Struggling to rearrange a formula to find c

In summary, rearranging the formula Vc = Vs (1 -e -t/rc) to find c involves dividing Vc by Vs, taking the log of both sides, and replacing x with -t/rc to simplify the right side.
  • #1
leejohnson222
76
6
Homework Statement
Vc = Vs ( 1 -e -t/rc )
i can plug the numbers in to a point but im unsure about rearranging to create the new formula to find c
Relevant Equations
Vc = 1v Vs = 22v t= 3
I am trying to get to grips with rearranging this formula to find c
Vc = Vs ( 1 -e -t/rc )
i can plug the numbers in to a point but im unsure about rearranging to create the new formula
 
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  • #2
leejohnson222 said:
Homework Statement:: Vc = Vs ( 1 -e -t/rc )
i can plug the numbers in to a point but im unsure about rearranging to create the new formula
Relevant Equations:: Vc = 1v Vs = 22v t= 3

I am trying to get to grips with rearranging this formula to find T
Vc = Vs ( 1 -e -t/rc )
i can plug the numbers in to a point but im unsure about rearranging to create the new formula
I assume you mean ##V_c = V_s ( 1 -e ^{-\frac t{rc}} ) ##.
If you were to calculate Vc from it you would start by dividing t by r and c, and finish by multiplying the (evaluated) term in parentheses by Vs.
Just reverse that sequence. Divide Vc by Vs etc.
 
  • #3
yes i did mean that, so would it be 1- Vc/Vs = e - t/rc ? i need to understand each step so i can apply this to other problems.
 
  • #4
leejohnson222 said:
yes i did mean that, so would it be 1- Vc/Vs = e - t/rc ?
Yes, but keep going. How do you 'undo' the exponentiation?
 
  • #5
is this where log comes in ? and you need to do apply log to both sides of the equation?
 
  • #6
leejohnson222 said:
is this where log comes in ? and you need to do apply log to both sides of the equation?
Yes, you must always do the same thing to each side of an equation if you want to be sure it is still true.
 
  • #7
ok this is where i am a little stuck in writing this out, from 1 - vc/vs = e - t/rc
i understand i need to undo e but its expressing it and breaking down the formula again
log e 1 - vc/vs log e - t/rc that cant be correct
 
  • #8
leejohnson222 said:
ok this is where i am a little stuck in writing this out, from 1 - vc/vs = e - t/rc
i understand i need to undo e but its expressing it and breaking down the formula again
log e 1 - vc/vs log e - t/rc that cant be correct
You put "log e" in front on the left but only "log" in front on the right.
You need to be more exact about how you write equations.
You had ##1 - v_c/v_s = e ^{- t/rc}##.

Taking logs both sides, you need parentheses :
##\ln(1 - v_c/v_s) = \ln(e ^{- t/rc})##.
Note that ln () means log to the base e.
If LaTeX is beyond you, at least use subscripts and superscripts. These are the X1 and X1 buttons.

What is ##\ln(e^x)##?
 
  • #9
ok sure i see what you mean i think, are you asking me to rearrange this formula, i dont know how to write these correctly on this forum?
 
  • #10
is this loge (e^x)=x ? i think im getting mixed up, i am not sure where to take both sides of this equation now or how to translate the numbers in
 
  • #11
Yes, ##\log_e(e^x)=x##.
 
  • #12
i am still not confident i can break the formula down from its current point
 
  • #13
leejohnson222 said:
i am still not confident i can break the formula down from its current point
Let's summarize what we have so far.
  1. ##\ln(1 - v_c/v_s) = \ln(e ^{- t/rc})##
  2. ##\ln(e^x)=x##
Therefore $$ \ln(e ^{- t/rc})=?$$
 
  • #14
sorry hit a wall with this now, i dont see how its breaking down to find c
i think im confused with x in the formula now
 
  • #15
leejohnson222 said:
ok this is where i am a little stuck in writing this out, from 1 - vc/vs = e - t/rc
i understand i need to undo e but its expressing it and breaking down the formula again
log e 1 - vc/vs log e - t/rc that cant be correct
If it's too hard to use Latex for equations, you should use a least
1 - Vc/Vs = e -t/rc (select -t/rc, use the supersciript button)
I don't see what the problem is with taking the log of both sides. The right side of the equaton will be the log of an exponential, so you should be able to simplify that.
 
  • #16
leejohnson222 said:
i think im confused with x in the formula now
Replace ##x## with ##-\frac{t}{RC}##.
 
  • #17
willem2 said:
If it's too hard to use Latex for equations, you should use a least
1 - Vc/Vs = e -t/rc (select -t/rc, use the supersciript button)
I don't see what the problem is with taking the log of both sides. The right side of the equaton will be the log of an exponential, so you should be able to simplify that.
ok so In (1 - 1/22) = In ( e-3/1xc )
log (1 - 0.0454) =-3/c

-3/c = In (0.6667)
 
  • #18
kuruman said:
Let's summarize what we have so far.
  1. ##\ln(1 - v_c/v_s) = \ln(e ^{- t/rc})##
  2. ##\ln(e^x)=x##
Therefore $$ \ln(e ^{- t/rc})=?$$
In ( 1 - Vc/vs ) ??
 
  • #19
willem2 said:
I don't see what the problem is with taking the log of both sides. The right side of the equaton will be the log of an exponential, so you should be able to simplify that.
The problem seems to be he does not know or remember what a logarithm to a given base is, nor possibly what raising to a power is, what ##e## is, what ##ln## is, so you need to decide whether it is appropriate to for you to explain these things, or instead refer him to his old textbook.
 
  • #20
appologies i am new to this and was getting a hold of it to a degree, i understand log is another way to express the exp, e is the natural log In. I believe that if its there is a number after log thats the base, if not it can be assumed to be 10
 
  • #21
Well if there is one thing I learned here it is respect for the writers of textbooks, their job is a difficult one. I don't think we should duplicate it much. rather our job is to clear up the misunderstandings and oversights, points missed that still emerge afterwards. Though go ahead anyone who wants to try.

But I think you would be best off by looking back at your old math textbook, or equivalent on the web, you'd probably find it quite soon comes back to you.
 
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  • #22
leejohnson222 said:
i understand log is another way to express the exp
No. They are inverse functions. Hence ##\ln{e^x}=x##.
 
  • #23
Mister T said:
No. They are inverse functions. Hence ##\ln{e^x}=x##.
… and ##e^{\ln(x)}=x##.
 

FAQ: Struggling to rearrange a formula to find c

What is the general approach to rearrange a formula to solve for c?

The general approach involves isolating the variable c on one side of the equation. This typically involves performing inverse operations to both sides of the equation to maintain equality. You may need to add, subtract, multiply, or divide terms and use algebraic rules to simplify the equation step by step until c is isolated.

How do I handle fractions when rearranging a formula to find c?

When dealing with fractions, it is usually helpful to eliminate the fractions by multiplying both sides of the equation by the least common denominator (LCD). This will clear the fractions and make it easier to isolate c. Remember to distribute any multiplication across terms within parentheses.

What should I do if c is in the denominator?

If c is in the denominator, you can start by multiplying both sides of the equation by the denominator to get rid of the fraction. This will move c to the numerator on the other side of the equation, making it easier to isolate. Be careful with any additional terms that need to be distributed during this process.

How can I isolate c if it is inside a square root or other function?

If c is inside a square root, you can isolate the square root term first and then square both sides of the equation to remove the square root. For other functions, use the inverse operation of that function. For example, if c is inside a logarithm, you would use exponentiation to isolate c.

What if the equation is too complex to rearrange easily?

If the equation is complex, break it down into smaller, more manageable steps. Focus on isolating c by systematically performing operations to both sides of the equation. It may also help to rewrite parts of the equation or use substitution to simplify the process. Don’t hesitate to seek help from algebraic tools or consult additional resources if needed.

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