is this really worth a eureka?

A

allegansveritatem

Full Member
Joined
Jan 10, 2018
Messages
962
I used systems of equations to solve this:
12326

Solution:
12327

I hate to say it with such a simple problem but it took me a long time to hit on this method and I had a eureka sensation when I finally did. I wonder if there is not a better way to solve this than this--I speak now as one who has no calculus.
 
The two equations top left say it all, the rest is just following procedure to obtain the solution.

Don't be shy to use variables other than x and y. I would have used m and v here.

You should probably get used to giving a nod to units as well

\(\displaystyle (v~oz)\left(\dfrac 1 2 ~g/oz\right) + (m~oz)(1~g/oz)= 7~g\\~\\(v~oz) + (m~oz) = 10~oz\)

the rest is just rote algebra
 
allegansveritatem said:
I hate to say it with such a simple problem but it took me a long time to hit on this method and I had a eureka sensation when I finally did. I wonder if there is not a better way to solve this than this--I speak now as one who has no calculus.
Click to expand...
When I'm working with a student and something snaps into place for them, I tell them to take a moment to celebrate! Even if it's something I've seen many times, the first time you see how to work it out for yourself, you should enjoy it -- and look forward to the next voctory.

What you did is excellent -- there are other ways to solve the system, but there's nothing better. (Calculus doesn't help.)
 
Dr.Peterson said:
When I'm working with a student and something snaps into place for them, I tell them to take a moment to celebrate! Even if it's something I've seen many times, the first time you see how to work it out for yourself, you should enjoy it -- and look forward to the next voctory.

What you did is excellent -- there are other ways to solve the system, but there's nothing better. (Calculus doesn't help.)
Click to expand...
I agree...if math were not enjoyable I wouldn't fool with it at all, cuz it sure ain't easy.
 
Romsek said:
The two equations top left say it all, the rest is just following procedure to obtain the solution.

Don't be shy to use variables other than x and y. I would have used m and v here.

You should probably get used to giving a nod to units as well

\(\displaystyle (v~oz)\left(\dfrac 1 2 ~g/oz\right) + (m~oz)(1~g/oz)= 7~g\\~\\(v~oz) + (m~oz) = 10~oz\)

the rest is just rote algebra
Click to expand...
Right I'm a little attached to good old x and y
 
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