Solving Algebraically

1. Nov 7, 2007

petern

How can I arrange x = x_o + V_o t + (1/2)(a)(t)^2 so that I can solve for V_o algebraically?

2. Nov 7, 2007

Staff: Mentor

To solve for Vo, one would need to x(t) and t, then it would be just a matter of rearranging the terms, or one writes

(x(t) - xo - 1/2 at2)/t = Vo, or

(x(t) - xo)/t - 1/2 at = Vo

So I'm puzzled about the question.

Finding Vo depends on what other variables are known, and applying the appropriate equation of motion. Does one assume that acceleration is constant?

3. Nov 7, 2007

petern

This is the original problem: What's the velocity of a ball thrown vertically from a cliff of 95 meters hight that strikes the ground in 5 seconds?

You would use the equation I previously listed but I don't know how to solve for it algebraically.

t = 5 s
a = 9.8 m/s^s
x_o = 0 m
x = 95 m
V_o = ?

4. Nov 7, 2007

Staff: Mentor

Well consider how far something can fall under freefall in 5 seconds.

If that distance is greater than 95 m, then the ball must be thrown upward to some point, then it falls downward. Then the ball must travel to some height h, in time tup, then fall from height 95 m + h during time 5 s - tup.

See is this reference is helpful.
http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/traj.html