Word problem: distance traveled

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion revolves around solving a word problem involving distance traveled by two objects based on their revolutions. The user successfully derives the formula for the first object's distance as $d=a(r+c)$ and for the second as $d=br$. By substituting $r=\frac{ac}{b-a}$ into the equations, the user confirms that both methods yield consistent results, specifically $d=\frac{abc}{b-a}$. The key takeaway is the verification of the derived equations leading to the same distance calculation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of algebraic manipulation and solving equations
  • Familiarity with the concepts of distance, speed, and revolutions
  • Knowledge of basic calculus for interpreting distance functions
  • Ability to work with variables and substitutions in mathematical expressions
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore algebraic techniques for solving simultaneous equations
  • Learn about distance-time-speed relationships in physics
  • Study the application of calculus in motion problems
  • Investigate real-world applications of rotational motion and distance calculations
USEFUL FOR

Students and educators in mathematics, particularly those focusing on algebra and physics, as well as anyone interested in solving word problems involving distance and motion.

NotaMathPerson
Messages
82
Reaction score
0
Here' s my attempt

$r=$revolution taken by first
$r+c=$ revolutiin taken by 2nd

$d=a(r+c)$ distance covered by first (1)
$d=br$ distance covered by 2nd (2)

$br=a(r+c)$ solving for r $r=\frac{ac}{b-a}$ and plug into (2)

I get $a=\frac{abc}{b-a}$ this answers agrees with the key answer in the book.

But my question is why do I get different answer when I plug $r$ to eqn. (1)?

Thanks!
 

Attachments

  • Q26hallXVI.jpg
    Q26hallXVI.jpg
    12.1 KB · Views: 101
Mathematics news on Phys.org
NotaMathPerson said:
Here' s my attempt

$r=$revolution taken by first
$r+c=$ revolutiin taken by 2nd

$d=a(r+c)$ distance covered by first (1)
$d=br$ distance covered by 2nd (2)

$br=a(r+c)$ solving for r $r=\frac{ac}{b-a}$ and plug into (2)

I get $a=\frac{abc}{b-a}$ this answers agrees with the key answer in the book.

You mean $d=\frac{abc}{b-a}$, don't you?
NotaMathPerson said:
But my question is why do I get different answer when I plug $r$ to eqn. (1)?

Plugging $r$ into (1) we get the following:
$$d=a(r+c) =a\left (\frac{ac}{b-a}+c\right )=a\left (\frac{ac+c(b-a)}{b-a}\right )=a\frac{ac+cb-ac}{b-a}=a\frac{bc}{b-a}=\frac{abc}{b-a}$$

So, we get the same result.
 

Similar threads

Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
3K
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
7
Views
2K