10. Two particles start at the origin and move along the \( x \)-axis. For \( 0 \leq t \leq 8 \), their respective position functions are given by:

\[ x_1(t) = \sin^2 t \]

\[ x_2(t) = e^{-t} \]

For how many values of \( t \) do the particles have the same velocity? (Calculator needed)






Answer is: option3

5

Solution:

The position functions of the two particles are:

\[ x_1(t) = \sin^2 t \]

\[ x_2(t) = e^{-t} \]

Velocity of Particle 1:

\[ v_1(t) = \frac{d}{dt} (\sin^2 t) = 2 \sin t \cos t = \sin(2t) \]

Velocity of Particle 2:

\[ v_2(t) = \frac{d}{dt} (e^{-t}) = -e^{-t} \]

Solve for \( t \) When \( v_1(t) = v_2(t) \)

\[ \sin(2t) = -e^{-t} \]

This equation needs to be solved for \( 0 \leq t \leq 8 \).

The equation has five solutions in the given range.

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