Help With Some Physics Related Algebra (Projectile Motion) (Shot Put)

[Brereton55]

Homework Statement

Hello,

My task is to derive an equation (based on projectile motion of a shot put ball) which gives the range (R) when given initial speed (v), angle of release (theta), and height of release (y)

Homework Equations

I've decided to use these equations:

<br /> v_0= \frac{R}{t*cos \theta}<br />

<br /> y = y_0 + v_0sin\theta* t + (1/2) g t^2<br />

The Attempt at a Solution

I solve <br /> v_0= \frac{R}{t*cos \theta}<br /> and get <br /> t=\frac{R}{v_0*cos \theta}<br />


then I plug it into <br /> y = y_0 + v_0sin\theta* t + (1/2) g t^2<br /> for t and make y=0 to get max range.

I just can't seem to solve the algebra though :(

 

[tiny-tim]

Welcome to PF!

Hello Brereton55! Welcome to PF!

(have a theta: θ and try using the X² and X₂ tags just above the Reply box )

My task is to derive an equation (based on projectile motion of a shot put ball) which gives the range (R) when given initial speed (v), angle of release (theta), and height of release (y)
…
then I plug it into <br /> y = y_0 + v_0sin\theta* t + (1/2) g t^2<br /> for t and make y=0 to get max range.

I just can't seem to solve the algebra though :(

Yes, that's fine …

the question isn't asking for the maximum range, only for the actual range for fixed values of v y and θ.