Calculus: Early Transcendentals 8th Edition

Published by Cengage Learning
ISBN 10: 1285741552
ISBN 13: 978-1-28574-155-0

Chapter 2 - Section 2.8 - The Derivative as a Function - 2.8 Exercises - Page 164: 51

Answer

Curve a - acceleration of the car. Curve b - velocity of the car. Curve c - position function of the car.

Work Step by Step

We've learned that the velocity function is the derivative of the position function, and the acceleration function is the derivative of the velocity function. Therefore, we can call the position function $f$, the velocity function $f'$ and the acceleration function $f''$. Now look at curve a. Curve a has 2 local extrema and passes the $Ox$ 1 time. Now if curve a represents $f$ or $f'$, there must exist 1 other curve that passes the $Ox$ 2 times. Nevertheless, none of the other 2 curves pass the $Ox$ 2 times. Therefore, curve a represents $f''$, or the acceleration of the car. Now look at the remaining 2 curves. Curve b has 1 local extrema and curve c does not pass the $Ox$ at all. If curve b represents $f$, then curve c should pass $Ox$ 1 time. But in fact, it does not. Therefore, curve b represents $f'$, or the velocity of the car. Curve c represents $f$, or the position function of the car.
Update this answer!

You can help us out by revising, improving and updating this answer.

Update this answer

After you claim an answer you’ll have 24 hours to send in a draft. An editor will review the submission and either publish your submission or provide feedback.