AP Calculus AB Unit 8.2: Motion with Integrals
Practice AP Calculus Unit 8.2 questions on using velocity integrals to find displacement, position, and total distance in motion.
- Syllabus
- Effective Fall 2025
- Course
- AP Calculus AB
Practice AP Calculus Unit 8.2 questions on using velocity integrals to find displacement, position, and total distance in motion.
Two particles, H and J, are moving along the x-axis. For 0≤t≤5, the position of particle H at
time t is given by xH(t)=et2−4t and the velocity of particle J at time t is given by
vJ(t)=2t(t2−1)3.
Particle J is at position x=7 at time t=0. Find the position of particle J at time t=2. Show
the work that leads to your answer.
D Particle J is at position x=7 at time t=0. Find the position of particle J at time t=2. Show the
work that leads to your answer.
| xJ(2)=xJ(0)+∫02vJ(t)dt=7+∫022t(t2−1)3dt=7+[41(t2−1)4]02=7+41((3)4−(−1)4)=7+41(80)=27 |
|---|
| Integrand | Point 7 (P7) |
|---|---|
| Antiderivative | Point 8 (P8) |
| Answer | Point 9 (P9) |
Scoring Notes for Part D
- To earn P7, a response must present an indefinite or definite integral with an integrand of vJ(t) or
2t(t2−1)3. (See below for notes on how to handle a missing differential d t.)
- P8 is earned for an antiderivative of the form k(t2−1)4 or equivalent, for k>0. If k=41, then
the response is not eligible to earn P9.
- A response of 7+41((3)4−(−1)4) or equivalent banks P9 (i.e., subsequent errors in simplification
will not be considered in scoring for P9).
Note: An ambiguous response, such as 7+41((3)4−(−1)4, does not bank P9 and therefore must go
on to resolve the ambiguity with a correct final answer (e.g., 7+41(80) or 27) to earn P9.
- If the differential d t is missing:
○ Writing ∫02vJ(t) earns P7 and is eligible to earn P8 and P9.
○ Writing 7+∫02vJ(t) earns P7 and is eligible to earn P8 and P9.
○ Writing ∫02vJ(t)+7 introduces an ambiguity for the intended integrand.
- ∫02vJ(t)+7=[41(t2−1)4]02+7 resolves the ambiguity.
Therefore, this earns P7 and P8 and is eligible for P9.
- ∫02vJ(t)+7=[41(t2−1)4+7t]02 confirms that an incorrect integrand was used.
Therefore, this does not earn P7, earns P8, and is not eligible for P9.
- If the ambiguity is not resolved, this does not earn P7, P8, or P9.
- Alternate solution using u-substitution:
Let u=t2−1, then du=2tdt.t=0⇒u=−1t=2⇒u=3xJ(2)=xJ(0)+∫02vJ(t)dt=7+∫022t(t2−1)3dt=7+∫−13u3du=7+[41u4]−13=7+41((3)4−(−1)4)=7+41(80)=27
- Alternate solution using indefinite integral:
∫2t(t2−1)3dt=41(t2−1)4+CxJ(0)=7=41(02−1)4+C⇒C=427xJ(t)=41(t2−1)4+427xJ(2)=41(22−1)4+427=4108=27
Part B (AB): Graphing calculator not allowed