MHB Why is my teacher calling 2m+(50s)(0.5m/s) pure piffle?

Thread starter thereidisanceman
Start date Dec 8, 2014
Tags

Algebra Unit Unit conversion

AI Thread Summary

The discussion revolves around the calculation of the expression 2m + (50s)(0.5m/s). The initial confusion stems from the incorrect interpretation of units, leading to the claim that the result is "pure piffle." The correct calculation shows that 2m + 25m equals 27m, which is a valid result. The misunderstanding highlights the importance of unit consistency in physics equations. Ultimately, the clarification resolves the confusion regarding the teacher's dismissal of the expression.

Dec 8, 2014

thereidisanceman

2m+(50s)(0.5m/s)
=
2m + 25m/{s}^{2}
=
Not possible

My teacher keeps saying this is pure piffle and shaking his head. Can someone please explain this to me?

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Dec 8, 2014

MarkFL

Gold Member

MHB

We have:

$$2\text{ m}+\left(50\text{ s}\right)\left(0.5\,\frac{\text{m}}{\text{s}}\right)=$$

$$2\text{ m}+25\left(\cancel{\text{s}}\cdot\frac{\text{m}}{\cancel{\text{s}}}\right)=$$

$$(2+25)\text{ m}=27\text{ m}$$

Dec 8, 2014

thereidisanceman

oh... haha thank you!

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