Vector Question Analysis: Did My Lecturer Make a Mistake?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a vector problem related to the position of a mass described by the vector r = 7t i + (4t - 3t^2) j metres. Participants are analyzing the conditions under which dy/dt equals zero and the implications for the magnitude and direction of the vector.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are questioning the lecturer's deduction that t = 2/3 when solving for dy/dt = 0, with some suggesting that it should be 4/3 instead. There is also discussion about the correctness of the derivative and its notation.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance regarding the derivative of y with respect to t, noting that the lecturer may have omitted the d/dt operator in their solution. There appears to be a productive exploration of the problem, with differing interpretations of the lecturer's solution being discussed.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the assumption that the problem is typical for the module, and there is a focus on clarifying the correct interpretation of the equations presented in the lecturer's notes.

KiNGGeexD
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I was given an example in a lecture of a vector question which is typical of this module.

Question

The position of mass m is described as a vector r, from an origin such that r= 7t i + (4t-3t^2) j metres.

Find the magnitude and directions of r and dr/dt when dy/dt=0Now I have worked through this and know what to do but when I looked at the model answer I noticed what to me looks like a mistake?

I've attached the solution done by my lecturer but he deduces when 4t-3t^2 = 0

That t=2/3 which it can't be it has to be 4/3?I'm not sure if I am mistaken that's why I'm asking and if I am wrong I would like to know why:) thanks guys:)
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KiNGGeexD said:
I was given an example in a lecture of a vector question which is typical of this module.

Question

The position of mass m is described as a vector r, from an origin such that r= 7t i + (4t-3t^2) j metres.

Find the magnitude and directions of r and dr/dt when dy/dt=0


Now I have worked through this and know what to do but when I looked at the model answer I noticed what to me looks like a mistake?

I've attached the solution done by my lecturer but he deduces when 4t-3t^2 = 0

That t=2/3 which it can't be it has to be 4/3?


I'm not sure if I am mistaken that's why I'm asking and if I am wrong I would like to know why:) thanks guys:)View attachment 65683
I don't know whether these notes are in your own handwriting or in your lecturer's handwriting, but whoever wrote them got the equation for dy/dt wrong. The equation for dy/dt is

dy/dt =4-6t

This component of velocity is zero when t = 2/3.
 
It was the lecturers handwriting
 
So then the second part where he solves for the magnitude of r must be wrong as the t is added back in?
 
KiNGGeexD said:
So then the second part where he solves for the magnitude of r must be wrong as the t is added back in?

No, that part is okay. Everything looks okay to me in the attachment except for one thing.

The attachment has in it:

[tex]\vec r = 7 t \ \hat \imath + (4t - 3t^2) \ \hat \jmath[/tex]
[tex]x = 7 t[/tex]
[tex]y = 4t - 3 t^2[/tex]
[tex]\frac{dy}{dt} = 4 t - 3 t^2 = 0[/tex]
That last line has the problem. I think your instructor meant to write:

[tex]\frac{dy}{dt} = \frac{d}{d t} \{ 4 t - 3 t^2 \} = 0[/tex]
but neglected to write in the d/dt operator.

Everything looks okay after that though.

If you take the derivative of y with respect to t and set it equal to zero, you'll find that t = 2/3, which is shown on the attachment correctly.
 
Yeah, as collinsmark said, it might just be a prob of not writing d/dx as a step,
The ans is still supposed to be 2/3 seconds.
 
The last previous post on this thread was over a year and a half ago. I'm closing this thread.

Chet
 

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