i know the formula is: (av)= (displacement)/(time) = (∆s)/(∆t) = [ f(t +∆t) - f(t)] / (∆t)
I just don't understand what it really means. What does the delta symbolize? What is the difference between t and delta t? what does 's' represent?
I just don't understand what it really means. What does the delta symbolize? What is the difference between t and delta t? what does 's' represent?
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Delta means "change in the following quantity".
f( ____ )
means a function named "f", with the argument of whatever it may be in the parenthesis.
Think of t, as the value listed on a clock.
Think of ∆t, as a difference between two values listed on a clock, for two instants of interest.
"s" stands for diSplacement. They ran out of letters when setting up these equations, so they used a different characteristic letter of "displacement" instead of the d.
Displacement is a fancy term, that expands upon the idea of distance. It is distance with a direction. You might think of it as position, as well.
f( ____ )
means a function named "f", with the argument of whatever it may be in the parenthesis.
Think of t, as the value listed on a clock.
Think of ∆t, as a difference between two values listed on a clock, for two instants of interest.
"s" stands for diSplacement. They ran out of letters when setting up these equations, so they used a different characteristic letter of "displacement" instead of the d.
Displacement is a fancy term, that expands upon the idea of distance. It is distance with a direction. You might think of it as position, as well.