Topic · 3 games

Formulas: rearrange before you calculate

A physics formula can be solved for any of its letters. Isolate the unknown by doing the same to both sides, undo the operations in reverse order, and check the units of the result.

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Formula Balance: Do It to Both Sides

An equation is a balance. Multiply, divide, square, or take a root on both sides to get the unknown alone, then weigh it. Do something to one side only and watch the scale tip.

Rearranging formulasInverse operations
Play Formula Balance
Same on both sides
d ÷ v = v·t ÷ v
Isolated
t = d ÷ v

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Undo Machine: Run the Formula Backwards

Every formula is a machine: the unknown goes in, operations act on it, and the result comes out. Build the reverse machine, last step first, and send the known value back through it.

Inverse operationsOrder of operations
Play Undo Machine
Forward
t → × v → + x₀ → x
Backward
x → − x₀ → ÷ v → t

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