IB Calculus Problem 16

A particle \(P\) moves along a straight line. The velocity \(v\) \(ms^{-1}\) of \(P\) after \(t\) seconds is given by \(v(t) = 7 cos t - 5t^{cos t}\), for \(0 \leq t \leq 7\).

The following diagram shows the graph of \(v\).

The figure is not to scale.

image essential to understanding the question
  1. Find the initial velocity of \(P\).
  2. Find the maximum speed of \(P\).
  3. Write down the number of times the acceleration of \(P\) is \(0\) \(ms^{-2}\).
  4. Find the acceleration of \(P\) when the particle changes direction.
  5. Find the total distance travelled by \(P\).
Published by Annie Bernatchez in «calculus». Key Words: IB, question