Schools Yale University's special relativity lectures

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the mathematical skills employed by a professor in a lecture on special relativity, specifically in deriving the gamma factor. The primary skill identified is basic algebra, which the professor used to construct a thought experiment based on the two postulates of special relativity. This involved formulating equations that relate the coordinates (x, t) and (x', t') of different reference frames. The algebraic manipulation led to the derivation of the gamma factor in terms of known quantities such as velocity (u) and the speed of light (c), providing a clear relationship based on initial conditions. Participants emphasize the need for clarity in questions regarding the mathematical processes involved.
iyasq8
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Can anyone tell me what mathematical skill did the professor use for finding gamma in his first lecture?


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iyasq8 said:
Can anyone tell me what mathematical skill did the professor use for finding gamma in his first lecture?
Algebra.
 
Can you please be more specific..
 
He constructed a thought experiment, and then used the 2 postulates of special relativity to get the equations that related (x,t) with (x',t'). He then used algebra to find exactly what the relationship was in terms of known quantities (u and c and initial conditions) thereby giving you the gamma terms.
 
iyasq8 said:
Can you please be more specific..
Why don't you try to be more specific in your question. The mathematical skill used is basic algebra, so if that doesn't answer your question then you need to clarify your question.
 

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