Step-by-Step Guide: Solving Equations with Multiple Variables"

[electron5]

How to solve this equation step by step?

m1a1 = m1g - T
-m2a2 = m2g - 2T
a1 = 2a2

How to solve a1, a2 and T?

 

[NascentOxygen]

Hi electron5. http://img96.imageshack.us/img96/5725/red5e5etimes5e5e45e5e25.gif

It looks like you have 3 equations in 5 unknowns, is that correct?

What would you consider as "the solution" to that? Usually, if you need to solve for 5 unknowns you'll need 5 equations to give that unique solution.

Better explain what you are trying to do, and where these came from.

 

[genericusrnme]

Hi electron5. http://img96.imageshack.us/img96/5725/red5e5etimes5e5e45e5e25.gif

It looks like you have 3 equations in 5 unknowns, is that correct?

What would you consider as "the solution" to that? Usually, if you need to solve for 5 unknowns you'll need 5 equations to give that unique solution.

Better explain what you are trying to do, and where these came from.

Since this is an introductory physics question I'd guess it is, from looking at it, one of the basic Newtons second law type questions, where m1 and m2 are known, so really it's three equations with three unknowns!

And to the OP, how do you usually solve systems of linear equations?
How would you solve the system;
x + 2y = 25
2 x +y = 20