idea of when the particle changes direction v=0 the entire reasoning to when the particle changes direction? I thought of an instance where v=0 but then particle doesn't change direction but rather keeps going in the same direction. Any help?
I would also look at the case where v = 0 for I imagine the particle is moving forward when v > 0, moving backward when v < 0 and not moving when v = 0. Clearly v = 0 only when the sine term is 0. Can you give me an exact value for t between 0 and 3 that will make the sine term 0?

2)Suppose a function g is defined by http://texify.com/img/%5CLARGE%5C%21k%5Csqr%7Bx%2B1%7D%20%5C%20%5C%20%20for%20%5C%20%5C%200%5Cleq%20x%20%5Cleq%203%20%5C%5Cmx%2B2%20%5C%20%5C%20%20for%20%5C%20%5C%203%3C%20x%20%5Cleq%205%20.gif where k and m are constants. If g is differentiable at x=3, what are the values for k and m?

I was usually able to solve this but now there is one extra variable that I do not know how to get rid of. What do I do?
Remember that if g'(3) exists, then g is continuous at x = 3. With this additional piece of info., what values of k and m will make g continuous at x = 3?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
1) \sqrt{2 * \pi }
2)When k and m are equal?

Are those correct?
 
The first one is correct. The second one is not: Just try it for m = k = 1. Here's a tip: Find the equation of the tangent of k * sqrt{x + 1} at x = 3 and try to manipulate it so that it takes the form mx + 2.
 

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