High School

What is the derivative of [tex]R(t) = -0.3t^2[/tex] evaluated at [tex]t = 8[/tex]?

A) -0.3
B) -4.8
C) -19.2
D) -38.4

Answer :

Final answer:

The derivative of R(t) = -0.3t² is obtained using the power rule, resulting in -0.6t. Evaluating this at t = 8 gives us B)-4.8.

Explanation:

The question asks for the derivative of the function R(t) = -0.3t² evaluated at t = 8. To find the derivative, we employ the power rule for differentiation, which states that the derivative of t^n with respect to t is n*t^(n-1).

Step-by-Step Calculation

Identify the power of t in the function, which in this case is 2.

Apply the power rule: The derivative of -0.3t² with respect to t is -0.3 * 2 * t.

Simplify the derivative to -0.6t.

Finally, evaluate this derivative at t = 8: -0.6 * 8 = -4.8.

The correct answer is B) -4.8.