Solving Inequalities: Need Help with Part (a)?

In summary, an inequality is a mathematical statement that compares two quantities or expressions using symbols such as <, >, ≤, ≥. To solve an inequality, the variable must be isolated on one side of the symbol by performing operations on both sides, with the exception of flipping the symbol when multiplying or dividing by a negative number. The main difference between solving an equation and an inequality is the solution set, as an inequality has a range of possible solutions rather than a single value. Common mistakes when solving inequalities include forgetting to flip the symbol and making errors in distribution and order of operations. Inequalities have many real-life applications, such as representing relationships between quantities and solving problems in various fields.
  • #1
mopit_011
17
8
Homework Statement
An object, constrained to move along the x axis, travels a dis-
tance d1 with constant velocity v1 for a time t1 . It then instan-
taneously changes its velocity to a constant v2 for a time t2 ,
traveling a distance d2 . (a) Show that (v1d1+v2d2)/(d1+d2) is greater than or equal to (v1t1+v2t2)/(t1+t2).
(b) Under what conditions is this an equality?
Relevant Equations
v = v0 + at
x = x0 + v0t + (at^2/2)
I’m not sure of how begin solving for the inequality. How do I begin solving part (a)? Could I have a hint? Thank you!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
A good start would be to write the expression for the difference between them.
 
  • Like
Likes vcsharp2003

Similar threads

Replies
7
Views
1K
Replies
21
Views
2K
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
45
Views
2K
Replies
5
Views
1K
Replies
6
Views
418
Replies
3
Views
779
Back
Top