Eliminating time (t) between two equations

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the process of eliminating the variable time (t) between two equations related to projectile motion. The subject area includes kinematics and parametric equations, as participants explore how to derive a new equation from existing ones.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to understand the method of eliminating t from the two equations provided. Some participants suggest solving for t in the first equation and substituting it into the second equation as a potential approach.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants sharing insights about parametric equations and their relevance to the problem. There is acknowledgment of the original poster's understanding and exploration of the topic, but no explicit consensus has been reached on the method of elimination.

Contextual Notes

One participant notes that they have not yet covered parametric equations in their calculus class, indicating a potential gap in foundational knowledge that may affect their understanding of the problem.

ohms law
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I'm working through several example problems, and one thing that has come up a couple of times is where the person who solved these problems says "Eliminating t between equations (1)
and (2) yields", or something similar. He's deriving an equation based on two other equations obviously, but I don't understand how or why (well, I sort of understand why, but...)

So, in this instance, equation (1) is:
[itex]x=V_{0x}t=(V_{0}Cos\Theta_{0})t[/itex]

Equation (2) is:
[itex]y=y_{0}+V_{0y}t+{1/2}a_{y}t^{2}[/itex]

So, smashing them together (however you do that) and "eliminating t" (whatever that means, beyond the obvious), yields:
[itex]y=y_{0}+(Tan\Theta_{0})x+({a_{y}/2v_{0}^{2}Cos^{2}\Theta_{0}})[/itex]
I mean... I basically have that memorized now, but... how?
 
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it looks like he solved for t in the first equation and then substituted that in for t in equation 2
 
ooooh, parametric equations... haven't started those yet (in my calc class).
Thanks azizlwl!

That's actually a good insight too, shishkabob.
So, thanks to both of you.

(actually, after skimming through that parametric equations tutorial, I think that we've started on this material... some of it, anyway. humm...)
 

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