- #1
aerospacedout
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Homework Statement
For small changes in temperature, the formula for the expansion of a metal rod under a change of temperature is:
L-Lo = aLo(t - to)
L= length at temp. t
Lo= initial length at temp. to
a= constant that depends on metal
A) express L as a linear function of t. Find the slope and y intercept(hint: treat the other quantities as constants.)
Homework Equations
Y=mx+b
Y-Yo=m(x-xo)
The Attempt at a Solution
Solution 1?: the slope is aLo as stated by the equation, and the y intercept is Lo...
Distribute
L= aLot-aLoto+Lo
L=Lo(at-ato+1)
Doesnt work, still has variable to, lo, etc.
Solution 2?: assume a=1
L=Lo(t-to+1)
Slope= Lo? Y intercept also lo?
Solution 3: Lo, a and to=0
L=0... doesn't work
Or, pretend all constants=1
L-1=1(t-1)
L=t
Seems too specific.
I don't really know from which other angle to tackle this problem, I would appreciate some ideas, although I can imagine the answer should be obvious to me. I don't know how to turn this fully into y=mx+b. Thanks in advance.