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Multiple Choice
A particle travels along the š„-axis and its velocity is the given graph of v(t). Find total distance on [0,5]
A
2.5
B
4.5
C
2
D
6.5
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the problem. The graph provided represents the velocity function v(t) of a particle moving along the x-axis. To find the total distance traveled on the interval [0,5], we need to calculate the integral of the absolute value of v(t) over this interval.
Step 2: Analyze the graph. The velocity function v(t) is a straight line decreasing from 5 at t=0 to -4 at t=5. This indicates that the particle changes direction at t=2, where v(t) crosses the x-axis (v(t)=0). The total distance traveled will be the sum of the absolute values of the areas under the curve from t=0 to t=2 and from t=2 to t=5.
Step 3: Break the integral into two parts. Since the velocity changes sign at t=2, split the integral into two intervals: [0,2] and [2,5]. For the interval [0,2], v(t) is positive, so the integral is ā«[0,2]v(t)dt. For the interval [2,5], v(t) is negative, so the integral is ā«[2,5]|v(t)|dt, which is equivalent to -ā«[2,5]v(t)dt.
Step 4: Determine the equation of v(t). The graph is a straight line, so v(t) can be expressed as a linear function. Using the points (0,5) and (5,-4), calculate the slope m = (y2-y1)/(x2-x1) = (-4-5)/(5-0) = -9/5. Thus, v(t) = -9/5*t + 5.
Step 5: Set up the integrals. Substitute v(t) = -9/5*t + 5 into the integrals. For the interval [0,2], calculate ā«[0,2](-9/5*t + 5)dt. For the interval [2,5], calculate -ā«[2,5](-9/5*t + 5)dt. Add the absolute values of these two results to find the total distance traveled.