The height of an object t seconds after it is dropped from a height of 300 meters is s(t)=-4.9t^2 +3

Discussion in 'Calculator Requests' started by math_celebrity, May 5, 2019.

  1. math_celebrity

    math_celebrity Administrator Staff Member

    The height of an object t seconds after it is dropped from a height of 300 meters is s(t)=-4.9t^2 +300. Find the average velocity of the object during the first 3 seconds? (b) Use the Mean value Theorem to verify that at some time during the first 3 seconds of the fall the instantaneous velocity equals the average velocity. Find that time.

    Average Velocity:
    [ f(3) - f(0) ] / ( 3 - 0 )

    Calculate f(3):
    f(3) = -4.9(3^2) + 300
    f(3) = -4.9(9) + 300
    f(3) = -44.1 + 300
    f(3) = 255.9

    Calculate f(0):
    f(0) = -4.9(0^2) + 300
    f(0) = 0 + 300
    f(0) = 300

    So we have average velocity:
    Average velocity = (255.9 - 300)/(3 - 0)
    Average velocity = -44.1/3
    Average velocity = -14.7

    Velocity is the first derivative of position
    s(t)=-4.9t^2 +300
    s'(t) = -9.8t

    So we set velocity equal to average velocity:
    -9.8t = -14.7

    Divide each side by -9.8 to solve for t, we get t = 1.5
     

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