Applications of Limits

Question

A ball is thrown vertically upward from the top of a 100-foot tower, with an initial velocity of 20 ft/sec. Its position function is s(t) = -16t² + 20t + 100. What is its velocity in ft/sec when t = 1 second?

Options:

1. -12
2. -44
3. 100
4. -32

Answer 1

velocity is the first derivative of position (both are functions of t)

You are given s(t) = -16t² + 20t + 100.

v(t) = s'(t) = -32t + 20

Answer 2

The velocity v(t) = the derivative of the distance function s(t) and

v(t) = -32t + 20.

Plug in t=1 to get your answer.