How Do You Derive a = mg / (M + m) from the Given Equations?

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shanemcguffin

Solve for a

T - mg = -ma
T = Ma

They get a = mg / (M + m)...how?

I get up to this point... Ma + ma = mg

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shanemcguffin said:

Solve for a

T - mg = -ma
T = Ma

They get a = mg / (M + m)...how?

I get up to this point... Ma + ma = mg

Factorise out the a term on the left side.

a(M+m)=mg
a=mg/(M+m)

shanemcguffin

Thank you!

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