[Math] A particle moves along the $x$-axis according to the equation $x=10t-2t^2$ … (Question about the wording)

calculusphysics

A particle moves along the $x$-axis according to the equation $x=10t-2t^2$. What is the total distance covered by the particle between $t=0$ and $t=3$?

I'm just not sure whether the question is asking to find the length of the arc or the integral of the absolute value of the function.

I just need help determining what the question is exactly asking… I already know how to complete the process, I just need to know which method to use. I thought that the particle was moving along the curve of the equation, but it asked for total distance, which makes me think of integrals.

Best Answer

The quantity $x(t) = 10t - 2t^2$ represents the position of the particle at time $t$. To find the displacement from $t = 0$ to $t = 3$, we subtract $x(0)$ from $x(3)$. However, the displacement is not equal to the distance if the particle changes direction (it does). To determine the direction of the particle, look at the sign of the velocity, $x'(t)$. Determine the time interval in which the particle is moving to the left and calculate its displacement during this interval. Do the same for the time interval in which it is moving to the right. To find the total distance traveled by the particle, add the absolute values of the displacements to the left and right.