The second derivative question

In summary, the problem is to find the value of t when dx/dt = 0 and x = 0, given that (d^2)x/ (dt^2) = 2 for all t>= 0, dx/dt = -5 when t=0, and x= 4 when t = 0. The solution involves finding the constant of integration, using the given conditions to solve for x as a function of t, and then solving for t when dx/dt = 0 and x = 0.
  • #1
disfused_3289
13
0

Homework Statement



Given (d^2)x/ (dt^2) = 2 for all t>= 0 and dx/dt= -5 and x= 4 when t= 0 find t when

a) dx/ dy= 0
b) x= 0

2. The attempt at a solution

a) Given (d^2)x/ (dt^2) = 2, then
dx/dt= 2x + c = -5

given dx/ dt= 0 then 2x + c= 0

c= -2.5 using 2x + c= 0 and 2x + c = -5

using dx/dt= 2x + c, t= x^2 + cx + d
where 0= 16 - 2.5 x 4 + d (using x= 4 when t= 0 )
where d= -6

Thus,

t= x^2 - 2.5x - 6

when dx/dt= 0 then x= 1.25 in 2x + c= 0 (c= -2.5)

subsituting x= 1.25 into x^2 - 2.5x - 6 gives t= -121/16,

however the answer seems to differ giving t= 2.5 when dx/dt= 0
How is this so?

b) not to sure as confused about a).
 
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  • #2
disfused_3289 said:

Homework Statement



Given (d^2)x/ (dt^2) = 2 for all t>= 0 and dx/dt= -5 and x= 4 when t= 0 find t when

a) dx/ dy= 0
Perhaps you meant dx/dt=0?

2. The attempt at a solution

a) Given (d^2)x/ (dt^2) = 2, then
dx/dt= 2x + c = -5
x and its derivatives are a function of t here, so from the second-order equation, you'll end-up at
[tex]\frac{dx}{dt} = 2t+C[/tex]



given dx/ dt= 0
Was it? The question tells you what [itex]\frac{dx}{dt}[/itex] is at t=0. Use this condition to find the constant of integration. With one more integration, you can find x as a function of t. The rest is just algebra.


c= -2.5 using 2x + c= 0 and 2x + c = -5

using dx/dt= 2x + c, t= x^2 + cx + d
where 0= 16 - 2.5 x 4 + d (using x= 4 when t= 0 )
where d= -6

Thus,

t= x^2 - 2.5x - 6

when dx/dt= 0 then x= 1.25 in 2x + c= 0 (c= -2.5)

subsituting x= 1.25 into x^2 - 2.5x - 6 gives t= -121/16,

however the answer seems to differ giving t= 2.5 when dx/dt= 0
How is this so?

b) not to sure as confused about a).

Part b should become clear once you rework part a.
 
  • #3
disfused_3289 said:
Given (d^2)x/ (dt^2) = 2 for all t>= 0 and dx/dt= -5 and x= 4 when t= 0.

I think what you mean is:

Given [tex] \frac{d^2 x}{dt^2} = 2 , \quad \forall t \geq 0[/tex] and [tex] \frac{dx}{dt}(0) = -5 [/tex] and [tex] x(0) = 4 [/tex]. You will then find that c is not -2.5.

And I now see that neutrino already told you that...
 

1. What is the second derivative?

The second derivative is a mathematical concept that represents the rate of change of the rate of change of a function. It is the derivative of the first derivative, and can be thought of as the curvature or concavity of a graph.

2. Why is the second derivative important?

The second derivative is important because it can provide information about the behavior of a function. It can indicate whether the function is increasing or decreasing at a certain point, as well as its concavity, which can help identify maximum and minimum points on a graph.

3. How is the second derivative calculated?

The second derivative can be calculated by taking the derivative of the first derivative. This involves using the power rule, product rule, quotient rule, and chain rule as needed. It is important to remember to simplify the expression before taking the second derivative.

4. What is the geometric interpretation of the second derivative?

The second derivative has a geometric interpretation as the slope of the tangent line to the graph of the first derivative. This can help visualize the curvature of a graph and understand the behavior of a function at a certain point.

5. How is the second derivative used in real-life applications?

The second derivative is used in various fields such as physics, economics, and engineering to analyze the behavior of systems and make predictions. For example, it can be used to measure the acceleration of an object or the growth rate of a population.

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