When velocity or acceleration is negative, it indicates the direction of the motion. Negative velocity implies motion in the opposite direction of the chosen positive direction, while negative acceleration indicates deceleration or acceleration in the opposite direction of the chosen positive direction.
To calculate velocity and acceleration when they are negative, you can follow the same steps as before, but pay attention to the signs of the quantities involved.
For example, if you have a negative displacement (s) value and positive time (t), the negative displacement indicates motion in the opposite direction of the chosen positive direction. In this case, the initial velocity (u) would be negative, indicating motion in the opposite direction.
Similarly, if you have a negative value for the change in displacement (Δs) and positive time (Δt), the negative value implies motion in the opposite direction, and the average velocity would be negative.
The same applies to acceleration. If you have a negative value for the change in velocity (Δv) and positive time (Δt), the negative value indicates deceleration or acceleration in the opposite direction.
Remember to assign the proper signs (+/-) to the values of velocity and acceleration based on the direction of motion indicated by the problem or given data.