How I can find time by this formula S=ut+1/2at^2

[manal950]

Hi all

I have

s = 48 m
u = 30 m/s
a = -9.37

...

S = ut +1/2at^2

48 = 30t + 1/2( -9.37 ) t^2

Now after that , what should I do ?

 

[turin]

Algebra. This is a quadratic equation. Put it into standard form and then find the roots for t (i.e. used the quadratic formula, but with t instead the of the traditional x).

 

[Emilyjoint]

we havew done this sort of calc. Do you know the x =[-b +/- sqrt(b^2-4ac)]/2a equation ?
before you use this always check the b^2-4ac value. It tells you what sort of answer youwill get.
In this question I got b^2 - 4ac to be =1 which means there is only one answer and quite easy to work out (b/2a)

 

[mr. graviton]

turn 48 = 30t + 1/2( -9.37 ) t^2 into 4.685t^2+30t-48=0 (turn a in positive) which is analog to ax^2+bx+c=0
using x =[-b +/- sqrt(b^2-4ac)]/2a you'll find: t1=1.33 and t2=-7.73.
the right answer is t1 bacause time can't be negative

 

[Emilyjoint]

thats wrong. If you use 1.33 and notice the - sign for acceleration...it does not give an equal answer.
30/9.37 = 3.2 is correct = (b/2a)