Home > Calculus > Instantaneous Velocity

How can instantaneous velocity be found from a displacement-time graph?

Answer 1

In a graph of displacement vs. time (that is, a function #x(t)#, where #x# is displacement and #t# is time), assuming the function is continuous and differentiable throughout, instantaneous velocity at any point can be found by taking the derivative of the function with respect to #t# at that point.

A similar question was asked and answered here: https://tutor.hix.ai Simply substitute "displacement" for any mentions of "position" or "time."

By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Answer 2

Christopher Agresta

Instantaneous velocity can be found from a displacement-time graph by determining the slope of the tangent line to the curve at a specific point on the graph. This slope represents the rate of change of displacement with respect to time at that particular instant, which is the instantaneous velocity.

By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Answer from HIX Tutor

When evaluating a one-sided limit, you need to be careful when a quantity is approaching zero since its sign is different depending on which way it is approaching zero from. Let us look at some examples.