Re-arranging formula question

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September 18th 2008, 02:12 PM
Markus123

Re-arranging formula question

Hi All,

I'm having a slight problem with a re-arranging formula question (not a marked one, the answers are on the sheet, I just don't know how to get to the specified answer) it should be easy and I'm pretty embarrassed that I can't do it.

The question is make 'x' the subject of:
$r^2 = (x - a)^2 + y^2$

According to the sheet the correct answer is
$x = sqrt(r^2 - y^2) + a$

I've tried it various ways though and usually end up with
$x = r - y + a$

If anyone could break down how you get the correct answer that would be great. Thanks in advance.
September 18th 2008, 02:33 PM
11rdc11

$r^2 = (x-a)^2 + y^2$

$r^2 - y^2 = (x-a)^2$

Take square root of both sides

$\sqrt{r^2-y^2} = x-a$

$\sqrt{r^2-y^2} + a =x$
September 18th 2008, 02:45 PM
Markus123

Doh, that was easy, now I feel even more stupid.

Thanks.

I'm having problem with another easy one if you could help (Angel)

Make 'x' the formula of:

$y = c/(x+a)$

with the answer being:
$x = (c/y) - a$

I did...

$y = c/(x+a)$
$y(x + a) = c$
$yx + ya = c$
$yx = c - ya$
$x = (c - ya)/y$

but apparently I seem to have wrong somewhere (or just not simplified it enough?). Thanks again.
September 18th 2008, 02:50 PM
11rdc11

$y = \frac{c}{x+a}$

$y(x+a) = c$

$x+a = \frac{c}{y}$

$x = \frac{c}{y} -a$
September 18th 2008, 03:00 PM
Markus123

Thank you, again! That's been a great help.