Spherical mirrors (concave), easy plug in chug, but i f'ed it up

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SUMMARY

The discussion revolves around solving a problem involving concave spherical mirrors, specifically calculating the image distance (i) and lateral magnification (m) given an object distance (p) of +25 cm and a focal distance (f) of 17 cm. The user mistakenly interpreted the focal distance notation "*17" as 17 cm without understanding its significance. The correct application of the mirror formula (1/f = 1/p + 1/i) is crucial for accurate calculations, and the user was advised to double-check their arithmetic, particularly in the context of adding fractions.

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mr_coffee
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Hello everyone, I tried a problem on concave mirros and i have no idea why this is wrong. I was given enough info but still didn't like it. Here is the problem:
Spherical mirrors. Object O stands on the central axis of a spherical mirror. The table gives object distance p, the type of mirror, and focal distance f. Find the image distance i and the lateral magnification m of the object, including signs.

p (cm) = +25
Mirror = concave
f (cm) = *17

Find i(cm) and m.

Idon't know what the *17 means though! I just took it as a the foocal distance f = 17cm.

http://suprfile.com/src/1/69173g/lastscan.jpg

Any idea where i f'ed it up? thanks!
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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Check your math. 1/4 + 1/4 does not equal 1/8.
 
Ahh thanks Eep, either i drank too much coffee or not enough hah.
 

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