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Ch. 6 - Applications of Integration
Briggs - Calculus: Early Transcendentals 3rd Edition
Briggs3rd EditionCalculus: Early TranscendentalsISBN: 9780136847243Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 6, Problem 6.1.30

29–36. Position and velocity from acceleration Find the position and velocity of an object moving along a straight line with the given acceleration, initial velocity, and initial position. Use the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus (Theorems 6.1 and 6.2).


a(t) = −32; v(0)=50; s(0)=0

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1
Identify the given acceleration function: \(a(t) = -32\), the initial velocity \(v(0) = 50\), and the initial position \(s(0) = 0\).
Recall that velocity is the integral of acceleration with respect to time: \(v(t) = \int a(t) \, dt + C_1\).
Integrate the acceleration function: \(v(t) = \int -32 \, dt = -32t + C_1\).
Use the initial velocity condition \(v(0) = 50\) to solve for the constant \(C_1\): substitute \(t=0\) into \(v(t)\) and set equal to 50.
Next, find the position function by integrating the velocity function: \(s(t) = \int v(t) \, dt + C_2\). Then use the initial position \(s(0) = 0\) to solve for \(C_2\).

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Acceleration, Velocity, and Position Relationship

Acceleration is the rate of change of velocity with respect to time, and velocity is the rate of change of position. Given acceleration, integrating it once with respect to time yields velocity, and integrating velocity gives position. Initial conditions help determine the constants of integration.
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Fundamental Theorem of Calculus

The Fundamental Theorem of Calculus links differentiation and integration, stating that integration can be reversed by differentiation. It allows us to find a function from its derivative by integrating, which is essential for finding velocity and position from acceleration.
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Initial Conditions and Constants of Integration

When integrating acceleration to find velocity and position, constants of integration appear. Initial velocity and initial position values are used to solve for these constants, ensuring the solution matches the physical scenario described.
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