Instantaneous Velocity

Key Questions

  • Answer:

    Instantaneous velocity is the derivative or slope of the distance function.

    Explanation:

    Let the distance function be #s(x)#

    Then, the instantaneous velocity at x:

    instantaneous velocity #=v(x)=# #""_(hrarr0)^lim[s(x+h)-s(x)]/h#

    hope that helps

  • Answer:

    See explanation

    Explanation:

    If I remember correctly!!!

    For this expression to be used you are talking about obtaining the velocity at any absolutely minute moment in time on a changing velocity.

    The change in velocity is acceleration. The thing is; acceleration could also be changing giving you a double whammy!

    If you were to plot the changing velocity against time then you would get a curve. The tangent to this curve at any point is the resulting acceleration.

    Check this to make sure it is correct: the instantaneous velocity is a lead up to the process of differentiation and or integration in Calculus.

  • The instantaneous velocity is found by taking the derivative of the curve and then substituting in a value of x.

    Example:

    #f(x)=x^3#

    #f'(x)=3x^2#

    Below are the instantaneous velocities at various values of #x# for the curve.

    #x=-3 -> f'(-3)=3(-3)^2=27#

    #x=0 -> f'(0)=3(0)^2=0#

    #x=1 -> f'(1)=3(1)^2=3#

    #x=5 -> f'(5)=3(5)^2=75#

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