Solving Basic Physics Problem: Help with x=8.0m/s5.0s+ .53.0m/s^2*(5.0s)^2

mrserv0n · Feb 2, 2006

Hi I am studying for this first physics test and having trouble.

heres the equation I am using to find x and I am sure its right but i can't seem to get the answer they do

x=8.0m/s*5.0s +.5 * 3.0m/s^2 * (5.0s)^2 = 77.5

I am not getting the 77.5

8 *5 = 40

3.0 x 5.0 = 15

15 * .5 = 7.5

so 40 + 7.5 = 47.5

I have a feeling that it has something to do with the time being squared buy my algebra sucks.. can someone explain this solution.

Valhalla · Feb 2, 2006

the equation is [tex] x=\frac{1}{2}at^2+v_ot[/tex] you forgot to square the time when multiplying against acceleration

vaishakh · Feb 2, 2006

What is the question? what is the problem with things you have done? Pls be specific.

HallsofIvy · Feb 2, 2006

mrserv0n said:

Hi I am studying for this first physics test and having trouble.

heres the equation I am using to find x and I am sure its right but i can't seem to get the answer they do

x=8.0m/s*5.0s +.5 * 3.0m/s^2 * (5.0s)^2 = 77.5

I am not getting the 77.5

8 *5 = 40

3.0 x 5.0 = 15

15 * .5 = 7.5

so 40 + 7.5 = 47.5

I have a feeling that it has something to do with the time being squared buy my algebra sucks.. can someone explain this solution.

x=8.0m/s*5.0s +.5 * 3.0m/s^2 * (5.0s)^2 = 77.5

Yes, it is "the time being squared"- you didn't square! What is 5²?

Solving Basic Physics Problem: Help with x=8.0m/s5.0s+ .53.0m/s^2*(5.0s)^2

1. What is the equation being used in this problem?
The equation being used is "x = vt + 1/2a*t^2", which is the formula for calculating position (x) using initial velocity (v), time (t), and acceleration (a).

2. How do I solve for the position (x) in this problem?
To solve for x, you would plug in the given values for v, t, and a into the equation "x = vt + 1/2a*t^2" and solve for x using basic algebra.

3. What units should be used for each variable in the equation?
The units for v should be in meters per second (m/s), t should be in seconds (s), and a should be in meters per second squared (m/s^2).

4. How do I know which values to plug in for v, t, and a?
The values for v and t will be given in the problem. The value for a is the acceleration, which can be determined from the given information or may be given in the problem.

Similar threads

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Solving Basic Physics Problem: Help with x=8.0m/s*5.0s+ .5*3.0m/s^2*(5.0s)^2

1. What is the equation being used in this problem?The equation being used is "x = v*t + 1/2*a*t^2", which is the formula for calculating position (x) using initial velocity (v), time (t), and acceleration (a).

2. How do I solve for the position (x) in this problem?To solve for x, you would plug in the given values for v, t, and a into the equation "x = v*t + 1/2*a*t^2" and solve for x using basic algebra.

3. What units should be used for each variable in the equation?The units for v should be in meters per second (m/s), t should be in seconds (s), and a should be in meters per second squared (m/s^2).

4. How do I know which values to plug in for v, t, and a?The values for v and t will be given in the problem. The value for a is the acceleration, which can be determined from the given information or may be given in the problem.

Similar threads

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Solving Basic Physics Problem: Help with x=8.0m/s5.0s+ .53.0m/s^2*(5.0s)^2

1. What is the equation being used in this problem?
The equation being used is "x = vt + 1/2a*t^2", which is the formula for calculating position (x) using initial velocity (v), time (t), and acceleration (a).

2. How do I solve for the position (x) in this problem?
To solve for x, you would plug in the given values for v, t, and a into the equation "x = vt + 1/2a*t^2" and solve for x using basic algebra.

3. What units should be used for each variable in the equation?
The units for v should be in meters per second (m/s), t should be in seconds (s), and a should be in meters per second squared (m/s^2).

4. How do I know which values to plug in for v, t, and a?
The values for v and t will be given in the problem. The value for a is the acceleration, which can be determined from the given information or may be given in the problem.