Simplifying

[gold123456th]

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
Show how to simplify (mBvB2 - mBvC2 - mCvC2)/(mBvB2) to mC/(mC + mB)


2. Relevant equations
vB is not equal to vC.
vB = muzzle speed of a bullet = unknown value
vC = speed of the clay block after it is hit by the bullet = unknown value
vB = ((2gh)0.5(mB + mC))/mB
vC = (2gh)0.5
g = gravitational acceleration
h = unkown height
mB is not equal to mC
mB is the mass of a bullet. mB is unkown though
mC is the mass of a clay block. mC is also unkown

3. The attempt at a solution
I have tried many different methods, but I still cannot show how to simplify the above equation
Please Help!

[sylas]

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
Show how to simplify (mBvB2 - mBvC2 - mCvC2)/(mBvB2) to mC/(mC + mB)


2. Relevant equations



3. The attempt at a solution
I have tried many different methods, but I still cannot show how to simplify the above equation
Please Help!

You need more equations showing some relationships between your variables. If the variables are uninterpreted, the equation doesn't hold. For example, suppose vB = vC. In this case the equation on the left reduces to -mC/mB, which is only matches the right hand side when mC = 0 or mC = -2mB.

So you need more information.

Cheers -- sylas

[gold123456th]

I just edited the thread. Hope all the info are there

[sylas]

I just edited the thread. Hope all the info are there

Yes. Can you cancel out the variables you don't need? That is, g and h?

[gold123456th]

Yeah of course