Calculate Average & Instantaneous Velocity From a Position Function

What is the difference in calculating average and instantaneous velocity. How do you calculate average velocity? How do you calculate instantaneous velocity? In this video we take a look at how to calculate these two similar yet different types of velocity.

When finding the average velocity on a position vs time graph or function, the function must be evaluated at two points to determine both the displacement as well as the elapsed time. The displacement and time represent the rise and run used to calculate the slope of the position versus time function which is in effect the average velocity.

To determine the instantaneous velocity from a position versus time function the derivative of the function must be taken, which in turn yields a function for velocity as a function of time. That velocity function can then be evaluated at the time in question to determine the instantaneous velocity.

The difference between average and instantaneous velocity is an issue which commonly comes up in physics and calculus too.