The distance traveled by an object can be modeled by the equation d = ut + 0.5at^2 where d = distance, u = initial velocity, t = time, and a = acceleration. Solve this formula for a. Show all steps in your work.

I have the first steps down, but I'm completely confused on the other.
The first step is to subtract both sides by ut, which gives me d-ut= 0.5at^2. The second step is to divide both side by 0.5, which then gives me d-ut over 0.5= at^2. But a still isn't by itself. Help??

Question

The distance traveled by an object can be modeled by the equation d = ut + 0.5at^2 where d = distance, u = initial velocity, t = time, and a = acceleration. Solve this formula for a. Show all steps in your work.

I have the first steps down, but I'm completely confused on the other.
The first step is to subtract both sides by ut, which gives me d-ut= 0.5at^2. The second step is to divide both side by 0.5, which then gives me d-ut over 0.5= at^2. But a still isn't by itself. Help??

anonymous · Answer

then divide both sides by t^2

anonymous · Answer

Oh, so it would be d-ut over .5t^2= a?

anonymous · Answer

yep

anonymous · Answer

Ah. Thank you! I had a feeling it was that, but I didn't quite understand it

campbell_st · Answer

to get rid of 0.5 

multiply both sides of your equation by 2

2(d - ut) = at^2

now divide

anonymous · Answer

no problem