Help rearranging a formula to solve for different variables

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The discussion focuses on rearranging the formula Q=mc(T2-T1) to solve for T1 and T2. Users clarify the correct transformations needed to isolate these variables, emphasizing the importance of proper algebraic manipulation. The correct equations derived are T1=Q:mc-T2 and T2=Q:mc+T1. Participants highlight common mistakes in moving terms across the equation and the significance of understanding multiplication and division in algebra. The conversation concludes with a positive acknowledgment of the learning experience.
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Homework Statement

[/B]
I just got this formula from class : Q=mc(T2-T1) and got task to make 2 more formulas from this one

Homework Equations


How do I make these formulas : T1=? and T2=?

The Attempt at a Solution


T2=Q:mc-T1
T1=-T1
T1=Q:mc+T2
Thanks for help
 
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Noah159 said:

Homework Statement

[/B]
I just got this formula from class : Q=mc(T2-T1) and got task to make 2 more formulas from this one

Homework Equations


How do I make these formulas : T1=? and T2=?

The Attempt at a Solution


T2=Q:mc-T1
T1=-T1
T1=Q:mc+T2
Thanks for help
Welcome to the PF.

The equations look okay (see kuruman's post below) except for the bolded part. What do you mean by that equation?
 
Last edited:
Note that I changed the thread title to: "Help rearranging a formula to solve for different variables".

I think this will make it a bit more clear what the thread is about.
 
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Noah159 said:
T2=Q:mc-T1
This equation is also problematic. Starting with your equation Q=mc(T2-T1), it looks like you first divided both sides by mc. That is good. What expression did you get? And once you got that expression, what did you do to it to get T2=Q:mc-T1 ?
 
I got Delta T=Q:mc

Delta T=T2-T1 so formula is T2-T1=Q:mc and I just used simple math trick that if you change sides, it just changes from + to - and - to + e.g x=+4 meaning x-4=0

So from T2-T1=Q:mc formula I got these two:
T1=Q:mc-T2
T2=Q:mc+T1
 
You got the equation for T2 correct this time, but the equation for T1 is incorrect. Starting with T2-T1=Q:mc what do you get, using your simple math trick, when you move T1 to the left side and Q:mc to the right side?
 
T2-T1=Q:mc
T2=Q:mc+T1
T2:Q*mc=T1
T1=T2:Q*mc
Did I get it right this time?
 
Sorry, no.

T2=Q:mc+T1 is correct. You want to have Q:mc on the other side. What does your simple math trick say you should do to achieve this goal? You said it yourself
Noah159 said:
it just changes from + to - and - to +
So ...
 
T2-T1=Q:mc

I can't just move Q:mc freely becouse of division between Q and mc and because of multiplication between m and c.
E.g ρ=m:V
Makes m=ρV
So I can't use my math trick
Sorry if I got your question wrong
 
  • #10
Noah159 said:
I can't just move Q:mc freely becouse of division between Q and mc and because of multiplication between m and c.
Yes you can. Here is how and why. Let w = Q:mc. Then your equation becomes T2-T1 = w. Now move things around to get T1 alone on one side. Finally, replace w with what it is the same as, namely Q:mc. This is how algebra works!
 
  • #11
+T2-T1=+w
+T2=+T1+w
+T2-w=+T1
T2-Q:mc=T1
I hope i got it right this time, did I?
 
  • #12
You did, and I hope you learned something from this experience. :smile:
 
  • #13
Thanks for your help. I definitely learned a lot.
 
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