Question

@johnweldon1993

Answer 1

The position of an object at time t is given by s(t) = 1 - 12t. Find the instantaneous velocity at t = 2 by finding the derivative.

Answer 2

@wio

Answer 3

last problem i swear!!

Answer 4

Well what is the derivative of our function?

\[\large s(t) = 1 - 12t\]
\[\large s'(t) = ?\]

Answer 5

12? im really bad at derivatives

Answer 6

Close

Well first, remember the derivative is just the slope of a function at any given point

So firstly, if we just had s(t) = 1 this would be horizontal line, with no slope right? so that means the derivative of a constant = 0

And so we have s(t) = -12t

Well the derivative of a term with a variable, is just the term

But notice however, the term is -12, not 12

so the derivative of our function is -12

\[\large s(t) = 1 - 12t\]
\[\large s'(t) = -12\]

Answer 7

oh! i was so close :/

Answer 8

And what that tells us, is that ANYWHERE you look on the derivative graph of 1 - 12t...the slope will be -12

so, it doesnt matter if they want the derivative at t = 2....t = 4....or t = 10000

no matter what, it is -12

Answer 9

thats it?! that was so easy

Answer 10

Math generally is, as long as you understand the approach

Answer 11

thanks(:

Answer 12

anytime!

Answer 13

@jays2hot