Maths Problem 11

Question

An electrical systems output is described as I(t) = t2 - 2t + 1, what is the time(s) in seconds when the current I is zero. Sketch the equation showing all intercepts

Answer 1

L(t) = t²-2t+ 1

 

This can be factored to  L(t) = (t-1)²

The current will be at zero when t = 1

 

To graph this label the horizontal axis as t for time in seconds and the vertical axis as l for current

This graphs as a parabola opening upward with the vertex on the x or "t" axis... at (1,0)

 

The only t intercept is at the vertex (1,0)
the l intercept (when t=0) is at (0,1)
 

You can plot other points simply by plugging in values of t

 

 t     L(t)=(t-1)²

-----------------

-1       4

 0       1

 1       0

 2       1

 3       4