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. Any help would be appreciated. :)

Question

misty1212 · Answer

HI!!

anonymous · Answer

HI!

misty1212 · Answer

if $s$ is the position, and it is a line $s(t)=1-13t$ then the velocity is the slope, which is evidently $-13$

anonymous · Answer

How did you get that?

misty1212 · Answer

the slope?

misty1212 · Answer

just like $y=mx+b$ the slope is $m$

misty1212 · Answer

you have $$-13t+1$$ the slope is $-13$

anonymous · Answer

Oh, it was that simple.. thanks XD

anonymous · Answer

But what if t=8?

misty1212 · Answer

slope of a line does not depend on the number for $t$ it is a constant 
in this case $-13$

misty1212 · Answer

they just threw that in there to confuse you i guess

anonymous · Answer

ok thank you