How can I rearrange the Projectile Motion equation to solve for t?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around rearranging the Projectile Motion equation, specifically the equation d = Vit + 1/2at², to solve for the variable t. This is situated within the context of physics and mathematical reasoning related to kinematics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to rearrange the equation and has sought help from teachers, leading to a discussion about the use of the quadratic formula. Participants question the identification of coefficients and the proper setup of the equation.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, discussing the application of the quadratic formula and clarifying the components of the equation. There is no explicit consensus yet, but guidance has been offered regarding the structure of a quadratic equation.

Contextual Notes

The original poster expresses a desire for assistance in rearranging the equation, indicating a collaborative effort with teachers and peers. There is an emphasis on ensuring all elements of the quadratic equation are correctly identified and set up.

mlbmaniaco
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I have a real big problem. My physics teacher has given an extra-credit assignment to my class to figure out. He said we can use whatever we want to figure it out. The problem was to rearrange the Projectile Motion equation (d = Vit + 1/2at2) to solve for t.

So I started out by asking my Math B2 teacher if she knew how to figure it out. After 15 minutes of work she got t = (d/t -vi) 2/a. But she didn't know how to get the second t out of the equation. We both ended up going over to the other math teacher. He got the same thing. Now the three of us are determined to figure out this answer. Can any physics wizard out there help us? All I want to know is how to rearrange the Projectile Motion equation (d = Vit + 1/2at2) to solve for t. For. Example F=ma, to rearrange the equation to sovle for m, it would be m=f/a. So I Want t= ? So can anyone help

-Puzzled Student
 
Last edited:
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Use the quadratic formula.
 
arildno said:
Use the quadratic formula.

Exactly. I'll give you an easy way to look at it so that the numbers don't get too messy.

A quadratic equation is in the form of: [tex]ax^2+bx+c=0[/tex]

What is your a? your b? your c? And did you set everything equal to zero?
 
And, not the least: What is your "x"? ..:wink:
 
Ah, blast. Always forget something... good catch.
 

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