The actual meaning of delta in these circumstances

[Spookie71]

Homework Statement

Please don't make fun of my question, I just want to have a strong understanding of the meaning and it's use

My textbook just pops these symbols out at me without explanation. Maybe it just expects I know this stuff

In the equation Vs = [tex]\Delta[/tex] d / [tex]\Delta[/tex] t

I know that d is distance and t is time, so why include the Delta. What is the meaning of Delta itself and in this particular set of instances. Is it looking for a specific type of distance or time. I'm unclear

 

[Shooting Star]

Delta denotes the difference in the value of a quantity. Suppose you are moving along a st line and you are at a dist d1 from a fixed point O (on the st line) at time t1. Afterward, at time t2, you are at a dist d2 from the same point O. Then we say delta d = d2-d1 and delta t = t2-t1.

Notice that the average speed in moving from first pt to the second is (d2-d1)/(t2-t1) = delta d/ delta t.

 

[Spookie71]

Thank you shootingstar