Final answer:
To find the initial speed of the scooter, we use the acceleration formula v = u + at, with the given final velocity of 17 m/s, acceleration of 3 m/s^2, and time of 4 seconds. Solving for u, we find the initial velocity is 5 m/s.
Step-by-step explanation:
To calculate the initial speed of the scooter before it accelerated down the hill, we can use the formula for acceleration: final velocity (v) = initial velocity (u) + acceleration (a) * time (t). We are given that the scooter accelerated at a rate of 3 m/s2, took 4 seconds to reach a final speed of 17 m/s. Plugging in these values, we get:
17 m/s = u + (3 m/s2 * 4 s)
17 m/s = u + 12 m/s
Therefore, the initial velocity u = 17 m/s - 12 m/s = 5 m/s.
The scooter initially started out with a speed of 5 m/s going down the hill.