Solving Online Motion Problems: Understanding Velocity and Slope

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around interpreting a graph to determine the velocity represented by its slope in the context of motion problems. Participants are exploring the relationship between the slope of the graph and the calculated velocity in meters per second.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to calculate the slope of the graph by identifying the rise over run. There is a focus on the units of measurement on the axes and how they affect the slope calculation. Questions arise regarding the accuracy of the slope derived from the graph divisions.

Discussion Status

There is an ongoing exploration of the correct interpretation of the graph's slope. Some participants have provided guidance on re-labeling the axes to clarify the units, while others are questioning the initial assumptions about the slope calculation. A participant has acknowledged a realization regarding the actual points on the graph that affect the slope.

Contextual Notes

Participants are discussing the need to adjust the units on the graph's axes, as the original labeling may lead to confusion in calculating the slope. There is an emphasis on ensuring the correct points are used for slope determination.

sickphysic
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I'm trying to do an online homework, and I think I have the right answer but every time I put it in it says its wrong :(

Take a look..

This is the graph
2iiuy6w.jpg


and then the question is:
What velocity is represented by the graph?
Answer in units of m/s.

I keep putting 1.25m/s because 5/4=1.25 so that's the slope, and the velocity right?

Any help will help.
thanks.
 
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sickphysic said:
I'm trying to do an online homework, and I think I have the right answer but every time I put it in it says its wrong :(

Take a look..

This is the graph
2iiuy6w.jpg


and then the question is:
What velocity is represented by the graph?
Answer in units of m/s.

I keep putting 1.25m/s because 5/4=1.25 so that's the slope, and the velocity right?

Any help will help.
thanks.

Where are you getting the slope as 5/4?

First, you will need to multiply out the units on each axis. I don't know why they did it so strangely, but whatever. Re-label the graph in meters and seconds (applying the multiplication factors shown for each axis), and then figure out the rise/run of the graph.
 
I'm getting the 5/4 cause if each division on the y-axis is 5, and then each division on the x-axis is 4 then the slope is 5/4?
Isn't it?
 
sickphysic said:
I'm getting the 5/4 cause if each division on the y-axis is 5, and then each division on the x-axis is 4 then the slope is 5/4?
Isn't it?

Multiply each number on the vertical scale by 5. So instead of being 1, 2, 3, ... it's 5, 10, 15,...

Do the similar thing for the horizontal axis. Now it is re-labelled. Now look at how the line starts at (0,0) and goes up to (?,?). That should give you the slope of the line...
 
This is what you're saying right?

o50psk.jpg


so doesn't that make the slope 5/4?
 
I got it! lol
I didn't realize that the line didn't cross exactly at the 5,4 point but the 6,7 instead.
thanks (:
 

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