1987 HSC Question 6

A particle of unit mass moves in a straight line against a resistance numerically equal
to v + v3, where v is its velocity. Initially, the particle is at the origin and is travelling
with velocity Q, where Q > 0.
a) Show that v is related to the displacement x by the formula

x=tan1

Qv
.
1+Qv

b) Show that the time t which has elapsed when the particle is travelling with velocity
v is given by t = ln[

Q2 ( 1+ v 2 )
].
v 2 ( 1+ Q2 )

c) Find v2 as a function of t.
d) Find the limiting values of v and x as t .