Analyzing Motion Using Graphs


[Technology Exercise] Exercises 31–34 give the position function s = f(t) of an object moving along the s-axis as a function of time t. Graph f together with the velocity function v(t) = ds/dt = f'(t) and the acceleration function a(t) = d²s/dt² = f''(t). Comment on the object’s behavior in relation to the signs and values of v and a. Include in your commentary such topics as the following:


d. When does it speed up and slow down?


s = t³ - 6t² + 7t, 0 ≤ t ≤ 4

Differentiability and Continuity on an Interval

Each figure in Exercises 45–50 shows the graph of a function over a closed interval D. At what domain points does the function appear to be

c. neither continuous nor differentiable?

Give reasons for your answers.

Theory and Examples

In Exercises 51–54,

d. Over what intervals of x-values, if any, does the function y = f(x) increase as x increases? Decrease as x increases? How is this related to what you found in part (c)? (We will say more about this relationship in Section 4.3.)

y = −1/x

Right circular cylinder The total surface area S of a right circular cylinder is related to the base radius r and height h by the equation S = 2πr² + 2πrh.

d. How is dr/dt related to dh/dt if S is constant?

By computing the first few derivatives and looking for a pattern, find the following derivatives.

c. d⁷³/dx⁷³ (x sin x)

Theory and Examples

In Exercises 51–54,

d. Over what intervals of x-values, if any, does the function y = f(x) increase as x increases? Decrease as x increases? How is this related to what you found in part (c)? (We will say more about this relationship in Section 4.3.)

y = x³/3

Particle motion At time t, the position of a body moving along the s-axis is s = t³ − 6t² + 9t m.

c. Find the total distance traveled by the body from t = 0 to t = 2.