Derivations of the motion equations

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on the derivation of motion equations, specifically the challenge of correctly manipulating algebraic fractions to arrive at the final equation. The user is struggling with the equation x = x_0 + (1/2a)(v^2 - v_0^2) and is confused about combining terms involving v_0^2. A participant points out that there is an error in the expansion of the t^2 term, suggesting an extra minus sign may be present. The user acknowledges the need to recheck the expansion for accuracy. Correctly addressing these algebraic steps is crucial for successfully deriving the motion equations.
mateomy
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Practicing the derivations of the Motion Equations, and I am looking through my notes that I transcribed from my professor...Im getting caught up on one spot.

Im getting all the equations to "pop out" except for this last one, which, I can see; but, the algebra is throwing me off...

Finishing off with these as the fundamentals to get the last derivation:

<br /> x=v_0 + at ; t= \frac{v-v_0}{a} ; x=x_0 + v_0 t + \frac{1}{2}at^2<br />

Substituting the new t value into the latter equation and expanding...

<br /> x= x_0 + \frac{v_0 v}{a} - \frac{v_0^2}{a} + \frac{v^2}{2a} - \frac{v_0^2}{2a} - \frac{v_0 v}{a}<br />

I can't seem to get the fractions to add and subtract out in the right way so that I can get the final equation of

<br /> x= x_0 + \frac{1}{2a}(v^2 - v_0^2)<br />

Specifically I can't get the -v(initial)^2/a and the -v(initial)^2/2a to add up so that I can factor (in the final equation) out the 1/2. I know I am doing something absent minded. Can somebody please point it out? Thank you in advance for any pointers.
 
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try not to skip steps =P it makes it really easy to make mistakes with signs
 
mateomy said:
<br /> x= x_0 + \frac{v_0 v}{a} - \frac{v_0^2}{a} + \frac{v^2}{2a} - \frac{v_0^2}{2a} - \frac{v_0 v}{a}<br />
Looks like you messed up the expansion of the t2 term. (You have an extra minus sign on one of the terms.)
 
Doc Al said:
Looks like you messed up the expansion of the t2 term. (You have an extra minus sign on one of the terms.)

Okay, I'll recheck that expansion. Thanks!
 
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