[Math] Distance traveled during changing acceleration (calculus-based physics)

calculuskinematicsphysics

The acceleration as a function of time $a(t)$ (in m/s$^2$) and the initial velocity $v(0)$ are given for a particle moving along a line:
$$a(t) = 2t + 4, \hspace{4mm}v(0) = −5, \hspace{8mm} 0 \leq t \leq 4.$$
(a) Find the velocity at time $t$. ($v(t) = t^2+4t−5$)

(b) Find the distance traveled during the given time interval.

I was able to solve part (a) but have been having issues with part (b). It's a webassign assignment and the "master it" section only gives me the first portion and it hasn't allowed me to see other problems so I could try and figure it out by example. Is anyone able to explain to me how to do this?

Best Answer

You have an expression for the velocity.

To calculate distance as opposed to displacement, you need to know the time(s) when $v=0$, since the particle reverses the direction of motion at these times, and integrate the velocity separately over these time intervals, taking the absolute value where necessary.

Clearly $v=0\Rightarrow t=1$

Therefore the distance travelled is $$\left|\int_0^1(t^2+4t-5)dt\right|+\left|\int_1^4(t^2+4t-5)dt\right|$$