# Math Help - Vectors

1. ## Vectors

Ok .. here it is...

The velocity of a train is reduced from 30m/s to 10m/s over a distance of 200m. Under this constant deceleration the train travels a further distance before coming to rest. What is this distance?

2. Posted the question now.

3. Originally Posted by classicstrings
Ok .. here it is...

The velocity of a train is reduced from 30m/s to 10m/s over a distance of 200m. Under this constant deceleration the train travels a further distance before coming to rest. What is this distance?
For the record I am assigning a positive direction in the direction of the initial velocity of the train. I am temporarily assigning an origin to be at the point where the train has a speed of 30 m/s.

To find the acceleration of the train:
$v^2 = v_0^2 + 2a(x - x_0)$

$10^2 = 30^2 + 2 \cdot a \cdot 200$

[tex]a = \frac{100 - 900}{2 \cdot 200}

$a = -2 \, m/s^2$

(The negative sign merely indicates that the acceleration is in the opposite direction to the initial velocity, meaning that it is a decleration in this case.)

Now I will reset the origin to the point where the speed is 10 m/s. We wish to find out how far the train travels from this point until it comes to rest. We may use the same equation:

$v^2 = v_0^2 + 2a(x - x_0)$

$0^2 = 10^2 + 2(-2)(x - 0)$

$x = \frac{0 - 100}{2 \cdot -4}$

$x = 25 \, m$

-Dan

4. Hello Topsquark thanks for the answer, i'm still looking at it, but my solutions (not that I know why it is 25) says it is meant to be 25metres. Thanks!

EDIT: Ok I see your calculation error, -800 = 400a, a = -2m/s^2

5. I get it now, thanks! It works out, after the a = -2m/s^2.

6. Originally Posted by classicstrings
I get it now, thanks! It works out, after the a = -2m/s^2.
Whoops! Sorry about that. (Go figure, the one calculation I trust myself to do in my head...) I fixed it in my original post.

-Dan

7. Originally Posted by topsquark
Whoops! Sorry about that. (Go figure, the one calculation I trust myself to do in my head...) I fixed it in my original post.

-Dan
Thanks a lot! Would you be able to give a quick look to the other one i just posted please?