Sanity Check: Solving for t in x=12(1-e^-t/RC) with Inversion Method

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around transposing the equation x=12(1-e^(-t/RC)) to solve for the variable t. Participants are exploring the validity of their algebraic manipulations and the inversion of expressions within the context of this equation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to isolate t and expresses uncertainty about their solution. They question the validity of inverting both sides of an equation during their manipulations. Other participants confirm the validity of the inversion and discuss potential mistakes in the original poster's approach.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, providing feedback on the original poster's attempts and clarifying the rules of algebraic manipulation. There is a recognition of the need for careful handling of expressions, particularly when dealing with sums and differences.

Contextual Notes

The original poster expresses confusion regarding their solution and the inversion process, indicating a potential misunderstanding of algebraic principles. There is an emphasis on ensuring no division by zero occurs during manipulations.

parabol
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Homework Statement



Transpose for t,

x=12(1-e^(-t/RC))

I can't get it out of my head but, the soltuion I have come up with doesn't seem right.

Solution is,

t=-RC ln(1-x/12)

Thanks in advance,

Realted, but not as important as the sanity check. For my own mind, could someone explain to me if this is possible and should/could be carried out. If during my transposing I came up with:

e^(-t/RC)= (12-x)/12

Is it possible to invert both sides so that the follwoing is shown

e^(t/RC)=12/(12-x)

Again, thanks in advance.
 
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For your first problem, that's what I get.
For the second, yes, it's valid to invert both sides. The idea is that if a/b = c/d, then b/a = d/c, as long as you don't introduce any division by zero in doing this.
 
Mark44 said:
For your first problem, that's what I get.
For the second, yes, it's valid to invert both sides. The idea is that if a/b = c/d, then b/a = d/c, as long as you don't introduce any division by zero in doing this.



Thanks Mark. Its just that I tried the invert first off and got completely different colutions once I had substitued values in (why I got confused) .
 
I'm guessing that you made a mistake when you inverted first. If you have a sum or difference -- a + b -- the reciprocal isn't 1/a + 1/b. It's 1/(a + b). For your problem I'm guessing that you took the reciprocal of 1 - e^(-t/RC) to be 1 - e^(t/RC).
 

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