# Math Help - Algebraic transposition

1. ## Algebraic transposition

I have this homework question that I'm having difficulties with. Any help would be most welcome.

The pressure, p, and volume, v, of a gas undergoing a polytropic process are related by the equation, $p_1 v_1^n=p_2 v_2^n$ where n is the polytropic index.

If $\frac{p_1 v_1}{T_1}= \frac{p_2 v_2}{T_2}$ determine the expression for $p_1$, in terms of $p_2$, $T_1$, $T_2$, and n.

The pressure, p, and volume, v, of a gas undergoing a polytropic process are related by the equation, $p_1 v_1^n=p_2 v_2^n$ where n is the polytropic index.
If $\frac{p_1 v_1}{T_1}= \frac{p_2 v_2}{T_2}$ determine the expression for $p_1$, in terms of $p_2$, $T_1$, $T_2$, and n.
$(*) \quad p_1 v_1^n=p_2 v_2^n \implies p_1 =p_2 \left(\frac{v_2}{v_1}\right)^n$
$(*) \quad \frac{p_1 v_1}{T_1}= \frac{p_2 v_2}{T_2} \implies \frac{v_2}{v_1}= \frac{p_1 T_2}{p_2 T_1}$
Thus $p_1 =p_2 \left(\frac{v_2}{v_1}\right)^n = p_2 \left(\frac{p_1 T_2}{p_2 T_1}\right)^n \implies p_1 = p_2 \left(\frac{T_2}{T_1}\right)^{\frac{n}{n-1}}$