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make m the subject of the formula: Sqrt(2m/5-m) = t

the result i got is m = 5t^2/-2 but the mark scheme says i should get m= 5t^2/2 + t^2

please explain

 Apr 22, 2018

Best Answer 

 #1
avatar+2439 
+1

When I solve for m in this equation \(\sqrt{\frac{2m}{5-m}}=t\), I agree with Mark Scheme's answer of \(m=\frac{5t^2}{t^2+2}\).

 

\(\sqrt{\frac{2m}{5-m}}=t\) Squaring both sides is definitely the first step. This will make it easier to make m the subject of this equation.
\(\frac{2m}{5-m}=t^2\) Let's multiply both sides by the denominator 5-m.
\(2m=t^2(5-m)\) Let's distribute.
\(2m=5t^2-t^2m\) It is generally easiest to place all terms with an "m" in it on the same side of the equation. Let's do that by adding \(t^2m\)
\(t^2m+2m=5t^2\) Factor out the greatest common factor of the left hand side of the equation. This is why you should place all terms with an "m" in it on the same side.
\(m(t^2+2)=5t^2\) Divide by \(t^2+2\)
\(m=\frac{5t^2}{t^2+2},t\geq 0\) I place this restriction on t because the original equation had a square root equation in it, which can only result in a nonnegative answer.
   

 

You did not provide any work on how you arrived at your answer, so I do not know which step went awry. Maybe this work will help guide you, and it may help you spot your error. Good luck!

 Apr 22, 2018
 #1
avatar+2439 
+1
Best Answer

When I solve for m in this equation \(\sqrt{\frac{2m}{5-m}}=t\), I agree with Mark Scheme's answer of \(m=\frac{5t^2}{t^2+2}\).

 

\(\sqrt{\frac{2m}{5-m}}=t\) Squaring both sides is definitely the first step. This will make it easier to make m the subject of this equation.
\(\frac{2m}{5-m}=t^2\) Let's multiply both sides by the denominator 5-m.
\(2m=t^2(5-m)\) Let's distribute.
\(2m=5t^2-t^2m\) It is generally easiest to place all terms with an "m" in it on the same side of the equation. Let's do that by adding \(t^2m\)
\(t^2m+2m=5t^2\) Factor out the greatest common factor of the left hand side of the equation. This is why you should place all terms with an "m" in it on the same side.
\(m(t^2+2)=5t^2\) Divide by \(t^2+2\)
\(m=\frac{5t^2}{t^2+2},t\geq 0\) I place this restriction on t because the original equation had a square root equation in it, which can only result in a nonnegative answer.
   

 

You did not provide any work on how you arrived at your answer, so I do not know which step went awry. Maybe this work will help guide you, and it may help you spot your error. Good luck!

TheXSquaredFactor Apr 22, 2018
 #2
avatar+845 
+1

Ok! thank you for the detailed explanation

YEEEEEET  Apr 22, 2018

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