Algebra in Constant Motion Derivation.

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the derivation of the kinematic equation \( v^2 = v_0^2 + 2a(x - x_0) \) from the equation \( x = x_0 + v_0(\frac{v - v_0}{a}) + \frac{1}{2}a(\frac{v - v_0}{a})^2 \). Participants clarify the manipulation of terms, specifically how the \( a \) in \( \frac{1}{2}a(\frac{v - v_0}{a})^2 \) cancels out during simplification. The discussion emphasizes the importance of common denominators in algebraic manipulation and the cancellation of terms to derive the final kinematic equation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic algebraic manipulation
  • Familiarity with kinematic equations in physics
  • Knowledge of the concepts of acceleration, initial velocity, and displacement
  • Ability to work with fractions and common denominators
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  • Study the derivation of other kinematic equations in physics
  • Learn about the implications of acceleration on motion in one dimension
  • Explore graphical representations of motion and their mathematical descriptions
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Students of physics, educators teaching kinematics, and anyone interested in understanding the mathematical foundations of motion and acceleration.

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[tex]x = x_o + v_0\Deltat + \frac{1}{2} a ( \Delta t )^2[/tex]

[tex]If[/tex] [tex]\frac{v - v_0}{a} = \Delta t[/tex]

[tex]x = x_0 + v_0 (\frac{v - v_0}{a} ) + \frac{1}{2}a(\frac{v - v_0}{a})^2[/tex]

[tex]\Rightarrow 2 a (x - x_0) = 2v_0v - v_0^2 + v^2 - 2v_0v v_0^2[/tex]

[tex]\Rightarrow 2 a (x - x_0) = v^2 - v_0^2[/tex]

[tex]\Rightarrow v^2 = v_0^2 + 2a(x - x_0)[/tex]






My Question is about this part;

[tex]x = x_0 + v_0 (\frac{v - v_0}{a} ) + \frac{1}{2}a(\frac{v - v_0}{a})^2[/tex]

[tex]\Rightarrow x - x_0 = (\frac{v_0v - v_0^2}{a}) + (\frac{v^2 - 2v_0v + v_0^2}{2a})[/tex]

Where did the [tex]a[/tex] in the [tex]\frac{1}{2}a[/tex] from the part [tex]\frac{1}{2}a(\frac{v - v_0}{a})^2[/tex]

go to? I don't see how it works. I imagine the [tex]1[/tex] numerator multiply's the [tex]{v - v_0}[/tex] and the

denominator [tex]2[/tex] multiples the [tex]a[/tex] from the fraction [tex](\frac{v - v_0}{a})^2[/tex]
but I can't see what happens to the [tex]a[/tex] outside the brackets...

And, during this part;

[tex]x = x_0 + v_0 (\frac{v - v_0}{a} ) + \frac{1}{2}a(\frac{v - v_0}{a})^2[/tex]

[tex]\Rightarrow 2 a (x - x_0) = 2v_0v - v_0^2 + v^2 - 2v_0v v_0^2[/tex]

To clarify, the [tex]2v_0v - v_0^2[/tex] comes from the fact every part of the equation is multiplied by [tex]2a[/tex] and the [tex]a[/tex] cancels that fraction leaving just the two, right?
 
Last edited:
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To answer your first question, when you square the a that is in the denominator is cancels the a from the (1/2*a) leaving only one a in the denominator. For your second equation, not every part of the equation is multiplied by 2a, it is just to get common denominators. When you do this, you see one term cancels and you can see the rest.
 

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