Isolating acceleration in distance equation

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on deriving the formula for acceleration using the equation of motion: distance = (initial velocity * time) + (1/2 * acceleration * time²). The user attempts to isolate acceleration and presents an incorrect formula, which only yields correct results when time equals 5. The key takeaway is that proper algebraic manipulation is essential to accurately compute acceleration based on user-defined values for time, velocity, and distance in a simulation program.

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Homework Statement


Work on an equation to find the value of acceleration with initial velocity, distance and time given.

Homework Equations


distance = ( initial velocity * time ) + ( 1/2 * acceleration * time2 )


The Attempt at a Solution


acceleration = (-1)(velocity)(time) - distance / (1/2 * time2 )

The result I'm getting from what I came up with(above) is only correct when value of time is 5.

The work is for a simulation program where acceleration is computed from user specified time, velocity and distance.

Thanks in advance!

 
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You have the right idea; you just need to do the algebra correctly.
 
It is the algebra that is the problem, try to argue out the accelleration again and see if it helps.
 
Last edited:

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