Velocity v(t) = b(t-T)^2, find position function x(t)

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the position function x(t) given the x-velocity function vx(t) = b(t-T)^2, where b and T are constants. The original poster and participants explore various potential forms of x(t) based on the provided velocity function.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relationship between velocity and position, considering whether to take the derivative or antiderivative of the velocity function. There is uncertainty about the correct approach to derive x(t) from vx(t).

Discussion Status

Some participants suggest that the antiderivative of the velocity function should be taken to find the position function. There is a mix of opinions on which option best describes x(t), with one participant leaning towards option c based on their calculations. However, no consensus has been reached.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the assumption that the initial position at time t = 0 is x(0) = 0, and they are considering the implications of constants b and T in their calculations.

courtney1121
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If a car's x-position at time t = 0 is x(0) = 0 and it has an x-velocity of
vx(t) = b(t-T)^2, where b and T are constants, which function best describes x(t)?

a. x(t) = 2b(t - T)
b. x(t) = 3b(t - T)3
c. x(t) = (1/3)b(t - T)3
d. x(t) = (1/2)b(t - T)
e. x(t) = (1/3)b[(t - T)3 + T3]
f. None of the above

I was thinking d, but not sure.
 
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courtney1121 said:
If a car's x-position at time t = 0 is x(0) = 0 and it has an x-velocity of
vx(t) = b(t-T)^2, where b and T are constants, which function best describes x(t)?

a. x(t) = 2b(t - T)
b. x(t) = 3b(t - T)3
c. x(t) = (1/3)b(t - T)3
d. x(t) = (1/2)b(t - T)
e. x(t) = (1/3)b[(t - T)3 + T3]
f. None of the above

I was thinking d, but not sure.

doesn't look like it to me.

v(t) = dx(t)/dt

what is the derivative of option d?
 
ok when I did the derivative of vx(t)=b(t-T)^2, i got "a".

or do they want the antiderivative of that equation?

i'm not sure how to do the derivative of option d though because I'm not sure what to do about those constants. Wouldn't the derivative of b and T be 0 since they are constant?
 
courtney1121 said:
ok when I did the derivative of vx(t)=b(t-T)^2, i got "a".

or do they want the antiderivative of that equation?

i'm not sure how to do the derivative of option d though because I'm not sure what to do about those constants. Wouldn't the derivative of b and T be 0 since they are constant?

the derivative of a constant is zero. what the above equation i posted says is that the velocity (v) is the time derivative of position (x). if you differentiate the initial equation (velocity) you get the acceleration. that's not what you're after.
 
ooo ok ok...I need to get vx(t) in terms of x(t)

so i should take the antiderivative of the equation like use the reverse kinematic chain...so let me see here...

oooo ok ok I think I got this...I'm thinking the answer will be c...because if you take the derivative of c it would be (1/3)3b(t-T)^2...the 3's cancel out and you are left with b(t-T)^2 which is vx(t).

Does this sound right?
 
yes, looks correct to me.
 

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