Need help finishing this problem off

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around solving for the initial velocity (Vi) in a physics problem involving projectile motion. The original poster presents an equation that includes trigonometric functions and gravitational acceleration, indicating a context of kinematics.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants suggest algebraic manipulation to isolate factors of Vi, emphasizing the importance of correctly factoring and organizing terms. There are attempts to clarify the expression and check for algebraic mistakes, with some participants expressing confusion about the results they are obtaining.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring algebraic methods to simplify the equation. Some have provided guidance on factoring and organizing terms, while others express uncertainty about their calculations. There is no explicit consensus on the next steps or the correctness of the current approach.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the complexity of the algebra involved and the need to handle the equation carefully, particularly with respect to the squaring of terms. There is a recognition that numerical solutions may not be feasible without first addressing the algebraic structure of the problem.

bmore007
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1.05 = (ViSin30)10 * ViCos30+ 1/2(-9.8)(10/ViCos30)^2


help me solve for Vi please
 
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Can you do some algebra to separate out the factors of Vi in each term on the right-hand side?
You might want to take care in using parenthesis around (ViCos30), especially in the second term on the right-hand side.
 
all the #'s I'm getting are turning out wrong
 
Let's go slowly... do algebra first (arithmetic last). It's easier to spot an algebra mistake.

Can you factor "(ViSin30)10 * ViCos30" ?
It may help to forget the numbers and think of this symbolically as [tex](V_i A)B * V_iC[/tex]. So, can you factor this expression and write it in terms of [tex]V_i[/tex], [tex]A[/tex], [tex]B[/tex], and [tex]C[/tex]?
 
"Can you factor "(ViSin30)10 * ViCos30" ?"


4.33Vi
 
almost... correct coefficient...
check the units of that term
 
i don't understand why that isn't correct


ViSin(30)*10 * ViCos(30)
Vi.5 * 10 * Vi .87
Vi 4.4
 
that term should have a Vi^2
 
anychance you can give me a walk through numerically to the answer? I'm afraid that'll help me more then me struggling here
 
  • #10
In summary (up to this point):
ViSin(30)*10 * ViCos(30) = Vi^2 4.4

You've done fine with the coefficient, although you missed the fact that Vi is squared.
But you've gotten passed that. In other words, algebra (rather than arithmetic) is your problem.

Now, work on factoring "1/2(-9.8)(10/ViCos30)^2", which you should really write as (1/2)(-9.8)(10/ (ViCos30) )^2... especially if you try to plug something like this into your calculator.
 
  • #11
unfortunately I'm not too good at more involved algebra like this :frown:


(1/2)(-9.8)(10/ (ViCos30) )^2


-4.9(100/Vi^2* .75)


so


4.4Vi^2 -4.9(100/.75Vi^2) :frown:
 
Last edited:
  • #12
I do not see anyway to give "a walk through numerically" without doing the algebra first.

Is this the starting point:

[tex]1.05 = V_i Sin(30) * 10 * V_i Cos(30) + \frac {-9.8} {2} \frac {10} {{(V_i Cos(30))}^2}[/tex]
 
  • #13
yes that is the starting point

except it's (10/ViCos30)^2

the whole thing squared
 
  • #14
n/m :frown:
 
Last edited:

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