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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 6.1.24c

Cycling distance A cyclist rides down a long straight road with a velocity (in m/min) given by v(t) = 400−20t, for 0≤t≤10, where t is measured in minutes.


c. How far has the cyclist traveled when her velocity is 250 m/min?

Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the given velocity function: \(v(t) = 400 - 20t\), where \(t\) is in minutes and \(v(t)\) is in meters per minute.
Find the time \(t\) when the velocity is 250 m/min by setting \(v(t) = 250\) and solving for \(t\): \(400 - 20t = 250\).
Once you find the time \(t\), recall that the distance traveled is the integral of velocity over time, so the distance \(s(t)\) from \(t=0\) to this time is given by \(s(t) = \int_0^t v(\tau) \, d\tau\).
Set up the integral with the velocity function: \(s(t) = \int_0^t (400 - 20\tau) \, d\tau\).
Evaluate the integral to find the distance traveled up to the time when velocity is 250 m/min.

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Key Concepts

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

Velocity and its Relation to Displacement

Velocity is the rate of change of displacement with respect to time. To find the distance traveled, we analyze the velocity function over time, noting that displacement is the integral of velocity. Understanding how velocity changes helps determine the position at any given time.
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Intro To Related Rates

Solving for Time from Velocity

Given a velocity function v(t), finding when the velocity equals a specific value involves solving an equation for t. This step is crucial to identify the exact time at which the cyclist's velocity reaches 250 m/min, which then allows calculation of the distance traveled up to that time.
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Using The Velocity Function

Definite Integration to Find Distance

Distance traveled over a time interval is found by integrating the velocity function with respect to time between the initial and final times. This process sums the infinitesimal displacements, providing the total distance covered when the velocity reaches the specified value.
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Definition of the Definite Integral
Related Practice
Textbook Question

Bike race Theo and Sasha start at the same place on a straight road, riding bikes with the following velocities (measured in mi/hr). Assume t is measured in hours.

Theo: vT(t)=10, for t≥0

Sasha: vS(t)=15t, for 0≤t≤1, and vS(t)=15, for t>1


c. If the riders ride for 2 hr, who rides farther? Interpret your answer geometrically using the graphs of part (a). 

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Textbook Question

Piecewise velocity The velocity of a (fast) automobile on a straight highway is given by the function

v(t)={3t if 0t<2060 if 20t<452404t if t45v(t)= \(\begin{cases}\)3 t & \(\text\) { if } 0 \(\leq\) t<20 \\ 60 & \(\text\) { if } 20 \(\leq\) t<45 \\ 240-4 t & \(\text\) { if } t \(\geq\) 45\(\end{cases}\)

, where is measured in seconds and v has units of m/s. 


c. What is the distance traveled by the automobile in the first 60 s?

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Textbook Question

9–10. Velocity graphs The figures show velocity functions for motion along a line. Assume the motion begins with an initial position of s(0)=0. Determine the following.

c. The position at t=5

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Textbook Question

Compressing and stretching a spring Suppose a force of 30 N is required to stretch and hold a spring 0.2 m from its equilibrium position.

c. How much work is required to stretch the spring 0.3 m from its equilibrium position?

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Textbook Question

Day hike The velocity (in mi/hr) of a hiker walking along a straight trail is given by v(t) = 3 sin² πt/2, for 0≤t≤4. Assume s(0)=0 and t is measured in hours. 


c. What is the hiker’s position at t=3?

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Textbook Question

Flying into a headwind The velocity (in mi/hr) of an airplane flying into a headwind is given by v(t) = 30(16−t²), for 0≤t≤3. Assume s(0)=0 and t is measured in hours.


c. How far has the airplane traveled at the instant its velocity reaches 400 mi/hr?

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