How can I rearrange this for the angle?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around rearranging an equation related to projectile motion to solve for the angle of launch, specifically focusing on the relationship between distance, initial velocity, angle, and gravitational acceleration. The context includes mathematical reasoning and problem-solving techniques.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning, Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the correctness of their calculated distance (d = 18587) using specific values for initial velocity, angle, and gravitational acceleration.
  • Another participant suggests using inverse operations to rearrange the equation, detailing steps such as multiplying by g and dividing by v², and mentions the use of the inverse sine function.
  • A third participant provides a detailed breakdown of the rearrangement process, noting the importance of considering the multiple angles that can yield the same sine value when using the inverse sine function.
  • One participant expresses gratitude for the assistance received in the discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the correctness of the initial distance calculation, and there are multiple approaches suggested for rearranging the equation. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the accuracy of the results.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations regarding the assumptions made in the calculations, particularly concerning the use of the inverse sine function and the implications of multiple angles yielding the same sine value.

iamBevan
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also - The result I'm getting for d is 18587 - this is when I enter 427 for initial velocity, 45 for theta, and 9.81 for g - is this correct?
 
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To rearrange, use inverse operations to move things you don't want to the other side -

You're dividing the RHS by g, so multiply both sides by g
You're multiplying the RHS by v^2 so divide both sides by v^2
Then use the inverse sin function
etc.

To see if it's correct, compare the result to some other method for estimating the same thing, or even just your intuition.
 
I get 18586- with decimal part .o345...

To solve for \theta, "unpeel" what has been done:
d= \frac{v^2sin(2\theta)}{g}
so, multiplying both sides by g,
dg= v^2 sin(2\theta)[/itex]<br /> dividing both sides by v^2,<br /> \frac{dg}{v^2}= sin(2\theta)<br /> Taking the inverse sine (arcsin) of both sides<br /> (be careful- since sine is not one-to-one there is no &quot;true&quot; inverse- there are an infinite number of angles with the same sine- two between 0 and pi/2- and &quot;arcsin&quot; only gives one of them)<br /> arcsin\left(\frac{dg}{v^2}\right)= 2\theta<br /> and, finally, divide both sides by 2:<br /> \frac{1}{2}arcsin\left(\frac{dg}{v^2}\right)= \theta
 
Thanks guys - that was a massive help.
 

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