# Geophyics equation, order of operation

1. Oct 9, 2015

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
solve for b given;
(a) = time (seconds)
(b) = height (meters)
(c) = Velocity (seconds)

2. Relevant equations
b^2 = a^2 x c^2 / 4

3. The attempt at a solution

If I take the square of the other side will I get? b = (a)(c) / 2

Thanks!

2. Oct 9, 2015

### SteamKing

Staff Emeritus
Do you mean, if you take the square root of the other side, will you get b = ac / 2 ?

3. Oct 9, 2015

yes exactly

4. Oct 9, 2015

### Staff: Mentor

Much better! To solve for b take the square root of both sides, and you get b = ac/2, as you show.

If this were an algebra problem, there would be two solutions:
$b = \pm \frac{ac}{2}$
But since this is a problem of a physical nature, you're probably not concerned with the negative value for b.

BTW, you have many more parentheses than you need. More often, we get people posting here who don't use enough parentheses. Your equation can be written as b2 = a2c2/4. Having too many parentheses is not a problem, though.

5. Oct 9, 2015