Balancing f=v/a: What to Change to Divide f/2

AI Thread Summary
To divide the equation f = v/a by 2, both sides must be adjusted accordingly, resulting in f/2 = v/(2a). To isolate 'a', rearranging the equation leads to a = v/f. This manipulation follows the principle of performing the same operation on both sides of the equation. The discussion emphasizes the importance of maintaining balance in equations when making adjustments. Understanding these steps clarifies how to manipulate the original formula effectively.
Ry122
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in f=v/a
i want to divide f/2. What do i change on the other side
of the equation? I need to determine a
 
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I am confused, what do you want to do to it? Do you want f/2 on one side?

f= v/a

Divide both sides by 2.
f/2 = v/(2a)
 
O and as for determining a, I am lost as well, as to what you mean.

f=v/a
fa=v
a=v/f
 
One basic rule in manipulating equations is to remember that what you do to one side of an equation, do exactly to the other side as well.

So, here we go:
f = \frac{v}{a}
If we want to have f/2, i.e, we have to divide the LHS by 2, right? So, we should also divide the RHS by 2, like this:
\frac{f}{2} = \frac{\frac{v}{a}}{2} = \frac{v}{2a}---------------------------Now, say we want to solve for a, we will try to isolate a to one side of the equation, like this:

f = \frac{v}{a}

Multiply both sides by a to obtain:

\Rightarrow fa = \frac{v}{a} \times a = v

The LHS has fa, and we want it to be a, so we divide both sides by f, and arrive at:

\Rightarrow \frac{fa}{f} = \frac{v}{f}

\Rightarrow a = \frac{v}{f}
 
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