The force applied against a moving object travelling on a linear path is given by F(x)= x^2+e^x . How much work would it take to move the object over x in [3,7] ?

1 Answer
Feb 13, 2016

Work=Force x distance = Fx. However, the force is changing with x (i.e. F is a function of x), so integration should be used to solve this problem. Do this and you'll find:
Work = 1181.9 J

Explanation:

Work=Force x distance = Fx. However, the force is changing with x (i.e. F is a function of x), so integration should be used to solve this problem. By doing this you're taking the work done over tiny (i.e. infinitesimally small) steps in x and summing them all up to get the total work.

F(x) = x^2 + e^x

To find the work done integrate F(x) between the limits 3 and 7:

Work = int_3^7x^2 + e^x dx joules

Work = [x^3/3 + e^x]_3^7 J
Work = (7^3 / 3 + e^7)-(3^3 / 3 + e^3) J
Work = 7^3 / 3 + e^7 - 3^2 - e^3 J
Work = 1181.9 J