# Distance and Displacement

• March 15th 2010, 11:50 AM
twoteenine
Distance and Displacement
Problem: Find the total distance and total displacement of a particle with velocity, $v(t) = t^2 -4$, over the time interval [0,3].

I need help with starting this problem. How do you find distance and displacement with velocity?
• March 15th 2010, 11:53 AM
craig
Quote:

Originally Posted by twoteenine
Problem: Find the total distance and total displacement of a particle with velocity, $v(t) = t^2 -4$, over the time interval [0,3].

I need help with starting this problem. How do you find distance and displacement with velocity?

To find the displacement your integrate the equation for velocity with respect to t, using the intervals [0,3].

Hope this helps :)
• March 15th 2010, 11:58 AM
skeeter
Quote:

Originally Posted by twoteenine
Problem: Find the total distance and total displacement of a particle with velocity, $v(t) = t^2 -4$, over the time interval [0,3].

I need help with starting this problem. How do you find distance and displacement with velocity?

displacement ... $\Delta x = \int_0^3 v(t) \, dt$

distance ... $d = \int_0^3 |v(t)| \, dt$