Question

The position of an object at time t is given by s(t) = -8 - 9t. Find the instantaneous velocity at t = 1 by finding the derivative.

Answer 1

since the derivative of a function tells us the slope of the line at any given point ... and the function they give you is simply a line. Does the slope of a line change depending on what point you select?

Answer 2

Could I just substitute s(t) for f(x) and solve like I'm finding a derivative?

Answer 3

f(x) is used as a generic name: s(t) is just another name

so yes, you can

Answer 4

in physics, s(t) is commonly used to denote a position with respect to time

Answer 5

okay, got it! Thanks!

Answer 6

youre welcome