Speedometer readings for a vehicle (in motion) at 6-second intervals are given in the table.

Question

t(sec) v(ft/s)

0 29

6 32

12 18

18 32

24 19

30 23

Estimate the distance traveled by the vehicle during this 30-second period using the velocities at the beginning of the time intervals.

distance traveled ≈ feet

Give another estimate using the velocities at the end of the time periods.

distance traveled ≈ feet

Answer 1

Distance travelled is basically average speed times time. The Left-hand approximation sums the area of each 6 second area using the beginning v in each segment as the height, so L = (29 + ...+ 19)*6 = 780 ft. The right-hand approximation is R = (32 + ... + 23)*6 = 744 ft.