CUNY Queens College

MATH 110

2.1 Introduction
In this lab we will study functions that describe motion. These functions are
important in computer graphics, robotics, and other areas of engineering and
computer science.
The first part of the lab will help us learn about position, velocity, and acceleration.
Then we will learn about the functions used to describe motion and collisions,
including a preview of some material coming later in ENGR 121 lectures. In the
challenge section we will have a bit of fun with some simple “robots” (actually toy
cars).
2.2 Position, Velocity, Acceleration
Position describes where you are relative to an origin you pick. In a 1D world
position is usually represented by the variable x. In 2D by x and y, and in 3D by x,
y, z. But we will stick with 1D for now, with a bit of 2D in the challenge section.
The robot below is at x = 4 m.
Velocity describes which way you are going and how fast. For example, if the robot
above is moving toward more positive positions (right in the diagram below) at 1
m/s then we say it has a velocity of +1 m/s. If it moves toward more negative
numbers at 1 m/s (left in the diagram below) it has a velocity of -1 m/s.