Calculus notes – Rectilinear Motion
Rectilinear motion – object moving in either direction along a coordinate line (x-axis, y-axis, or an axis
that is inclined at some angle)
Position – s(t)
 When s(t) > 0, the particle is
on the positive side of the s-
axis
 When s(t) < 0, the particle is
on the negative side of the s-
axis
 When s(t) is increasing, the
particle moves in the positive
direction
 When s(t) is decreasing, the
particle moves in the
negative direction.
 When s(t) is concave up, the
acceleration is positive.
 When s(t) is concave down,
the acceleration is negative
Example: s(t) = t3 – 6t2, 0 < t < 8
Position versus time curve
s(t) s(t) = t3 – 6t2
Describe the motion of the particle
Name: _______________________
Velocity – the rate at which the Acceleration – the rate at which
coordinate of a particle changes the velocity of a particle changes
with time and in what direction with time
v(t) = s’(t) = ds/dt a(t) = v’(t) = dv/dt
= s”(t) = d2s/dt2
 When v(t) > 0, s(t) is  When a(t) > 0, the velocity is
increasing, the particle increasing.
moves in the positive  When a(t) < 0, the velocity is
direction. decreasing.
 When v(t) < 0, s(t) is
decreasing, the particle
moves in the negative
direction.
 When v(t) = 0, the particle is
momentarily stopped.
Speed = |velocity|
 Speed describes how fast an
object is moving without
regard to direction.
 A particle speeds up when its
velocity and acceleration
have the same sign.
 A particle is slowing down
when they have opposite
signs.
Velocity versus time curve Acceleration versus time curve
v(t) v(t) = a(t) a(t) =
Verify with calculator in parametric mode
x1T = T3 – 6T2
y1T = 5 or T
0<T<8
-40 < x < 60
0<y<8
Example: s(t) = 2t3 – 21t2 + 60t + 3, 0 < t < 8

Describe the motion of the particle without a calculator.

Describe the motion of the particle using a calculator and the function s(t)

2 7/2 5

Verify in parametric mode

x1T = 2T3 – 21T2 + 60T + 3

y1T = 5 or T

0<T<8
0 < x < 75
0<y<8