Symbolic reduction

[bergy]

I am struggling to solve the following problem for my summer physics homework

Where x[sub0] =0 solve the following equation for t

x = x[sub0] + vt - 1/2at^2
x = 0 + vt - 1/2at^2
x = vt - 1/2at^2
2x = 2vt - at^2
2x = t (2v - at)
t = 2x / (2v - at)

I can get to t = 2x / (2v-at) but can't figure out how to go any farther to solve for t

 

[mmm4444bot]

x = 0 + vt - 1/2at^2

Subtract x from both sides, and this is a quadratic equation of the form: At^2 + Bt + C = 0

A = -a/2

B = v

C = -x

Have you learned how to use the Quadratic Formula or how to Complete the Square ?

 

[bergy]

Thanks! That worked, I just overlooked the simple solution.