Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Derivative
The derivative of a function represents the rate of change of the function with respect to a variable. In this context, the derivative of the position function x(t) with respect to time t gives the velocity of the particle. Calculating the derivative allows us to determine how the position changes over time, which is essential for finding the velocity at specific time points.
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Trigonometric Derivatives
Understanding the derivatives of trigonometric functions is crucial here, as the position function involves sine and cosine. The derivative of cos(t) is -sin(t), and the derivative of sin(t) is cos(t). Applying these rules to the position function x = 3 cos t + 4 sin t helps us find the velocity function, which is necessary to evaluate the velocity at given times.
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Evaluating Functions at Specific Points
Once the velocity function is derived, it must be evaluated at specific time points: t = 0, t = π/2, and t = π. This involves substituting these values into the velocity function to find the particle's velocity at these moments. This step is crucial for understanding the particle's motion at different times and requires careful substitution and simplification.
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