SOLUTION: I don't understand this problem at all, can I please get some help. txk Lauren Solving for the specified variable x = vt -1/2at^2; t

Algebra ->  Finance -> SOLUTION: I don't understand this problem at all, can I please get some help. txk Lauren Solving for the specified variable x = vt -1/2at^2; t      Log On


   

Question 295465: I don't understand this problem at all, can I please get some help. txk Lauren
Solving for the specified variable
x = vt -1/2at^2; t
Answer by ankor@dixie-net.com(22740) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Solving for the specified variable
x = vt -1/2at^2; t
Assume the formula
x = vt+-+%281%2F2%29a%2At%5E2%29
Multiply by 2 to get rid of the denominator
2x+=+2vt+-+a%2At%5E2
arrange this as a quadratic equation on the left
at^2 - 2vt + 2x = 0
Use the quadratic formula
x+=+%28-b+%2B-+sqrt%28+b%5E2-4%2Aa%2Ac+%29%29%2F%282%2Aa%29+
In our problem: x=t; a=a; b=-2v, c=2x
t+=+%28-%28-2v%29+%2B-+sqrt%28%28-2v%29%5E2-+4%2Aa%2A2x+%29%29%2F%282%2Aa%29+
:
t+=+%282v+%2B-+sqrt%284v%5E2+-+8ax+%29%29%2F%282%2Aa%29+
Factor out 4 inside the radical
t+=+%282v+%2B-+sqrt%284%28v%5E2+-+2ax%29+%29%29%2F%282%2Aa%29+
extract the square root of 4
t+=+%282v+%2B-+2%2Asqrt%28v%5E2+-+2ax+%29%29%2F%282%2Aa%29+
cancel out the 2's, we have two solutions
t+=+%28v+%2B+sqrt%28v%5E2+-+2ax+%29%29%2F%28a%29+
and
t+=+%28v+-+sqrt%28v%5E2+-+2ax+%29%29%2F%28a%29+