MHB Solve V1=(V2-u)/(1-uV2/C2) for V2

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The discussion centers on solving the equation V1=(V2-u)/(1-uV2/C2) for V2, with participants clarifying the notation and mathematical expressions involved. A lower right-hand corner "2" indicates a distinct variable, differentiating it from others. The equation is reformulated using LaTeX for clarity, and users are guided on how to input mathematical symbols correctly on the forum. It is noted that the equation resembles a variant of the velocity addition formula from special relativity, leading to a derived expression for V2. The conversation emphasizes understanding mathematical notation and the process of solving equations.
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I am trying to understand my math problem. I know what an exponent is. But what does it mean when X 2 you have a little 2 in the lower right hand corner.

V1=V2-u/1-uV2/C2 Solve for V2 How do I go about doing this.
 
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jhanson58 said:
I am trying to understand my math problem. I know what an exponent is. But what does it mean when X 2 you have a little 2 in the lower right hand corner.

V1=V2-u/1-uV2/C2 Solve for V2 How do I go about doing this.

Welcome to MHB, jhanson58! :)

A little 2 in the lower right hand corner distinguishes variables.
So $x_1$ is a different variable from $x_2$.
We might also call them simply $x$ and $y$.As for your equation, can you clarify it?
I read it as:
$$V_1=V_2-{u \over 1}-{uV_2 \over C_2}$$
But I suspect that is not what you intended.
What did you intend?Btw, as you can see I moved your post to a new thread, since it's a new topic.
 
The problem is

V1=V2-u
-----
1-uV2
----
C2Solve for V2

How do I put symbols or equation on this page.
 
Start by using parentheses. Every expression can be written in one line using parentheses. Remember the order of operations.
 
jhanson58 said:
The problem is

V1=V2-u
-----
1-uV2
----
C2Solve for V2

How do I put symbols or equation on this page.

On our toolbar, you will see a button with the $$\sum$$ character on it. Clicking this button will generate the MATH tags, between which you can put your $\LaTeX$ code. To see the code used by others, right click the expression, and from the pop-up menu choose Show Math As ► Tex Commands. You can then copy/past the code for your own use/modification.

There is a small learning curve to get familiar with the characters and commands, but once you get some practice it becomes second nature.
 
jhanson58 said:
The problem is

V1=V2-u
-----
1-uV2
----
C2Solve for V2

How do I put symbols or equation on this page.

Is it like this?
$$V_1 = \frac {V_2 - u} {1 - \frac{uV_2}{C_2}}$$

Note that when you click Reply With Quote, you can see how I typed the formula and you can easily copy+paste it.
 
I do not understand how to put the problem in correctly.$$$$when I right click on it. I do not see any symbols to help me.
 
jhanson58 said:
I do not understand how to put the problem in correctly. when I right click on it.
Well, you should right-click a mathematical expression (and then select "Show Math As ► Tex Commands") in another post, like the following expression from post #6:
\[
V_1 = \frac {V_2 - u} {1 - \frac{uV_2}{C_2}}
\]
You may need to turn Javascript on in your browser. If this does not work, use other suggestions above.
 
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It looks to be like a variant on the velocity addition formula from SR:
\large v_1 = \frac {v_2 - u} {1 - \frac{uv_2}{c^2}}

-Dan
 
  • #10
topsquark said:
It looks to be like a variant on the velocity addition formula from SR:
\large v_1 = \frac {v_2 - u} {1 - \frac{uv_2}{c^2}}

-Dan

Nice one! ;)

Then, to solve $v_2$ from it, we can observe that in SR from the perspective of the other observer, the velocities are added instead of subtracted. Therefore:
$$v_2 = \frac {v_1 + u} {1 + \frac{uv_1}{c^2}}$$
 
  • #11
i need help! it says 0.999999... is 1! how can That be?
 
  • #12
Granny said:
i need help! it says 0.999999... is 1! how can That be?

Where does "it" say that?
 
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