# Can someone help me solve this equation?

## Homework Statement

Here's the equation I have:

0-730=V0sin(-37.0)(5.00)-(1/2)(9.8m/s2)(5.00)2

## The Attempt at a Solution

I know the answer is 202 m/s. I just can't figure out how to get there. I've reduced it to:

-730=(V0sin(-37.0))(5.00)-122.5

The sine is throwing me a curve ball. It's just an example equation out of the book so that I can solve the real one in my homework. I'm sure it's something simple I'm missing.

## The Attempt at a Solution

gneill
Mentor
sin(-37.0°) has a real valued result. What is it?

Can I ask why is the sin causing you a problem?

vela
Staff Emeritus
Homework Helper
Why is it confusing you? sin -37.0° is just a number.

Last edited:
If you're using a claulator, make sure your trig functions use degrees rather than radians - that might be the trick

sin(-37.0)= -.601815

But when I try to solve -730=V0(-.601815)(5.00)-122.5 I get -730=V0-125.509. I just don't see how to go from that to the answer V0=202 m/s

gneill
Mentor
sin(-37.0)= -.601815

But when I try to solve -730=V0(-.601815)(5.00)-122.5 I get -730=V0-125.509. I just don't see how to go from that to the answer V0=202 m/s

Vo multiplies (-.601815)(5.00). Don't add (-.601815)(5.00) to -122.5!

Haha! Success!!! I've figured it out. I knew it had to be something simple. I just needed someone to clear things up for me. Thanks a million!