The position of an object at time t is given by s(t) = -1 - 13t. Find the instantaneous velocity at t = 8 by finding the derivative.

Question

phi · Answer

can you find the derivative?

anonymous · Answer

No I'm really confused.

anonymous · Answer

Do you think you could help me ?

phi · Answer

is the equation
$$  s(t) = -1 - 13t $$
?

anonymous · Answer

yes

phi · Answer

do you know the derivative (with respect to t) of the constant -1 ?

anonymous · Answer

No.

anonymous · Answer

Is it s'(t) = -13

phi · Answer

I doubt I can explain calculus using this little box to type into.

Yes, the derivative of a constant is 0
derivative of -13 t   is -13
that means it is always -13 (even at t=8)

phi · Answer

If you want more background, you can see http://www.khanacademy.org/math/differential-calculus/taking-derivatives/derivative_intro/v/calculus--derivatives-1--new-hd-version there are more videos for harder sections also.