How can I rearrange an equation to solve for v without using t?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a kinematics problem involving the rearrangement of equations to isolate the variable v without the presence of t. The original poster presents equations related to the motion of a stone and expresses difficulty in isolating v through algebraic manipulation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore different methods for isolating v, including substitution and the use of conservation of energy. There is a suggestion to solve the second equation for t instead of the first, and questions arise about the process of solving quadratic equations.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing various approaches and considerations. While the original poster acknowledges a momentary lapse in understanding, they express a desire to find an algebraic solution without relying on physics principles. There is no explicit consensus, but multiple avenues for exploration are being discussed.

Contextual Notes

The original poster notes that this is not a homework question but rather a revision exercise. They seek to understand the algebraic manipulation of the equations without invoking physics concepts, highlighting a potential constraint in their approach.

tomwilliam
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I've got a kinematics equation modelling the flight of a stone:

v = 10-gt
s= -1/2 g t^2 +10t +2

I can't remember how to get a value for v which doesn't contain t.
I tried rearranging the first equation and introducing it to replace t in the second, but can't seem to get v isolated:

(10-v)/g = t

s = -1/2 g ((10-v)/g)^2 + 10((10-v)/g) + 2

s = -1/2 ((10-v)^2/g) + (100-10v)/g + 2

but I can't work out how to get a single expression for v. Can anybody help?
This isn't a homework question, and I know the final solution is:
v=sqrt(4g+100-2gs)
It's just that I'm revising some stuff and really should know this already...!
 
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Try using conservation of energy:

[tex]E=\frac{1}{2}mv^2+mgs=\textrm{initial value of E}[/tex]
 
It may not literally be a homework question, but it's a homework-like question, so it belongs here where it's been moved. :smile:

It might be easier if instead of solving the first equation for t and substituting into the second equation, you do it the other way around: solve the second equation for t and...

Do you remember how to solve a quadratic equation?
 
Thanks for your reply.
I realize that I can calculate this using energy considerations...but is there not a way to do it using algebra alone? I'm reading through a maths textbook that gives these equations and simply says "rearranging the equations we can easily show that..." then gives the solution. As the textbook doesn't presuppose any physics background, I was trying to work out how to do it algebraically without invoking any physics principles.
Thanks
 
Yes, sorry for posting in the wrong spot.

I've got it now...just a momentary blank.
Thanks for your help
 

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