How can I rearrange the equation to solve for time?

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SUMMARY

The equation d = vit + 1/2 at² can be rearranged to solve for time (t) using the quadratic formula. The derived solutions are t = (-Vi + sqrt(Vi² + 2ad))/a and t = (-Vi - sqrt(Vi² + 2ad))/a, where x = Vi² + 2ad. While this formula is mathematically correct, it is often more practical to use alternative methods for solving kinematic equations in physics.

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einsteinette
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Homework Statement



Rearrange d=vit + 1/2 at^2 for t.


The Attempt at a Solution



t = \frac{-v \pm \sqrt{v^2+4 \left( \frac{1}{2} a\right)d}}{2 \left( \frac{1}{2} a \right)}
 
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Very hard to read that - but it looks pretty good. I get
t = (-Vi + sqrt(x))/a or (-Vi - sqrt(x))/a
where x = Vi^2 + 2*a*d
I've never seen that formula used - it is just easier to use two of the others to do the job.
 

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