# Velocity and Acceleration Question

1. Aug 31, 2008

### mossfan563

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
The position of a particle moving along the x axis depends on the time according to the equation x = c(t^5) - b(t^7), where x is in meters and t in seconds. Let c and b have numerical values 2.6 m/s5 and 1.3 m/s7, respectively. From t = 0.0 s to t = 1.8 s, (a) what is the displacement of the particle? Find its velocity at times (b) 1.0 s, (c) 2.0 s, (d) 3.0 s, and (e) 4.0 s. Find its acceleration at (f) 1.0 s, (g) 2.0 s, (h) 3.0 s, and (i) 4.0 s.

2. The attempt at a solution
Do I try to take the derivative to try and get the velocity and acceleration answers?
And how do I find the displacement?

2. Aug 31, 2008

### LowlyPion

The displacement should be found by using the position function f(t) = x = c*t5 - b*t7 and then determining the difference between the two positions at the times given.

As to the rest of your question if velocity is $$\frac{dx}{dt}$$ and acceleration is $$\frac{dv}{dt}$$ then taking derivatives looks like a sound approach and then plug in the points asked for.