Total mechanical work, solving for x

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The discussion revolves around solving the equation 1/2mv^2 = 1/2kx^2 + umgx for the variable x. The participant expresses difficulty in isolating x and attempts to rearrange the equation but feels stumped. Another contributor points out that the equation can be recognized as a quadratic equation in x, suggesting that this approach might be helpful. The participant acknowledges this insight and plans to revisit the problem later. Understanding that the equation is quadratic is a key breakthrough in solving for x.
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Homework Statement



I understand the problem conceptually. I just need help solving for x, which is the hardest part of the problem for me.

1/2mv^2 = 1/2kx^2 + umgx

The Attempt at a Solution



Not really sure how to solve this. I tried and tried to separate by x but nothing worked. Here are 1 of the attempts I suppose. I feel pretty stumped here.

1/2mv^2 = 1/2kx^2 + umgx
1/2mv^2 - umgx = 1/2kx^2
\frac{mv^2}{k} - \frac{2umgx}{k} = x^2
?
 
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Looks like you've got a quadratic equation in x on your hands. Sound familiar?
 
gneill said:
Looks like you've got a quadratic equation in x on your hands. Sound familiar?

I thought a lot about how I couldn't expand x^2 + x.. but when you mentioned quadratic equation it came to me right now.. I'll get back to this once I get home.
 
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