Mathematical problem is classical question

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around the equation 2as = v² - u², where the user attempts to isolate v and encounters complex results due to negative values for acceleration (a) and initial velocity (u). It is clarified that if both a and u are negative, the resulting value for v should also be negative, reflecting the physical scenario of a body slowing down. Participants emphasize that a negative 2as cannot exceed u², as this would imply the body must reverse direction once it stops. The conversation concludes with the understanding that while the equation yields a positive value for v², the actual sign of v depends on the context of the problem, allowing for both positive and negative interpretations. The key takeaway is that the equation provides magnitude, but the direction must be considered separately.
dE_logics
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From the formula 2as = v2 - u2

I made v the subject...and it becomes -

(2as+u2)1/2 = v


Problem is real world value of 2as is negative...as a result it makes a complex answer...but actually its not; instead the value of v should also come negative.

Here a, u are negative...and a force applies on the body in the same direction as u, which is negative, as a result a negative a cause of that very force.

So the v should also be real and negative...but its coming as complex :confused:

Say...can I take the a and u to be positive initially and add the negative sign to the result...sounds ok to me.
 
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v=\pm \sqrt{2as+u^2}
 
dE_logics said:
Here a, u are negative...and a force applies on the body in the same direction as u, which is negative, as a result a negative a cause of that very force.

How about the sign of s?
 
Yeah its too negative.

But that way the value that comes by is positive, but it should be negative.
 
Last edited:
dE_logics said:
Yeah its too negative.

But that way the value that comes by is positive, but it should be negative.

See Phrak's response
 
dE_logics said:
From the formula 2as = v2 - u2

I made v the subject...and it becomes -

(2as+u2)1/2 = vProblem is real world value of 2as is negative...as a result it makes a complex answer...but actually its not; instead the value of v should also come negative.

Here a, u are negative...and a force applies on the body in the same direction as u, which is negative, as a result a negative a cause of that very force.

So the v should also be real and negative...but its coming as complex :confused:

Say...can I take the a and u to be positive initially and add the negative sign to the result...sounds ok to me.

Show this explicitly in a specific problem and we will show you where you forgot another sign somewhere. Both Phrak and atyy have given you sufficient hints.

Zz.
 
dE_logics said:
Problem is real world value of 2as is negative...as a result it makes a complex answer...
When 2as is negative that means the body is slowing down. But a negative value of 2as cannot have a magnitude greater than u²--once the body slows to zero it must reverse direction.
 
Doc Al said:
When 2as is negative that means the body is slowing down. But a negative value of 2as cannot have a magnitude greater than u²--once the body slows to zero it must reverse direction.

It is accelerating, but all the coordinates are negative, I mean...the u, a and s are all negative.
 
davieddy said:
See Phrak's response

ZapperZ said:
Show this explicitly in a specific problem and we will show you where you forgot another sign somewhere. Both Phrak and atyy have given you sufficient hints.

Zz.

Ok then...both negative and positive results will be valid?...I mean...that's true when a value is squared.
 
  • #10
dE_logics said:
It is accelerating, but all the coordinates are negative, I mean...the u, a and s are all negative.
So then what is the issue? 2as is positive, thus v² = u² + 2as is positive. No complex answers required.

(Realize that this equation only gives you the magnitude of v; the sign is up to you.)
 
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