Question concerning initial velocity

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An athlete's long jump problem involves calculating the take-off speed given a jump angle of 31.6° and a distance of 7.78 m. The initial formula derived for distance appears incorrect, as the correct equation should involve the square of the initial velocity. The discussion highlights the importance of separating vertical and horizontal components to find the total time and then using that to calculate distance. Acknowledgment of algebraic mistakes is noted, emphasizing the need for careful organization in problem-solving. The conversation concludes with a reminder that simple errors can lead to incorrect results.
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Homework Statement



An athlete executing a long jump leaves the ground at a 31.6° angle and travels 7.78 m. What was the take-off speed?

I have tried to solve this question but somehow keep arriving at the wrong answer. The formula that I derived is :

distance=V(initial)*sin^2(theta)/g

Where am I going wrong here? Any help would be appreciated.
 
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Are you computing

distance=V0sin2θ/g

OR

Distance = V02sin2θ/g?

The second one is the one should use.
 
It seems as if I derived the wrong formula via a mistake in my algebra.

Thank you so much!
 
i get a different formula for it.

First take the vertical component, and find the total time taken. Now take the horizontal component of the velocity and multiply by time to find the expression for distance(range)

Substitute and get your answerEDIT: rock.freak answered first, i guess...
 
It seems like I should take more time to organize my thoughts and perform my algebra correctly. Simple mistakes are always my downfall!
 
The book claims the answer is that all the magnitudes are the same because "the gravitational force on the penguin is the same". I'm having trouble understanding this. I thought the buoyant force was equal to the weight of the fluid displaced. Weight depends on mass which depends on density. Therefore, due to the differing densities the buoyant force will be different in each case? Is this incorrect?

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