Question

Stewart James, Calculus, Section 6.4, Page 449, Problem 5

Shown is the graph of a force function (in newtons) that increases to its maximum value and then remains constant. How much work is done by the force in moving an object a distance of 8 m?

Can someone please help us with this question. The answer we keep getting does not match the answer displayed in the back of the book.

Thanks!

Answer 1

Answer: 180J

Step-by-step explanation:

Step 1: Split the one shape into two shapes shown in the image below.

Step 2: Know that an area of a right triangle is 1/2(base)(height) and an area of a square is (base)(height)

Step 3:

Base Of right triangle is 4 and height is 30 so:

1/2(4)(30)=60

Step4:

Base Of square is 4 and height is 30 so:

4×30=120

Step 5: Add the two solutions together to get the whole shapes area. Which is:

60+120=180J

Then your final answer is 180 J.