Math 1210 Signature Assignment: Derivatives

Suppose that a particle moves according to the law of motion 𝑠(𝑡) = 𝑡 4 − 6𝑡 3 + 4𝑡 2 + 3 with
t ≥ 0, where s is in meters and t is in seconds. Use your knowledge of the relationship between
position, velocity, and acceleration to answer the following questions. Use exact values (not
approximations) throughout.

a) Find the velocity of the particle at time t. What is the velocity at t = 0?

V (t) = 4t3-18t2+8t
V (0) = 0
b) Determine, using algebraic analysis, when the particle is moving in a positive direction, a
negative direction, and when it is at rest.
V=0, when is at rest
0= 4t3-18t2+8t
2t (2t2-9t+4) =0
2t (2t-1) (t-4) =0
t=0, t=1/2, t=4

V< 0, when is moving in a negative direction.

4t3-18t2+8t<0
2t (2t2-9t+4) <0
2t (2t-1) (t-4) <0
t<0, t<1/2, t<4

V>0, when is moving in a positive direction.

4t3-18t2+8t>0
2t (2t2-9t+4) >0
2t (2t-1) (t-4) >0
0<or = t<1, and t>4

c) Find the total distance traveled by the particle in the first 6 seconds.
S (t) =t4-6t3+4t2+3
S (6) = (6)4-6(6)3+4(6)2+3
S (6) =147m

d) Find the acceleration of the particle at time t. What is the acceleration at t = zero?
A (t) = 12t2-36t+8
A (0) =8 m/s2
e) When is the particle speeding up and slowing down? Explain how you found your
answers.
V (t) = 4t3-18t2+8t
V (0) = 0
0= 4t3-18t2+8t
2t (2t2-9t+4) =0
 2t (2t-1) (t-4) =0
t= 0, t= 1/2, t= 4

V(-1)= 4(-1)3-18(-1)2+8(-1)
V(-1)= -30

V(1/3)= 4(1/3)3-18(1/3)2+8(1/3)
V(1/3)= 22/27

V(1)=4(1)3-18(1)2+8(1)
V(1)= -6

V(5)= 4(5)3-18(5)2+8(5)
V(5)= 90

0 1/2 4

- + - +

The article is speeding up (0,1/2) and (4,oo)

The article is slowing down at (-oo,0) and (1/2,4)
In business world there are many applications foe derivatives. One of the most important
application is when the data has been charted on graph or data table such as excel. Once it has
been input, the data can be graphed and with the applications of derivatives you can estimate the
profit and loss point for certain ventures.
Show all your steps and include narrative text explaining your work to your reader.
Include computer generated graphs of your position, velocity, and acceleration functions.
Explain how the graphs support your answers to parts a – e above. Note that the graph is not
providing the answers, but supporting the mathematical steps and calculations you made before
using technology to graph the functions. Merely pointing to a graph to explain any of your
answers above is not an acceptable method of demonstrating understanding.
Write a paragraph reflecting on your solution process. What problems did you encounter in
completing the assignment? How did you troubleshoot them, if you did? What new skills or
insights did completing the assignment give you? Give a specific “real world” example of the
use of derivatives that is significantly different from the problem you just solved. Your example
should include the meaning or purpose of the derivative and an explanation of why it may be
important in a real application. Cite any sources used.
______________________________________________________________________________
Expectations:
All signature assignments must be completely word processed, including using an equation
editor for all mathematics. Hand-written work will not be graded. All mathematical steps must
be shown and there must be narrative in place to explain your process to your reader. Any charts
or graphs will also be computer generated. Your problem will be presented in a clear and logical
way. A signature assignment should be an exposition of your finest work and presentation.
There are writing labs on campus for general writing help. For help using the equation editor in
Microsoft Word go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cir8RXGTEq8
A copy of this assignment will be placed in your SLCC general education e-Portfolio. Math
1210 is a Quantitative Literacy (QL) general education course. See your syllabus for more
information regarding e-Portfolios.