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

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The discussion focuses on rearranging the formula 0.05=(2.88/4*1*0.018)(0.05^2-r^2) to isolate r^2. Participants emphasize the importance of using parentheses and performing one operation at a time to avoid confusion and mistakes. A suggested rearrangement is r^2 = (0.05^2 + 0.05) / (2.88/4*1*0.018), but clarity on the original equation's structure is needed. The conversation highlights the necessity of practicing step-by-step methods for better accuracy in mathematical rearrangements. Overall, the key takeaway is to approach such problems methodically to minimize errors.
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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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