Rearrange Formula to Make r^2 the Subject - Homework Help

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Homework Help Overview

The original poster is attempting to rearrange a formula to isolate r² as the subject. The context involves manipulating algebraic expressions related to a specific equation.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss various attempts to rearrange the equation, with some questioning the placement of parentheses and the correctness of operations. There are suggestions to break down the steps into smaller operations to avoid confusion.

Discussion Status

The discussion includes multiple interpretations of the original equation and various attempts to rearrange it. Some participants have offered guidance on taking one step at a time, emphasizing clarity in the process. There is no explicit consensus on the correct rearrangement yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the correct placement of parentheses and the operations needed to isolate r². There are indications of frustration with the rearranging process, and some participants acknowledge their difficulties with algebraic manipulation.

rad10k
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Homework Statement


I am trying to rearrange formula to make r^2 the subject.



Homework Equations



0.05=(2.88/4*1*0.018)(0.05^2-r^2)

The Attempt at a Solution


I tried to rearrage as :

0.05^2+0.05/2.88/4*0.018 then sqr root of the answer but I don't think it is correct
Please help
 
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rad10k said:
0.05^2+0.05/2.88/4*0.018
There's at least one mistake, maybe more - can't be sure because you've left out parentheses.
Please post your individual individual steps, using parentheses as appropriate.
 
Thank you for your reply,

(0.05^2+0.05)/(2.88/4*0.018)=r^2 this is what I had changed it to ...
thanks
 
rad10k said:
Thank you for your reply,

(0.05^2+0.05)/(2.88/4*0.018)=r^2 this is what I had changed it to ...
thanks
That looks worse!
You start with 0.05=(2.88/4*1*0.018)(0.052-r2). Do you mean 0.05=(2.88/(4*1*0.018))(0.052-r2) or 0.05=((2.88/4)*1*0.018)(0.052-r2)?
Whichever, post your individual steps, just making one simple change at a time.
 
Ok So I started with :

0.05=(2.88/4*1*0.018)(0.05^2-r^2)

I wish to make r^2 the subject so ,

I rearrange to make ;

r^2 = (0.05^2+0.05) / (2.88/4*1*0.018)

As the first two parentheses are multiply I change it to a divide.

I exchange r^2 with the 0.05 and used a plus instead of a minus in the formula.
 
hi rad10k! :smile:

some people can do these things safely in their head

some people can't

you can't (you get confused about where to put the brackets) :wink:

you need to follow haruspex's :smile: advice …

just do one operation at a time​

(and not just this question, but always, including in the exam, or you'll make mistakes and lose marks!)
 
This is the equation :

u={∆P/4.Lμ}(R^2-r^2)
and I wish to find r^2 but a unsure how to rearrange it I thought maybe;

r^2=u/{∆P.Lμ}(R^2 ) ??
 
why are you not following our advice? :confused:

do it in steps, ie one operation at a time!

the first step would be

u = {∆P/4.Lμ}(R2-r2)

u/{∆P/4.Lμ} = (R2-r2)​
 
u = {∆P/4.Lμ}(R2-r2)

u/{∆P/4.Lμ} = (R2-r2)

This was arrived by dividing both sides by {∆P/4.Lμ} and cancelling on the right to leave (R2-r2) on its own .

So then do I need to subtract R2 from both sides cancelling out R2 on the right leaving;

u/{∆P/4.Lμ} - R2 = -r2 ?

I apologise but I am rubbish at rearranging
 
  • #10
rad10k said:
I am rubbish at rearranging
But see how much better you do when you take smaller steps!
 
  • #11
rad10k said:
I apologise but I am rubbish at rearranging

then you need to practise!

(caution: you'll always be a bit rubbish,

so no matter how much practice you get, and how good you think you've become,

you must always do it one step at a time, so that in the pressure of the exam:

i] you're less likely to make a mistake

ii] if you do make a mistake, at least the examiner can see it's a silly error, and only take off one mark! :wink:)
 
  • #12
Thanks guys :)
 

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