Issue with math in physics problem?

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The discussion revolves around a physics problem where the user is confused about simplifying an equation presented in the solutions manual. The key issue is the transition from one expression to another, specifically how (2/3mdebrisRE2) simplifies to (5/3mdebris). Clarification is provided that the initial fraction (2/5mERE2)/(2/5mERE2) equals 1, and the ambiguity in the fractions is acknowledged. The user learns that by adding parentheses, the R_E^2 terms cancel, allowing for further simplification. The explanation concludes that the manual's steps are valid when correctly interpreted.
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Ok so for the problem I'm mainly having trouble with setting up one of the equations.
The solutions manual jumped from:
ωiz([(2/5mERE2)/(2/5mERE2) + (2/3mdebrisRE2)]-1)
to:
ωiz([mE/(mE + (5/3mdebris))]-1)

I placed the brackets to clearly separate the fraction from the -1. Anyways I'm having trouble seeing how the math is done to get from the first equation to the second equation, how was it simplified? If anyone is confused on how i wrote the problem please just ask! Thanks!
 
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fightboy said:
Ok so for the problem I'm mainly having trouble with setting up one of the equations.
The solutions manual jumped from:
ωiz([(2/5mERE2)/(2/5mERE2) + (2/3mdebrisRE2)]-1)
to:
ωiz([mE/(mE + (5/3mdebris))]-1)

I placed the brackets to clearly separate the fraction from the -1. Anyways I'm having trouble seeing how the math is done to get from the first equation to the second equation
These aren't equations - they are expressions.

Inside the parentheses you have (2/5mERE2)/(2/5mERE2), which is just 1.

The fractions you wrote are ambiguous, which doesn't change what I wrote above.
Is the numerator ##\frac{2}{5}m_ER_E^2##
or is it ##\frac{2}{5m_ER_E^2}##?
fightboy said:
, how was it simplified? If anyone is confused on how i wrote the problem please just ask! Thanks!
 
Mark44 said:
These aren't equations - they are expressions.

Inside the parentheses you have (2/5mERE2)/(2/5mERE2), which is just 1.

The fractions you wrote are ambiguous, which doesn't change what I wrote above.
Is the numerator ##\frac{2}{5}m_ER_E^2##
or is it ##\frac{2}{5m_ER_E^2}##?
The numerator is ##\frac{2}{5}m_ER_E^2##. I get that ##\frac{2}{5}m_ER_E^2##/##\frac{2}{5}m_ER_E^2## is equal to 1, I am mainly confused on how (2/3mdebrisRE2) became (5/3mdebris) or if the manual made a mistake.
 
If you put an extra set of parentheses in the original expression, the ##R_E^2##s cancel and you can multiply everything by ##\frac{5}{2}## to get $$\frac{\frac{2}{5}m_ER_E^2}{\frac{2}{5}m_ER_E^2+\frac{2}{3}m_{\text{debris}} R_E^2}=\frac{m_E}{m_E+\frac{5}{3}m_{\text{debris}}}$$
 
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