Rearranging Equation: Steps for Solving mg+ma-Mg=-Ma with Example

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SUMMARY

The equation mg + ma - Mg = -Ma can be rearranged to isolate 'a' as a = (g(m - M))/(-M - m). The steps to achieve this include moving the term 'ma' to the right side, resulting in mg - Mg = -Ma - ma. Next, both sides are factored to yield g(m - M) = a(-M - m). Finally, dividing gives the desired formula for 'a'. This method effectively demonstrates the process of isolating a variable in algebra.

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tahic
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Could someone please write the steps in rearranging this ..I just can't get it

mg+ma-Mg=-Ma

becomes
a=(M-m/M+m)g


Sorry it's so basic
Thanks
 
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Put terms with a on one side, terms with g on the other side. Factor out a and g. Divide one side by the coefficient on the other side.
 
tahic said:
Could someone please write the steps in rearranging this ..I just can't get it
mg+ma-Mg=-Ma
becomes
a=(M-m/M+m)g
Sorry it's so basic
Thanks

Algebra. You're trying to get a "by itself".

One way would be to start by getting two things you can factor.

Step one: Bring ma to the right by subtracting it from both sides, which gives: mg - Mg = -Ma - ma.

Step two: Factor both sides: g(m - M) = a(-M - m)

Step three: Divide: g(m - M)/(-M - m) = a

A.K.A. = a = g(m - M)/(-M - m).

Or at least that's how I'd do it. Not sure if that's what you have.
 
Excellent that's cleared it up for me.
Thanks again.
 

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