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Ch. 6 - Applications of Integration
Briggs - Calculus: Early Transcendentals 3rd Edition
Briggs3rd EditionCalculus: Early TranscendentalsISBN: 9780136847243Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 6, Problem 6.R.11a

{Use of Tech} Decreasing velocity A projectile is fired upward, and its velocity in m/s is given by v(t) = 200e^−t/10, for t≥0.
a. Graph the velocity function, for t≥0.

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Understand the velocity function: The given function is v(t) = 200e^(-t/10), where v(t) represents the velocity of the projectile at time t. The function is an exponential decay function, indicating that the velocity decreases over time.
Identify the key features of the function: The initial velocity at t = 0 is v(0) = 200e^(0) = 200 m/s. As t increases, the term e^(-t/10) decreases, causing the velocity to decrease.
Determine the behavior of the function as t approaches infinity: As t becomes very large, e^(-t/10) approaches 0, which means the velocity v(t) approaches 0 m/s.
Choose an appropriate range for t: Since the problem specifies t ≥ 0, consider a range of t values from 0 to a reasonable upper limit, such as 50 seconds, to observe the behavior of the velocity over time.
Plot the graph: On a graph, plot v(t) on the y-axis and t on the x-axis. Start at the point (0, 200) and show the curve decreasing towards the x-axis as t increases, reflecting the exponential decay of the velocity.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Exponential Functions

Exponential functions are mathematical expressions in the form of f(t) = a * e^(kt), where 'e' is the base of natural logarithms. In the context of the given velocity function v(t) = 200e^(-t/10), the negative exponent indicates that the function decreases over time, which is typical for projectile motion as it loses velocity due to gravity.
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Exponential Functions

Graphing Functions

Graphing functions involves plotting points on a coordinate system to visualize the relationship between variables. For the velocity function v(t) = 200e^(-t/10), the graph will show how the velocity decreases as time increases, illustrating the projectile's deceleration. Understanding how to interpret and create these graphs is essential for analyzing motion.
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Velocity and Time Relationship

The relationship between velocity and time in projectile motion describes how the speed of an object changes over time. In this case, the velocity function indicates that as time progresses, the velocity of the projectile decreases exponentially, reflecting the effects of gravitational pull. This concept is crucial for understanding the dynamics of motion in physics.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question

14–25. {Use of Tech} Areas of regions Determine the area of the given region.


The region in the first quadrant bounded by y = x/6 and y = 1−|x/2−1|

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Textbook Question

27–33. Multiple regions The regions R₁,R₂, and R₃ (see figure) are formed by the graphs of y = 2√x,y = 3−x,and x=3.

Find the area of each of the regions R₁,R₂, and R₃.

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Textbook Question

Area and volume The region R is bounded by the curves x = y²+2,y=x−4, and y=0 (see figure).

a. Write a single integral that gives the area of R.

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Textbook Question

Comparing volumes Let R be the region bounded by y=1/x^p and the x-axis on the interval [1, a], where p>0 and a>1 (see figure). Let Vₓ and Vᵧ be the volumes of the solids generated when R is revolved about the x- and y-axes, respectively.


c. Find a general expression for Vₓ in terms of a and p. Note that p=1/2 is a special case. What is Vₓ when p=1/2?

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Textbook Question

27–33. Multiple regions The regions R₁,R₂, and R₃ (see figure) are formed by the graphs of y = 2√x,y = 3−x,and x=3.


Use the shell method to find an integral, or sum of integrals, that equals the volume of the solid obtained by revolving region R₃ about the line x=3. Do not evaluate the integral.

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Textbook Question

43–55. Volumes of solids Choose the general slicing method, the disk/washer method, or the shell method to answer the following questions.


The region bounded by the graph of y = 4−x² and the x-axis on the interval [−2,2] is revolved about the line x = −2. What is the volume of the solid that is generated?

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