How Do I Isolate the Friction Force in This Physics Equation?

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The discussion focuses on isolating the friction force (Ff) in the physics equation related to two masses (M1 and M2) and acceleration (a). The relevant formula is a = (M1 - M2 - Ff)g / (M1 + M2). Participants clarify that to isolate Ff, one must rearrange the equation to Ff = a(M1 + M2) - M1g + M2g / -g. The values provided are M1 = 571.4g, M2 = 550g, and a = 0.155 m/s², which are critical for calculating the friction force accurately.

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I am having trouble getting this formula to work and I know it is easy! I am having a momentary lapse in math knowledge!
M1=571.4g M2=550g a=.155m/s(sqr) find the force of friction using a=(M1-M2-Mf)g/(M1+M2) or is it M1g-M2g-f=(M1+M2)a
I am having problem getting f by itself, any help?
 
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((M1+M2)a/g)-M1+M2=-Mf multiply the denominator on both sides, divide by g then use addition to isolate Mf
 
pinky2468 said:
I am having trouble getting this formula to work and I know it is easy! I am having a momentary lapse in math knowledge!
M1=571.4g M2=550g a=.155m/s(sqr) find the force of friction using a=(M1-M2-Mf)g/(M1+M2) or is it M1g-M2g-f=(M1+M2)a
I am having problem getting f by itself, any help?

[tex]a = \frac{(M_{1}-M_{2}-F_{f})g}{M_{1}+M_{2}}[/tex]

[tex]a(M_{1}+M_{2}) = M_{1}g-M_{2}g-F_{f}g[/tex]

[tex]\frac{a(M_{1}+M_{2}) - M_{1}g + M_{2}g}{-g}= F_{f}[/tex]
 

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