Which Average Velocity Formula Should I Use?

[fightboy]

Hey guys I just had a question regarding the equation to calculate average velocity. The first equation I've seen is: Vf+Vi/2, with Vf representing final velocity and Vi representing initial velocity. The second equation I've seen is Xf-Xi/Δt, with X representing position and Δt representing the elapsed time. What is the difference between the two? I get confused on which equation to use for a problem asking for average velocity.

 

[Doc Al]

The first equation, (Vf + Vi)/2, gives the average velocity when the acceleration is constant. It's not true in general.

The second, (Xf - Xi)/Δt, is the definition of average velocity and is always true. Whether it's useful or not depends on what you are given in the problem.

 

[SammyS]

Hey guys I just had a question regarding the equation to calculate average velocity. The first equation I've seen is: Vf+Vi/2, with Vf representing final velocity and Vi representing initial velocity. The second equation I've seen is Xf-Xi/Δt, with X representing position and Δt representing the elapsed time. What is the difference between the two? I get confused on which equation to use for a problem asking for average velocity.

Notice the parentheses Doc Al added in his reply to you.

 

[fightboy]

ok that cleared it up, thanks!