Isolating acceleration in distance equation

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To isolate acceleration in the distance equation, the formula used is distance = (initial velocity * time) + (1/2 * acceleration * time²). The attempt to solve for acceleration resulted in an incorrect formula that only worked for a specific time value of 5. The discussion emphasizes the need for correct algebraic manipulation to derive the proper expression for acceleration. It's suggested to re-evaluate the algebra to achieve the correct calculation. Properly isolating acceleration will enable accurate computation for a simulation program based on user inputs of time, velocity, and distance.
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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.
 
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