McKay Nielsen

MATH 1210
Professor Suda Satcunasingam

Math 1210 Signature Assignment: Derivatives

Suppose that a particle moves according to the law of motion 𝑠(𝑡) = 𝑡 4 − 6𝑡 3 + 4𝑡 2 + 3 with
t ≥ 0, where s is in meters and t is in seconds. Use your knowledge of the relationship between
position, velocity, and acceleration to answer the following questions. Use exact values (not
approximations) throughout.

a) Find the velocity of the particle at time t. What is the velocity at t = 0?

 The velocity is the derivative of the Position equation, s(t).
o s’(t) = v(t)
o 𝑣(𝑡) = 4𝑡 3 − 18𝑡 2 + 8𝑡
 The velocity at t = 0 can be found by calculating v(0).
o 𝑣(0) = 4(0)3 − 18(0)2 + 8(0)
o v(0) = 0 m/s

b) Determine, using algebraic analysis, when the particle is moving in a positive direction, a
negative direction, and when it is at rest.
 The particle moves in a POSITIVE direction when v(t) > 0
o 𝑣(𝑡) = 4𝑡 3 − 18𝑡 2 + 8𝑡 Velocity Equation
2
o 𝑣(𝑡) = 2𝑡(2𝑡 − 9𝑡 + 4) Factor out 2t
o 𝑣(𝑡) = 2𝑡(2𝑡 − 1)(𝑡 − 4) Factored
o 𝑣(𝑡) > 0 when t > 4 and 0 < t < ½
 The particle moves in a NEGATIVE direction when v(t) < 0
o v(t) < 0 when ½ < t < 4
 The particle is AT REST when v(t) = 0
o 𝑣(𝑡) = 0 at t = (0, ½, 4) seconds

c) Find the total distance traveled by the particle in the first 6 seconds.
 We need to calculate the distances traveled in the intervals [0, ½], [½, 4], and
[4, 6] separately.
1 53 29
o |𝑓 (2) − 𝑓(0)| = | 8 − 3| = 8
1 61 53 175
o |𝑓(4) − 𝑓 (2)| = |− − |=
4 8 8
49 61 37
o |𝑓(6) − 𝑓(4)| = | − (− 4 )| =
2 4
29 175 37 139
 The total distance traveled is + + = = 34.75 𝑚𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑠
8 8 4 4
 d) Find the acceleration of the particle at time t. What is the acceleration at t = 0?
 The acceleration is the derivative of the Velocity equation, v(t).
o v’(t) = a(t)
o 𝑎(𝑡) = 12𝑡 2 − 36𝑡 + 8
 The acceleration at t = 0 can be found by calculating a(0).
o 𝑎(0) = 12(0)2 − 36(0) + 8
o 𝑎(0) = 8 𝑚/𝑠 2
e) When is the particle speeding up and slowing down? Explain how you found your
answers.
 The particle speeds up when the velocity is positive and increasing, or when it is
negative and decreasing. (when a and v have the same signs).
 The particle slows down when a and v have opposite signs.
 Simply put. The particle increases when it is being pushed in the same direction
it’s moving.
 The graph shows the particle is:
1
o Speeding up at: 0 ≤ 𝑡 < 0.242 and 2 < 𝑡 < 2.758 and 𝑡 > 4
1
o Slowing down at: 0.242 < 𝑡 < 2 and 2.758 < 𝑡 < 4

Show all your steps and include narrative text explaining your work to your reader.
Include computer generated graphs of your position, velocity, and acceleration functions. Explain how the graphs
support your answers to parts a – e above. Note that the graph is not providing the answers, but supporting the
mathematical steps and calculations you made before using technology to graph the functions. Merely pointing to a
graph to explain any of your answers above is not an acceptable method of demonstrating understanding.

Position, s(t), shown in red

Velocity, v(t), shown in blue
Acceleration, a(t), shown in green
Write a paragraph reflecting on your solution process. What problems did you encounter in
completing the assignment? How did you troubleshoot them, if you did? What new skills or
insights did completing the assignment give you? Give a specific “real world” example of the
use of derivatives that is significantly different from the problem you just solved. Your example
should include the meaning or purpose of the derivative and an explanation of why it may be
important in a real application. Cite any sources used.
 My solution process to this assignment included review and research from the Calculus
textbook. Pre-existing knowledge and some further research provided context and
understanding of acceleration, velocity, and position relationships; especially when
represented by a graph. This assignment has furthered my knowledge in the relationship
of physics equations and elements. Real world applications of derivatives can involve the
marginal cost of creating a product to realize what price the product should be sold at to
make a profit. For example, how much would the cost be in creating the 300th item
compared to how much they are sold for? As expenses increase, the cost of the product
should adjust accordingly.
______________________________________________________________________________
Expectations:
All signature assignments must be completely word processed, including using an equation
editor for all mathematics. Hand-written work will not be graded. All mathematical steps must
be shown and there must be narrative in place to explain your process to your reader. Any charts
or graphs will also be computer generated. Your problem will be presented in a clear and logical
way. A signature assignment should be an exposition of your finest work and presentation.
There are writing labs on campus for general writing help. For help using the equation editor in
Microsoft Word go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cir8RXGTEq8
A copy of this assignment will be placed in your SLCC general education e-Portfolio. Math
1210 is a Quantitative Literacy (QL) general education course. See your syllabus for more
information regarding e-Portfolios.