Rearranging Formula

1. Mar 7, 2007

spritchs

1. Please can you help me rearrange this formula to find t. I am finding it very difficult.

2. Rearrange formula s=ut+1/2at^2 to find 't'

Last edited: Mar 8, 2007
2. Mar 7, 2007

Staff: Mentor

You must show your work in order to get our help on the PF. What can you tell us about the quadratic equation and how it is used to solve for t in equations like the one you show?

3. Mar 8, 2007

spritchs

um I know that since both side of the equation are equal anything you do to oneside you must do to the other so it stays equal while rearranging and for everything that has already been done to the first part you must do the opposite.

Last edited: Mar 8, 2007
4. Mar 8, 2007

cristo

Staff Emeritus
This is a quadratic equation. The easiest way to solve such an equation is to use the quadratic formula. Do you know it?

5. Mar 8, 2007

spritchs

I dont sorry but after looking on the internet I think its:
ax^2+bx+c=0

6. Mar 8, 2007

cristo

Staff Emeritus
No, that's the general form of a quadratic equation. The quadratic formula says that $$x=\frac{-b\pm\sqrt{b^2-4ac}}{2a}$$

7. Mar 8, 2007

Ouabache

You can solve it using what you've stated here too. Did you learn about "completing the square"?

hint: if not, do a google search on it