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[SOLVED] Differential Equation Problem
Hi, I am having a problem with a question in my Differential Equations class.
Two drivers (A and B) are going to race from a standing start. Both leave at the same time and both have constant accelerations. Driver A covers the last 1/4 of the track in 3 seconds while driver B covers the last 1/3 of the track in 4 seconds. Who wins and by how much?
I already found a solution on this site at:
https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=209021
I understand everything in his solution up until i get to this equation
[tex] \frac{1}{4}x = \sqrt{\frac{3a_ax}{2}}(3) + \frac{1}{2}a_a(9)[/tex]
I do not know how to solve for [tex]a_a \ in \ term \ of \ x:
a_a = 0.0039887x; \ \ \ \ 0.77379x...(5)[/tex]
Can someone show me how this is done?
I was able to figure out how he solved this, I think my problem was that I was substituting a value for x, rather than just leaving it as x.
I used the quad. formula with:
a = 324
b = 252x
c = x^2
The solution to the answer from the book is Driver B wins by [tex]6\sqrt{3} - 4\sqrt{6}[/tex] sec which is approximately 0.594 sec
Hi, I am having a problem with a question in my Differential Equations class.
Homework Statement
Two drivers (A and B) are going to race from a standing start. Both leave at the same time and both have constant accelerations. Driver A covers the last 1/4 of the track in 3 seconds while driver B covers the last 1/3 of the track in 4 seconds. Who wins and by how much?
I already found a solution on this site at:
https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=209021
I understand everything in his solution up until i get to this equation
[tex] \frac{1}{4}x = \sqrt{\frac{3a_ax}{2}}(3) + \frac{1}{2}a_a(9)[/tex]
I do not know how to solve for [tex]a_a \ in \ term \ of \ x:
a_a = 0.0039887x; \ \ \ \ 0.77379x...(5)[/tex]
Can someone show me how this is done?
I was able to figure out how he solved this, I think my problem was that I was substituting a value for x, rather than just leaving it as x.
I used the quad. formula with:
a = 324
b = 252x
c = x^2
Homework Equations
The Attempt at a Solution
The solution to the answer from the book is Driver B wins by [tex]6\sqrt{3} - 4\sqrt{6}[/tex] sec which is approximately 0.594 sec
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