Mathematical Applications For The Physics Classroom Algebra and Trigonometry

Algebra – Solving Expressions PEMDAS – Order of operations to solve for an expression. 1.Parenthesis 2.Exponents 3.Multiplication 4.Division 5.Addition 6.subtraction

Solving For Equations When solving for a variable inside of an equation, the order of operations is reversed. Example: 2(x+3) 2 = 2 (x+3) 2 = 1 √[(x+3) 2 ] = √(1) x+3 = √(1) x = √(1) – 3 x = -2

Trigonometry Soh Cah Toa – Sin θ= opp/hyp – Cos θ = adj/hyp – Tan θ = opp/adj Only works for right triangles Hypotenuse Opposite Adjacent θ Hypotenuse Opposite Adjacent θ

Law of Sines and Cosines Law of Sines Sin A = Sin B = Sin C a b c Law of Cosines c 2 = a 2 + b 2 – 2ab (cos C) These Laws are used on triangles that are not right triangles.

Example Problems 1.Solve for a V f 2 = V i 2 +2ad 2.Solve for x 3.Solve for c 6 m x c 3 m 7 m θ = 100° θ = 30°

Example Problems 4.Solve for a 5.Solve for y 9 m a 100° 35° y 4 m 3.5 m