Chapter 6: Problem 71
Position of a Particle Suppose that the position of a particle moving along a straight line is given by $$s(t)=a t^{2}+b t+c$$ where \(t\) is time in seconds and \(a, b,\) and \(c\) are real numbers. If \(s(0)=5, s(1)=23,\) and \(s(2)=37,\) find the equation that defines \(s(t) .\) Then find \(s(8)\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
The equation is \(s(t) = -2t^2 + 20t + 5\) and \(s(8) = 37\).
Step by step solution
01
Substitute Initial Conditions into the Equation
The position of the particle is given by the equation \(s(t) = a t^2 + b t + c\). We have three conditions to work with: \(s(0) = 5\), \(s(1) = 23\), and \(s(2) = 37\). Using \(s(0) = 5\), substitute \(t = 0\) into the equation to find \(c\): \(s(0) = a(0)^2 + b(0) + c = 5\), so \(c = 5\).
02
Substitute and Create a System of Equations
Now that we know \(c = 5\), substitute the other conditions into the equation: For \(s(1) = 23\):\(a(1)^2 + b(1) + 5 = 23\).This simplifies to:\(a + b + 5 = 23\). (Equation 1)For \(s(2) = 37\):\(a(2)^2 + b(2) + 5 = 37\).This simplifies to:\(4a + 2b + 5 = 37\).(Equation 2)
03
Solve the System of Equations
Now let's solve the system of equations generated:Equation 1: \(a + b = 18\)Equation 2: \(4a + 2b = 32\)First, simplify equation 2:Divide the entire equation by 2:\(2a + b = 16\).Now, subtract Equation 1 from this result:\((2a + b) - (a + b) = 16 - 18\)The equation simplifies to:\(a = -2\).Substitute \(a = -2\) back into Equation 1:\(-2 + b = 18\).Solve for \(b\):\(b = 20\).
04
Write the Equation for s(t)
Substitute \(a\), \(b\), and \(c\) into the initial equation:\(s(t) = -2t^2 + 20t + 5\).
05
Evaluate s(t) at t = 8
To find \(s(8)\), substitute \(t = 8\) into the equation:\(s(8) = -2(8)^2 + 20(8) + 5\).Calculate each term:\(-2(64) = -128\),\(20(8) = 160\).Add the results:\(-128 + 160 + 5 = 37\).Thus, \(s(8) = 37\).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Particle Motion
When studying the motion of particles along a straight line, the core idea is to determine how their position changes over time. The position function, often denoted as \(s(t)\), provides a mathematical description of this motion.
In this particular exercise, the position of the particle is described by a quadratic expression \(s(t) = at^2 + bt + c\), where \(a\), \(b\), and \(c\) are constants that shape the trajectory based on initial conditions.
In this particular exercise, the position of the particle is described by a quadratic expression \(s(t) = at^2 + bt + c\), where \(a\), \(b\), and \(c\) are constants that shape the trajectory based on initial conditions.
- Time \(t\) is a variable that represents the specific moment we are interested in.
- \(s(t)\) tells us exactly where the particle is along the line at any given time \(t\).
System of Equations
A system of equations is essentially a collection of two or more equations with multiple variables. The goal is to find a common solution that satisfies all the equations simultaneously. In the given exercise, we derived our system after substituting specific conditions into the position function.
- Each equation in the system brings a new constraint.
- We use these constraints to pinpoint the values of unknowns, like \(a\) and \(b\) in the quadratic function.
Substitution Method
The substitution method is a technique used to solve a system of equations by replacing one variable with an expression derived from another equation. Here’s a simplified approach to how it works in our example:
First, we determine one of the constants \(c\) directly from the condition \(s(0) = 5\). Now, with \(c\) known, the substitution method allows us to simplify the equations further to isolate and determine \(a\) and \(b\).
The steps follow this pattern:
First, we determine one of the constants \(c\) directly from the condition \(s(0) = 5\). Now, with \(c\) known, the substitution method allows us to simplify the equations further to isolate and determine \(a\) and \(b\).
The steps follow this pattern:
- Find one variable directly with given conditions.
- Substitute this known value into other equations.
- Simplify and isolate the remaining variables.
Position Function
The position function is a mathematical concept describing the location of a particle as a function of time, \(t\). In our exercise, the position function is quadratic: \(s(t) = a t^2 + b t + c\).
This equation gives a curve that predicts the motion of the particle and translates the relationship between position and time into mathematical terms.
This equation gives a curve that predicts the motion of the particle and translates the relationship between position and time into mathematical terms.
- The coefficient \(a\) effects acceleration. It defines how quickly the particle speeds up or slows down.
- \(b\) affects the speed or rate at which the position changes over time.
- \(c\) is the initial position, or where the particle begins at time zero.