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/sci/ - Science & Math

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1798309 No.1798309 [Reply] [Original]

Hey /sci/, I need some help --

I'm trying to pick up my algebra again, and have been studying to write the MCAT... My verbal reasoning and understanding of biology are top-notch, but I've always had trouble with theoretical mathematics -- especially algebra.

I've been trying to figure out this one physics problem and it's come down to solving for t

(t)4m/s = [28m + 6m/s](t)

Bash me all you want for being an idiot, but it's been 6 years since I've touched any algebra, but I can't manage to solve for t... if any of you kind anon can lay out the process I would be very appreciative. Looks like I won't be getting too far with the MCAT..

>> No.1798324

(t)4m/s = [28m + 6m/s](t)
(t)4m/s - [28m + 6m/s](t) = 0
(t)[4m/s - (28m + 6m/s)] = 0
t = 0

I think you messed up earlier on. You shouldnt have m + m/s

>> No.1798332

>>1798324
Thank you very much for your insight!

>> No.1798340

It's a nonsense equation. The units don't check out.

>> No.1798346

there isnt much math on the mcat is there?

>> No.1798353
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1798353

If it helps at all.. this was the original question:

A tourist is being chased by an angry bear running in a straight line toward his car at a speed of 4.0 m/s. The car is a distance, d, away. The bear is 28m behind the tourist and running at 6.0 m/s. The tourist reaches the car safely. What is the maximum possible value for d?

Therefore, I proceeded with:

Tourist Distance: Xr/t = 4m/s
Bear Distance: Xb+28/t = 6 m/s
dmax occurs when Xr = Xb

so 4m/s(t) = [28m + 6m/s](t)

is this incorrect?

>> No.1798365
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1798365

>>1798346
The physical sciences portion of the MCAT covers first year physics, chemistry, and calculus (although the calculus is more like grade 12 advanced)

The problems are pretty simple.. the one I just posted was from the physical sciences section of the Mock-MCAT from Princeton Academics

>> No.1798383

>>1798353
Distance = rate * time
Tourist: d = 4*t => d/4 = t
Bear: d + 28 = 6*t

Combining equations gives:
d+28 = 6*(d/4)
d+28 = (3/2)d
28 = (3/2)d - d
28 = (1/2)d
56 = d

>> No.1798400

>>1798353
Your expression for bear distance should be:
(Xb +28)/t = 6
Solving for Xb gives: Xb = 6t-28.
Now continue on as you were and the result should be:
>>1798383

>> No.1798414
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1798414

>>1798365
You sir, are a gentlemen and a scholar.

No words can convey the sincerity of my gratitude!

>> No.1798462

>>1798414
Mind checking units, before you're starting to solve equations.